WHICH LS SWAP ENGINE MOUNTS DO I USE?

Just going over the LS swap engine mounts for the #DRNova and necessary modification to the stock engine mounts to use them. Oh, and the owner of LSX Innovations is Justin....not Josh. My bad guys. These are the ls swap engine mounts I always use.
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[@rayaddington4519]

Great video! Thanks for the explanation on the mounts. Love that you take the time to give detail to those of us just starting out.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thanks brother!!! It was only 6 or 7 years ago that I did my first LS swap. I realize a lot of people on KZbin probably don’t care about “minor detail” videos like this but I personally would have loved to see everything step by step back then so that’s why I don’t mind making videos like this. 😉

[@alphamaleRon]

Very helpful video! Exactly what I was wondering about those adapter plates. Thanks

[@deankay4434]

These engine block side mount cups have more going on than some may know. The “Clam-Shell” mount mentioned was GM’s first true safety mount that is surrounded by metal so it can not come apart. FMVSS change requirement. Keeps the engine from coming forward and out during a collision. The thru bolt makes it easy to install or remove but it has front and rear cut angles in the plate. These actually rest on metal bars cast in place inside the clam-shell mount. The “V” shape stamping he ground off is a gusset increasing the strength of the factory attachment point. The metal bars these rest on are to aid in cushion from vibration and complements the thru bolt mount. It is a engineered system.

[@williamcordle-FLman]

Looking forward to another live stream might be able to catch it live this time

[@BadLuckGarage]

If I do it, it'll probably be like Saturday night or something. Maybe tomorrow night if plans aren't made for me. lol

[@Good-Enuff-Garage]

excellent explanation and demonstration, thank you

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thank you for watching brother. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍

[@firstplacelegendgamingmore9800]

Those mounts are great ran the same ones on my old 5.3 firebird project,no issues I didn't grind the hump on the mount I was lazy just used washers to space it out and dab of lock tight .no issues with the lsx innovations stuff price vs quality and performance good stuff.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yes sir! I had these same plates on Steppinwolf, both with the nitrous and the turbo and never any issues either.

[@robertwalker119]

When you use these plates what transmission can you use?

[@dalehall2993]

​@@robertwalker119 4l80,6l80...

[@raymondburkes5408]

Thank you for showing me that you been a big help to me

[@BadLuckGarage]

Glad to help

[@deankay4434]

You mention the Avalanche getting the “Corvette” type servo” great. Although long done, the “Superior” automatic cover, 4th and 3rd servo are much larger in surface area for holding power in the 4L60e or 700R4 if you have one or harvest an older one. 87-89, 700R4 have torque converter lockup, but computer controlled. These have locations in the valve body that contain plugs. If removed, a kit sold by Transgo “LU” comes with the valves and selection of springs to allow lock up which depending on spring choice, set the speed this occurs at as long as TV line pressure is not high as to represent WOT or a downshift. So, no wires or vacuum switch to toggle switch on dash or console that no one knows what it does. I am rebuilding a 67 C10 and chose to divorce cooling to a under mount cooler with fan. To know the temperature by gauge, I got a small yet easy to read to mount in the console. The sensor is a two wire bulb type and using a VB bolt, placed it inside the pan on a bracket. It is grounded internally but uses one un-use wire passing thru the case. The sensor is a lifetime PTC thermistor (Positive Temp Coefficient) that internal resistance goes down, the warmer it gets. So no line mount, clip-on device to cooling line out or return as a lot of debate goes on here. A/C condensers designed for R134a that are high efficient types are using extruded tubing that is flat. Inside, the have 10) 1 X 1mm square holes that effectively allow excellent heat transfer. In A/C systems this removes more latent heat as R134a carries more BTU’s of heat per pound than R12. This is why these systems use less of a charge, roughly 20% less. I got a new one with fan from an import that is narrow and longer than full sized vehicles. Look at the tubes, if thinner than a matchbook, this is a winner. It mounts under the bed with ducted screen and scoop for ambient air. A $6 dollar controller with a 10 amp relay built in, reads in F or C and allows to set ON temp and OFF temp. 2.5” tall and 4” wide allows for console mounting at the back (Almost Directly Over The Automatic) and the sensor bulb is metal. Passing thru the floor with a rubber grommet allows it to inserted into the fins in between the coils. No lines to the radiator rare needed. I chose a 20 amp relay to operate it while placing a forward biased diode N4004 across the fan wires with the marked end on the positive side as a clamping diode when the fan is of as it becomes a generator. Best luck to your project. Just research products for simplicity and longevity and don’t forget to take photos, use factory connectors, dielectric grease inside all things electrical and use the “KISS” engineering discipline when designing, plus make a wiring diagram to stay with the car. DK, retired ASE master tech

[@BadLuckGarage]

Brother this build was finished like 3 years ago.

[@deankay4434]

@@BadLuckGarage I understand as I saw release date but those watch going forward can learn of options. Best of luck!

[@kravmaga7070]

when an LS engine revs which way does the surge in Torque wanna pull or rotate the engine? does it wanna twist away from the passenger side mount or twist away from the drivers side engine mount? Cuz i bought a similar set of adjustable Ls swap motor mount adapter plates off amazon, , they were 5 star rated but did NOT SEEM to fit all that well. Some of the bolts were too long and bottomed out in the block BUT THE REAL KICK IN THE BALLS is that after spending 3 hrs trying to finaggle a tight engine into the Gbody i have, i find out my passenger side oil pan sits about 3/8 inch lower and is rubbing on the crossmember and thats without the mounting bolt in place cuz the holes are about 2/3 of a hole out of wack. So anyways i managed to get the part off the motoromount off the crossmember. if i stick a 1/4 " thick plate under the entire clamshell is it? then it levels out enough i can at least get a piece of tin between the oilpan and crossmember. So i need to know which way the engine twists under torque so i know how extensively i need to weld or bolt this passenger side mount? if its gonna twist into the passenger side mount im ok with a sketchy weld job but if its gonna twist away i may be forced to pull the motor and start all over.

[@BadLuckGarage]

LSX Innovations mounts are made from Billit aluminum and come with fastenall hardware. Sounds like you got some of the China plates. They’ve been known to break and crack. And the adjustable versions are even weaker because they have lots of cutouts. And an LS engine torques to the right just like any other V8. 👍

[@mrmidnight32]

Any thoughts on the tubular mounts? I’m looking at getting a set of those.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Not sure what tubular mounts you’re talking about.

[@user-fv6zf8hg6x]

Helpful video thanks!

[@613Builds]

lol 5th time is the charm . the "factory original exact location" you speak of requires the 1" setback, in order to put the bellhousing and driveshaft in the OEM location. when i adapted my mounts, i didn't use any plates at all. i just drilled the clamshell and bolted it on. i made a video about the $0 DIY adaptation.

[@gregcowan4477]

No one talks about that… KZbin is really a love hate affair… most ppl do to much talking and unnecessary explaining. Some ppl will record and post and not record the best angle or not record enough!

[@Hildebrantmade]

I have a 76 postal Jeep I’m going to put a 350 sbc in it. How do I know exactly where the motor would need to sit etc?

[@BadLuckGarage]

The short answer is you don’t. I’m not aware of any kit to bolt a sbc or LS directly into a postal jeep. You’ll just have to figure out where you want it to be and weld mounts in.

[@motorcityracing7319]

Thank for Link going to need a set for project need to get going for last one project for me and my grandpa kind of thing

[@BadLuckGarage]

Hope it helps. Hopefully it won’t be “one last” project for you guys though. 👍🏻

[@gregcowan4477]

When putting on mounts use a measuring tape with the swap and measure 3-4 times. Sbc is longer than a LS block and consider your trans, oil pan , crossmember , and yoke. Happy building fellas😊

[@BadLuckGarage]

Using the setback mounts recommended in this video places the bellhousing in the original position. No need for measuring or marking if you use these mounts. If using adjustable mounts then all that will be necessary. That is why I’ve used these setback plates in all my swaps…to avoid all that. 👍

[@LSCHEVYRYDER254]

ive bought several and given away several sets they work well

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yep, I've used these on every swap I've done so far and they haven't failed me yet.👍

[@waterzonegt9179]

Bad Luck Garage would those work on my 67c10 to?

[@georgem.6136]

Awesome video, hoping to make it for the live feed, will chime in from work if i have to

[@BadLuckGarage]

I might do it tonight but not sure. We’ve got a bad smell can Ming from under house so I’ve gotta crawl under there when I get off work and see if the sewer pipe has burst so may have my hands full........of shit. 😒

[@georgem.6136]

Bad Luck Garage oh man that is shitty! 🤪!

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yep. 🤣🤣🤣

[@terrenceswift7618]

I got a 1984 Chevrolet Caprice that I am doing a LS swap on what motor mounts and frame mounts do I need I bought the car without them and I don't know what I need that's going to work with the same adapter plates that u have your help is greatly appreciated

[@BadLuckGarage]

Small block Chevy mounts. Should be the factory mounts for your Caprice if it came with a V8.

[@bakirmccray4142]

No boring at all thanks.

[@J2A61]

Man I’m clueless on my genV swap this helps a lot but would like to know torque specs on the bolts being the aluminum block kinda scary not knowing lol

[@BadLuckGarage]

look up the engine mount torque specs for whatever vehicle your engine came from

[@RustyWrenches]

I'm using his adjustable adapter plates on my truck. I may be a little over the 450hp limit lol

[@BadLuckGarage]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. I had these same plates on Steppinwolf, both with the nitrous and the turbo and no issues whatsoever.😉

[@jameymote4598]

Cool vid...man 😎 👍

[@BadLuckGarage]

Thanks brother.👍

[@frankguerra3314]

Could I use those for a is swap in my 03 dodge Dakota

[@BadLuckGarage]

Not unless your dodge came with sbc engine mounts as shown in the video. Lol.

[@michaelwintz1896]

That guitar tone in ur into is tight af

[@BadLuckGarage]

Lol, glad you like it. Took me awhile to settle on that intro music.

[@dominiquewilliams2559]

Hey man I wonder would this be all I need to mount a 6.0 lq9 into my 1965 impala

[@BadLuckGarage]

That and your factory sbc mounts

[@marvingreen6644]

did you have to cut the trans tunnel? I have a 77 and it's not fitting at all

[@BadLuckGarage]

No

[@superrodder2002]

My preference would be to heat up the raised area and press or pound it down until it is flush with the rest of the surface. I believe it would be stronger but probably wouldn't make any difference

[@BadLuckGarage]

If you’re making enough power for that to make a difference then you’re not going to be using this type of mount setup anyway brother. 😉

[@fuelinjectedduck2964]

Should you use any threadlock on the bolts?

[@BadLuckGarage]

You can if you like. I know people that use locktite on everything and people who use locktite on nothing. I’ve never used it on these but I won’t tell you not to. 👍🏻

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

What about the mounts for 1981 CABALLERO 3.8 V6? Will these work? I have them.

[@BadLuckGarage]

These only work with sbc mounts as explained in the video.

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

@@BadLuckGarage damn I’ll have to buy some different ones. What a good option bro?

[@keepthelikesat710]

Would these will work with any small block chevy?

[@BadLuckGarage]

The answer to your question is in the title of the video. These are not for small block chevys

[@CarportGarageDragRacing]

About to put a 5.3 in a 3rd gen for a friend 🙂

[@gregcowan4477]

Also they sell mounts that slide back and forward

[@BadLuckGarage]

They do but in 99% of swaps, you’re better off just using setback plates as explained in this video. These mounts place the back of the LS engine in the exact same location as the back of the sbc it’s replacing so everything lines up without having to make any adjustments. I’ve used the adjustable plates one time and found them to be more trouble than they’re worth unless you need to move the engine further forward for firewall clearance. And if you decide to do that, then your transmission crossmember must also be moved and your original driveshaft will then be too short. My recommendation is to avoid the adjustable mounts and keep everything oriented in the factory locations if possible to avoid more complications with your swap. 👍

[@leroydarnell1694]

Hi I have a 85 chevy caprice with the 305 sbc engine I'm swapping with a 5.3 ls engine out of a suburban can I use the same engine mounts in your video

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yes. If it originally came with a small block Chevy then you can use the adapter plates with your original mounts.

[@leroydarnell1694]

@@BadLuckGarage thank you

[@BadLuckGarage]

No problem brother. Good luck with your swap and make sure you check out the “LS swap tips and tricks” playlist for more LS swap basics that may help you out!

[@leroydarnell1694]

Will do

[@JohnSmith-qj4cf]

I have a 1974c20 crew cab big block what are the right ones

[@BadLuckGarage]

To use these plates you will need small block Chevy mounts on both the engine side and the frame side. I’m not 100% sure but I believe the big block mounts are slightly different(although they look very similar to the sbc mounts of the same year). I believe the bbc mounts are a bit longer and place the engine in a slightly different spot which could cause issues of you intend to reuse your original transmission. BUT AGAIN I am not 100% sure as I don’t have a lot of bbc experience so I would highly recommend researching for yourself to determine if the bbc mounts are different from the sbc mounts just to be sure before you spend any money unnecessarily.

