LS into '79 Trans Am question????

[gearheadgarage]

Anyone know if an LS3 will clear the factory AC box in a 2nd gen Camaro/Firebird- specifically a 1979 Trans Am?

Any input is appreciated- customer wants to retain factory suitcase & AC if possible :(

[Musclerodz]

Not if it is set back, it will not. Installing a LS3and DSE clip in a 79 Formula and already ran into this. Headers , specifically #8 tube, will also need to be tight to clear front of case or run manifolds

[gearheadgarage]

We plan on running an Erod LS3 w/ manifolds, and will run it in the "stock" position- whatever I determine that to mean!!

Any other feedback out there? I did read the recent Hot Rod article covering the swap, but they had already smoothed the firewall and against my suggestions this guy would rather not do so....

[EBMC]

If I remember right, we had to make a very slight clearance on the box for the header tube as well, but it wasnt anything major.

[ProTouring442]

Given that the car would easily swallow both a 455 Pontiac as well as an Olds 403, I would think it would accommodate an LS motor with minimal modifications.

And, just for the record, I would have kept it too. In fact, I have on my '72 Olds convertible as the large evaporator size should remove more heat from the cabin than the smaller ones utilized in the aftermarket kits.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[Musclerodz]

We plan on running an Erod LS3 w/ manifolds, and will run it in the "stock" position- whatever I determine that to mean!!

Any other feedback out there? I did read the recent Hot Rod article covering the swap, but they had already smoothed the firewall and against my suggestions this guy would rather not do so....

Here is a little more specific. DSE sets the motor back against the firewall. Overhead pic shows the interference with the box. We moved the motor foward to where the original motor sat and the cleared the box fine. Second pic shows the interference with the DSE header in the foward position. In this pic, the sub lacks about 4" before it mates to the body. Easy fix but cutting into the DSE header pains me to no end.

[gearheadgarage]

Thanks for the helpful info guys! :lateral: