93silverbullet

iTrader: (7)

As always Jim, it's lookin' real good. What header setup are you plan on running... JTR or custom?

I'm planning my install of an LS2 in my FD. I am praying you guys decide to produce a couple more cradle setups. I'd like to keep my LS2 motor mounts and use a similar setup. Please let me know if you guys are going to make a small run. I'd like to first or second (hell even third) in line to pick one up. I can prepay as well!

65Imp

iTrader: (8)

I'm still interested as well Jim, I know in the past it was not part of the plan to make any cradles, but if you reconsider (or your fabricato does) please let me know. Now that i am re-doing my engine setup (de-stroked ls7) I would definately like to use your cradle.

jimlab

Exhaust.

Custom, probably, unless someone makes shorties with V-band connectors that point forward and clear the shock towers on an FD.

Still waiting on an answer from my friend about whether or not he wants to "go into production" with the cradle, after the first three are done.

88IntegraLS

The chassis looks nice.

TireSmokin7

What are the casting numbers on your L92 heads?

Fd3BOOST

iTrader: (7)

Should be, it's been sitting on Jackstands for a few years now.

jimlab

You hurted my feewings.

clean85owner

Damn, Jim, I didn't think I'd actually see you posting on here! Haha.

Car's looking excellent, man. It will be a ******* beast.

jimlab

Maybe. The 9th anniversary of the last time it ran under its own power is less than a week away.

KaoticFdR1

thats insane....haha...the suspense is KILLER!

sub9lulu

iTrader: (7)

so you made up ur mind going to get the LS7 ?

but then the LS9 might be coming out soon

digitalsolo

iTrader: (2)

Did you not just read about the L92 heads and the not sure about dry sump?

jimlab

It likely won't be released as a crate engine until it's available in a vehicle, and that hasn't been announced to my knowledge. The LS9 is also based on the Magnuson supercharger which won't fit under a stock hood.

academytim

It would fit under the one in my sig!!!

Car looks awesome, looking forward to seeing it completed.

jimlab

No comment.

wptrx7

aaawwwww, ouch.

Can't wait to see your progress

jimlab

I don't intend to start another project thread. This one was started just for those people who are interested in my engine cradle. It's wandered a little, but I have no intention of recreating the monstrosity thread.

wanklin

iTrader: (2)

Back on topic with a few comments/questions:

The new sub-frame looks good Jim. It appears to be an elegantly simple and stout design. Could you comment on the engine and steering rack placement with your new sub-frame compared to stock/ Hinson's. Also, you stated previously that it should accommodate the earlier LS1-6 series blocks correct?

Would you happen to know the height differences between the LS2/7 versus the LS1/6 with the LS6 intake?

I like that you've incorporated the Corvette/GTO mounts which are an all-around better design than the clam shells.

I'm assuming that you are still waiting for the final thumbs-up on the cradle before you address the bump steer correction. I'd be curious to see whether the tie rod end extensions/shimming will accommodate 17" wheels.

All around good work.

Rob

jimlab

It's not in the stock position, but it's not moved as far as Hinson's.

Should allow any LSx engine and oil pan configuration to be used, although JTR headers are designed to work only with the F-body oil pan, as far as I know.

I haven't measured. Are you referring to the top of the throttle body opening or the height of the intake runners?

The LS7 intake is definitely the tallest of the bunch, and as you can see by the pictures, that's what we've been using for test fitting. The L76 is only slightly shorter in the runner section, but I believe the TB opening is in the same location. The next smallest is the LS2, followed by the LS1/LS6 intakes. The LS7 is probably comparable to the FAST LSX intake.

More room for exhaust and they weigh less, plus they make it easier to drop the engine into the car. The "biscuit" rubber mounts shown are aftermarket pieces from Street & Performance and we won't be using those in the final design.

I don't see why not. A shorter spacer stack should be required than with Hinson's cradle. We'll see when we get the cradle on Drew's car.

wptrx7

Will we see pictures of that (cradle on Drew's car)?

wingsfan

Probably.

Klar

Will it give more clearance for the FAST?

jimlab

No, not really, although you'll still be able to put one under a stock hood with some modification. Same goes for the LS7 intake in the "standard" engine location, probably.

The rear engine location will have more clearance at the front of the intake, but you won't be able to run a stock intake without significant modification to the firewall for clearance.

wptrx7

Are you doing this in order to have the shifter location in a stock position?

I am not sure I get what you are saying when you mentioned rear enginge location and more clearance at the fron of the intake, what does this mean?

Are we talking about cutting the lip on the fire wall or cutting a hole in the firewall?

wingsfan

the cradle has provisions for two mounting points. One that will put the motor in a similar location to where the Hinson cradle locates it, and one that will move the engine back closer to the firewall. The "rear" position will require either a custom intake or significant modification of the firewall. It should also position the shifter to where it lines up better in the tunnel. Jim's mentioned that he doesn't want to cut the car any, so that should tell you how far back he's planning on moving the motor.

If you wanted to run the stock intake with the motor positioned back you'd have to do something to the firewall. Neither Jim nor I are taking that approach though.

At this point I'm undecided as to whether I'll just stick with my LS7 intake and the motor in the forward position, or if I'll go with a custom intake and move the motor back.