[@JohnSmith-qj4cf]

@@BadLuckGarage your dead right 350 and 454 in c20 are different thks

[@richardweihert6233]

Another great BLG video! Thanks Bro, is there a video about LS swap DBW pedal conversion?

[@BadLuckGarage]

Unfortunately no. Ray did that in his own and I wasn’t around with a camera to record it.

[@timjackson6647]

Which frame mounts did you use

[@BadLuckGarage]

Sbc

[@jsc0338]

I have a 1992 with a v6 would I have to install v8 motor mounts if I’m doing an ls swap

[@BadLuckGarage]

You have a 92 Nova? LOL

[@jsc0338]

Silverado

[@JoseRodriguez-on6fl]

I know it's been a while but I'm trying to do the same. Did you get your answer?

[@BadLuckGarage]

If it’s a 4.3 v6 then I believe it uses the same mounts as a SBC but I can’t say for sure.

[@waterzonegt9179]

I have some motor mounts similar to yours off a 67 C10 would those plates work for me as well?

[@BadLuckGarage]

yes these should work with pretty much any swap. I've used them in trucks as well.

[@waterzonegt9179]

Bad Luck Garage do I have to buy them separate or does 2 come in one order

[@waterzonegt9179]

Bad Luck Garage getting ready to order them and world like to know thanks👍

[@waterzonegt9179]

Hello?

[@BadLuckGarage]

Brother I’m sorry I missed this. I don’t get notifications on “replies to replies” so it makes it hard to keep up with conversations with so many different people commenting on videos. Yes they are sold as sets although I’m sure you’ve worked that out by now.

[@80s90sGuy]

Instead of grinding the mount.. could you just space it out with a couple of washers...?

[@BadLuckGarage]

That would be detrimental in several ways. First, spacing it up will also space the plates slightly further out and could cause alignment issues. It will also raise the engine slightly which could cause clearance issues in a swap with a low hoodline. In addition to those issues, you are making it so that the plate no longer contacts the mounts, thereby putting more stress on the bolts instead of dispersing the stress throughout the entire plate. This increases the chances of the plate breaking or cracking as mentioned in the video. You want the plate to sit flat and evenly across the mount as stated. 👍🏻

[@80s90sGuy]

@@BadLuckGarage thanks for responding

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yea sir!

[@Gamer6108]

I ran into a little issue with the 1" set pack plates, on the driver side I was able to slide the bolt through the clam shell in to the perch with no problem, however on the passenger side the clap shell will not line up with the perch, it's like half inch off, not sure if the clam shell is the problem or what. But I'm trying to figure it out.

[@BadLuckGarage]

We didn’t really have issues (at least no more than usual) on any of the builds we’ve used these on so it may be your clamshells or something else. Matter of fact if you watch the install videos that we did about a month after this video we ended up up having figment issue with the Speed Engineering headers and had to take the engine in and out 3 or 4 times to clearance things. 🤦🏼‍♂️ It’s all in the DR Nova playlist on this channel.

[@JohnSmith-qj4cf]

Thks

[@MyVetteLife]

Are you building these ls engine or they used from another car?

[@BadLuckGarage]

Both. The engine Im using for the Nova was a 6.0 that I put a new crank and bearings and a cam in and originally swapped into a 74 stepside and turboed. You can find all that in the turbo C10 playlist. It went lean due to a fueling issue and broke a ringland on a piston so now Im putting in rods and pistons from an LS2 Vette engine and sticking it into this Nova.

[@MyVetteLife]

@@BadLuckGarage reason im asking is, i been debating to do a top end upgrade on my ls1 or go for a stock ls3 or build a low power ls3 and leave room for future upgrades. I think cost would be close between the 2 engines but ls3 will have more power overall.

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@MyVetteLife You already have the LS1 so cost would be waaaay lower to build it. Hell you could buy a brand new complete rotating assembly to turn your 5.7 into a 6.3(383 stroker) for less than you could buy a used stock LS3 for. Its just all about what you want and how you wanna do it brother.👍

[@MyVetteLife]

@@BadLuckGarage thats the thing, pricing rotaring assembly are similar. I would just need a new or used ls3 block.

