So I've noticed the insane amount of random cars where people swap an LS V8 into them, but that had me wondering: Have there been many C5 engine swaps?

I'm guessing most are something like a built V8 or something, but curious if anyone has ever dropped something more unusual into a C5 (I4, I5, V6, etc.). Though I guess the unique rear end setup could pose difficulties to something like that.

 

Not sure why you'd put an I4 in, unless it was a super high revving turbo motor or something.

I don't know that the rear end setup is all that big a deal; you just need some kind of adapter plate between the bellhousing between the TT and block. If you swapped in an I-4 the motor should be shorter than the V8, right?

 

I wouldn't do an I4, but people love swapping unusual motors into vehicles from all the things I've ever seen. Always had a thing for 5 cylinders, thought it would be unique build to put one in a Vette but imagine most probably wouldn't work so well since they're mostly in FWD cars save for a few AWD Audis.

 

I always thought an inline engine in a vette would be cool, but it would be tough to pull off because of the height--you'd have to tilt it way over on its side to make it fit. The LS and the C5 are really optimized for each other.

 

Ah, good point I hadn't thought about that. Probably a lot of logistical issues that make it not worth the trouble, but it would be cool to do something different.

 

If you count the LS family as a whole there are plenty of engine swaps in C5s. Pretty much every iron-block "truck" 3rd gen small block has been put in a C5 and of course we've seen swaps of every LS going up to the last gen ZR1 C6 (the C6 is not that much different architecturally from a C5 and is more of an evolution of sorts rather than revolution). Most all the swaps are well documented. I figure it's a matter of time before we see a C7 LT1 put into a C5/C6.

I don't know of any reason why anyone would want to put anything different into a C5 other than any sort of internet fame (or infamy). In the end even a low-budget iron-block LS build is going to put out better power numbers & be more robust than most anything not-a-V8 that you can think of that would even be fathomable to swap into a Corvette. Not to mention the aforementioned likely issues with hood clearance and length of engine bay.

About the only thing that may have some worth would be something small in overall size, making a good amount of power, that already has a particular RWD application. Mitsubishi's 4G6X series engines come to mind. They can be had in RWD longitudinal application and their aftermarket is well sorted and continuous. Another would be Toyota's 4AG/3GS series engine which saw evolution in design up to the 3GS used in the Toyota Altezza (Lexus IS300, we didn't get this engine in the US). Again though other than fame/infamy I couldn't fathom a reason as to why you would put something like these in a C5.

 

I've seen some pretty kooky engine swaps, personally I kinda find it blasphemy the cars that had interesting unique engines like a Nissan 300ZX, Mitsubishi 3000GT, or Toyota Supra having them replaced with an LS V8 so wondered about the inverse. I imagine it would draw lots of "why would you do that?" reactions from others. Hearing a Corvette make something besides V8 growl would be kind of funny, but they do seem rather built around it being a front mid-engine design. I still have no idea how those guys ever balance some of the small cars they swap LS V8's into that had no business having something so heavy and large in them. Probably straight line only machines, can't imagine the weight balance being any good on something like an LS swap Miata.

 

There are a couple C5s running around with SBF/BBF in them, but they are race only as far as I know.
There is also at least one electric C5.

 

the Torque Tube would add a level of sophistication that is pretty high....its not like taking a drive shaft to get shortened.

 

There is a reason the LS is installed in a lot of vehicles. It is Strong, lightweight, compact and efficient with a strong aftermarket support.
The LS is so well engineered that almost anything else would be a down grade.

 

Also, even if I was doing an engine swap (contemplated the 525hp/376 crate engine), I suspect it's better to stay with an aluminum block to keep the balance basically the same. Granted it's only about a 93# difference in weight between the LS1 block and a comparable iron block, but usually we're trying to reduce weight. If the engine swap was primarily for drag racing or top speed runs not too bad, but maybe not for around town or tail of the dragon runs.

 

Iron LS/LQ style blocks are good for more HP in extreme boost applications which would add yet another 100 Lbs. and the need for a stiffer front suspension.

For most applications the aluminum LS makes the most since.

 

Subaru boxer 4?

 

Small block ford with a F3 procharger.

 

I would have used a LSX if I didn't already have the sbf.

 

It's will be primary use to drag race and 1/2-1mile events.

 

Your’s is one of the cars I was thinking about.

Didn’t Bobby have a Blue C5 with a Ford engine too?

How did you configure your drive train behind the SBF?

 

As far as I know Bob never put a Ford in the blue car. The power train consist of a powerglide trans and a Fab 9" rearend. It's a firewall back four link car.

 

Cool.
Thanks for the pics.

 

There'a lot of "non essential" height on the LS1 - intake manifold, etc., whereas an inline 6 has that stuff on the side, not on top. Think of how low the old XKE was, and it had a long stroke DOHC 6 mounted upright in in. As a matter of interest, an E was re-engined in Britain many years ago with the same 427 side oiler Ford that went in the Cobra - it had to have a raised hood to clear the 4 barrel.