Motor gone, ZF 6 spd to non LT motor?
04-12-2009, 09:38 AM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Motor gone, ZF 6 spd to non LT motor?
Yesterday was our second event of the season and the motor went bye bye. I knew it was going bad but I was hoping to get halfway through the year before I had to replace it.
Anyway, I have heard that a standard small block (non LT motor) will not bolt up to a ZF 6 speed due to bellhousing differences. Is this correct, and if so, does anyone make an adapter plate for it? I checked ZF Doc and didn't see anything listed online. I'll call him Monday morning to be sure.
With the way the C-beam holds the trans and diff in place on a C4 I have to stay with the ZF trans. The reason I ask is that a friend has a fresh 383 that is a std SBC block that he will sell me for a reasonable price which would make this easier, quicker, and less expensive.
I tried the search function and didn't get anything. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Anyway, I have heard that a standard small block (non LT motor) will not bolt up to a ZF 6 speed due to bellhousing differences. Is this correct, and if so, does anyone make an adapter plate for it? I checked ZF Doc and didn't see anything listed online. I'll call him Monday morning to be sure.
With the way the C-beam holds the trans and diff in place on a C4 I have to stay with the ZF trans. The reason I ask is that a friend has a fresh 383 that is a std SBC block that he will sell me for a reasonable price which would make this easier, quicker, and less expensive.
I tried the search function and didn't get anything. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
04-12-2009, 10:38 AM
#2
Burning Brakes
Yes I have a L98 and a Blue Tag Zf6 in my 87. ZF Doc had the bell housing for my conversion. I don't know about what would be needed to convert a LT car to a L98 or like car though. I do know a lot of people convert their 4+3 cars to ZF cars though so maybe someone else has some more advice.
04-12-2009, 10:59 AM
#3
Melting Slicks
First off, sorry about the motor Joe! YES, your trans/ZF bell housing will adapt to an older GM motor. I still have my 87 IIIE car and that has a 1970 LT1 350/350motor and it bolted up perfect to it. The bolt pattern is the same on those motors. I don't know about the LS motors though.
Since my car was a 4+3 car originally, I had to change the slave,master and line, but all your stuff will work.
I believe you have to change the flywheel/clutch assembly if your buddys motor is a 2 piece rear main. Ladder bar bolts up just fine too as I still use it with the ZF doc plates to stiffen it.
Call me tomorrow if you have any questions.
Aaron
Since my car was a 4+3 car originally, I had to change the slave,master and line, but all your stuff will work.
I believe you have to change the flywheel/clutch assembly if your buddys motor is a 2 piece rear main. Ladder bar bolts up just fine too as I still use it with the ZF doc plates to stiffen it.
Call me tomorrow if you have any questions.
Aaron