[@yamahaguy1732]

Yeah ls motors make lots of power but takes classic out of it should go with a 454 or 383 stroker

[@BadLuckGarage]

Right🤣

[@jasoncameron34]

Those mounts look great to me and if you install them right i cant see how they could break. And I'd like to see you go live brother. You should look at getting a belt sander with like 60 grit my dads gonna make one ill send pics once its done on BLG Facebook

[@BadLuckGarage]

My bench grinder is like the cheapest one from Harbor Freight. You cant force hard steel on it or it just stalls out. I need to get a bigger one really.

[@jasoncameron34]

@@BadLuckGarage i hear ya bud my dad has one from there its one of the better ones lol bepends on how much you grind and the grit of the wheel

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@jasoncameron34 yea I bought the cheap one. I was really broke at the time and was in too big of a hurry to get a bench grinder.🙄

[@jasoncameron34]

@@BadLuckGarage i understand about being broke brother maybe a grinder company will reach out to you and send you one 😉

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@jasoncameron34 lol, that would be nice.😜

[@alexzamora6700]

Omg I’m over here about to boost like 700hp , I better pull them thangs off ! Lol

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yea I’d definitely go with the steel plates at least.

[@iamgoat3035]

dont buy PODOY, one of mine is out 2/3 of a bolt hole and that side the passenger, also the OILPAN sits right on the crossmember. now i gotta raise it up off crossmember and fab up and weld in some kind of spacer bracket to boost the mount up [with the engine in the way! ] it took several hours just get pass side mount off with engine in the way and took almost 4 hrs to wedge complete motor in there so REALLY dont wanna pull it out n start all over! 2 things i learned about gbody swaps. dont try to drop LM7 motor in there w/o removing the intake, you will add 2 hrs to the install which is more time than it takes to remove i imagine. 2nd, dont take for granted any motor mount that looks like a recomended one will work. 3rd thing is, either drain the tranny if its coming out and engine oil or put a used or take apart your driveshaft to seal tailshaft up cuz tranny oild gets dumped everywhere. engine oil too leaked a fair bit cuz i puncture the oil filter on way out with stock motor.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Wouldn’t dream of it brother. I’ve used these LSX Innovations plates on every swap on this channel except for Chaos Theory. 👍

[@lnskustoms6795]

I should have made you some of those and sent you them lol

[@lnskustoms6795]

Food for thought on the next project I guess.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Not gonna lie....that would have been nice. With the BLG logo etched in!😜

[@lnskustoms6795]

@@BadLuckGarage was thinking the same thing. Aluminum or steel or both. Lol

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@lnskustoms6795 You better watch giving me ideas.....I'm gonna end up messaging you wanting custom parts all the time! 😄

[@lnskustoms6795]

@@BadLuckGarage anytime it would be like your own product review where you get what you want 😎

[@rickeystovall7547]

Buy a diff. Grinding wheel ! Joe.

[@BadLuckGarage]

Joes not here

[@rickeystovall7547]

@@BadLuckGarage it means dude ! Not a bad thing .--chicago west side lingo .

[@BadLuckGarage]

Dudes not here either. 🤣👍🏻

[@BadLuckGarage]

And yes, I 100% need to buy a grinding wheel that’s worth a crap! 👍🏻

[@rickeystovall7547]

@@BadLuckGarage how about fella or man or jack !---somebody must be there !

[@brianhaw9398]

Make sure you use your wife's toothbrush when you're cleaning your block!

[@BadLuckGarage]

Huh?

[@brianhaw9398]

You said you were going to clean the block with a toothbrush. Don't use yours. Use your wifes

[@BadLuckGarage]

@@brianhaw9398 oh ok. I forgot I even said that🤣. Brother this videos over 2 years old so when you said that I was like “wtf is he talking about”. LOL. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mrmidnight32]

Just FYI those aluminum plates are only rated for 400hp max. Even the mfg’s state that on their products. They are weaker than the steel versions. That said I stayed aluminum because I’m only going cam which caps around 350hp... If you go turbo or nitrous you have to upgrade to steel or risk those plates giving out

[@BadLuckGarage]

Yea I actually stated 450hp 1:00 into this video. LSX innovations actually recommends going to steel mounts beyond 500whp, That being said, I've ran these plates with nitrous and turbo 6 liters with no issue. 👍