Anyone done a LS build? Need some advice.

[mcannon12]

FFR tech tells me that I would not be able to use a T56 cuz it is too long. Im not interested in an automatic. Was wondering what some would recommend. What engine and trans combo. I am primarily trying to keep the cost down, looking for reliability and driveability. Im thinking no sense in using a LS1/LS6 since I cant use the T56 with it. Maybe i should go for one of the LS truck motors? Your thoughts and recommendations are greately appreciated. -Matthew

[i.e.427]

Why not use a TKO500, TKO600 or the new TKX? With the right bellhousing, they all bolt to the back of an LS.

[i.e.427]

And, you can use a T56. You just have to opt for the IRS rear end.

[jcrumpley]

Mine has a aluminum block LS1 from a 2001 Corvette with a TK0600, IRS with 3:31 gears. It is a great combo. Plenty of power and good gas mileage. I also was able to use an off the shelf factory five drive shaft in it with this combo. I used mustang fox body ls motor mounts that have some amount of forward and back adjustment. It is all an easy fit, other than fabrication of the exhaust as FF doesn't make headers for this combo. I'm using under car exhaust, with shorty 5.3 truck headers turned to face forward. The rest of the undercar exhaust is spintech low profile with the mufflers sitting under the seat bases.

I know someone here has a t56 with IRS, but the driveshaft is basically just two yokes welded together. Truck motors are fine, particularly if you can find an aluminum 5.3. Just change the cam and you are in pretty good shape.

[jcrumpley]

Why not use a TKO500, TKO600 or the new TKX? With the right bellhousing, they all bolt to the back of an LS.

Note here that you have to use a GM spec TKO as the input shaft is different from the Ford TKO.

[CraigS]

Obviously it can't hurt but 6 speeds are really not needed in this light weight car. Assuming you can find them in a 'not needing to be rebuilt' state, a 302 and a T-5 will be the least expensive combination for you.

[mcannon12]

All really good advice, thank you.

Here is my plan for my BUDGET build, tell my what you all think.

• Full kit
• Rims/tires 17’s from FFR
• LS powered(LR4, LM7, L59 etc. reuse harness via LT1swap.com)
• TKO tranmission(from Forte’s)
• Used rear axle(from local wrecking yard)
• No paint, wrapped(im serious, check this out: https://youtu.be/SGTGrVL5SsM )

Well? :)

P.S. what driveshaft would I choose?
143940

[mcannon12]

Mine has a aluminum block LS1 from a 2001 Corvette with a TK0600, IRS with 3:31 gears. It is a great combo. Plenty of power and good gas mileage. I also was able to use an off the shelf factory five drive shaft in it with this combo. I used mustang fox body ls motor mounts that have some amount of forward and back adjustment. It is all an easy fit, other than fabrication of the exhaust as FF doesn't make headers for this combo. I'm using under car exhaust, with shorty 5.3 truck headers turned to face forward. The rest of the undercar exhaust is spintech low profile with the mufflers sitting under the seat bases.

I know someone here has a t56 with IRS, but the driveshaft is basically just two yokes welded together. Truck motors are fine, particularly if you can find an aluminum 5.3. Just change the cam and you are in pretty good shape.

Can you post a few pics? I would like to see how an LS looks in a Roadster

[jcrumpley]

Can you post a few pics? I would like to see how an LS looks in a Roadster

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?25447-Jcrumpley-Build-Thread&highlight=jcrumpley+build+thread

[jcrumpley]

All really good advice, thank you.

Here is my plan for my BUDGET build, tell my what you all think.


• No paint, wrapped(im serious, check this out: https://youtu.be/SGTGrVL5SsM )

Well? :)

P.S. what driveshaft would I choose?
143940

On the wrap, be aware that to make it look right you still have to do all the bodywork, as the doors need a good bit of work along with the molding seams. By the time you do all of that, you might as well just paint.

On the driveshaft, I used one of the standard factory five drive shafts. I don't remember which one, but you can get the measurement from them. The GM spec TKO has the same output shaft as the Ford TKO. I used IRS, so if you use a regular axle, your is likely to be different.

[jcrumpley]

My LS car almost finished, if they ever really are completely finished.

143953

[mcannon12]

Did you use the FFR option of the 'EFI in-tank Fuel System'? Is this a FFR supplied fuel pump? Would it work with an LS setup? What would you recommend? Thank you -Matthew143971

[Avalanche325]

On the wrap. As stated, ALL of the same bodywork has to be done. So you will find that a wrap is likely to be more expensive than paint.

As far as an LS. Great engines and certainly doable. However, putting one in a Cobra instantly hurts the resale. The majority of people looking for a Cobra expect a Ford engine, and would not buy one with an LS. Imagine a Corvette with a Ford engine. Same deal. Just be aware going in. If an LS is your thing, go for it.

If you are really doing a budget build. The best way is usually to follow the path that most people go down. As soon as you do something different, there will be a cost involved. Custom headers for a start.

[jcrumpley]

Did you use the FFR option of the 'EFI in-tank Fuel System'? Is this a FFR supplied fuel pump? Would it work with an LS setup? What would you recommend? Thank you -Matthew143971

You can use an appropriate sized drop in fuel pump in the mustang fuel tank. The size will depend on your engine. The best way to set up an LS is to use a corvette fuel filter regulator mounted by the tank. That way you only need a single fuel line going to the fuel rail. Note here, if you plan to really do this on a budget and will use the stock intake, fuel rail, throttle body etc..., then you need to use whichever system matches. Many truck motors are dual line to the tank with the fuel regulator mounted on the intake.

I'd also suggest just spending 6-800 dollars for a engine wire harness. While I have done a few of LS swaps using a stock harness following the LT1swap.com guide, it introduces lots of places for electrical failure issues and the stock harness has lots of extra and unnecessary stuff in it, eg. ugly and hard to hide.

You will also need a tune if you don't already own something like HP tuners, and have the skill set to do it yourself. Hp tuners is a pretty steep learning curve, but well worth the effort to learn. An LS is not going to run well once you change the exhaust and air intake without tuning. If you change the camshaft, tuning will be required just to get it to idle most of the time.

And yes, if you are really on a tight budget, a used 302 with a carb and a T-5 is probably cheaper in the long run.

[CraigS]

Follow local Mustang clubs for engine/trans deals. A friend worked on a 67 or so Mustang that had had a 302/T5 installed prior and the new owner wanted a correct engine/trans. When it was all done my friend asked what he wanted to do w/ the used 302/T5. The answer was I don't really care, think someone would give me $500 for it? Just so happened another friend was building a budget FFR so he bought it.

[rich grsc]

You asked for advice!
Put a ford engine in it.
I really doubt anyone would recommend a ford 427 be installed in a corvette

[Hoooper]

For your plans, I would definitely go with the TKX. Its shorter, lighter, and more durable than the T56. Id bet it will shift nicer too.

Please also reconsider using one of those iron block LS motors you posted above. The only reason to use an iron block LS these days is if you are going to throw a bunch of boost at it which it doesnt sound like is your plan. The iron blocks weigh about 100 lbs more and are no more durable or reliable unless you are throwing a pile of boost at it. An LS1/6 would be OK but I would really try to get a gen 4 motor if you can swing the price difference. The gen 4 motors have better pistons and rods than the gen 3 motors, among many other benefits depending on which gen 4 you look at.

[mcannon12]

Ordered. July/August delivery.