SBC swap question.

I was thinking of maybe putting a TPI or LT1 350 in my mazda after I finish the LT-1 swap in my toyota. the only problem I'm seeing is that I'm bodydropped, so space is already limited. What all would have to be clearanced out of the way? anybody know if a T-5 would fit in the tunnel?

Mines not fuel injected, but it does fit under the 2600i hood. I'm running a turbo 350 trans and MSD points style distributor. Feel free to ask any question and I will try to answer them the best that i can. Heres a few pics.


Modified firewall and trans tunnel.

I'm guessing your not bodydropped? my hood has like a 3 inch cowl to clear my 2.2.

Did you have to cut back the firewall the whole width of the block?

His truck is body dropped like 2 inches I think.

Oh ok. looks like a stock floor body drop if it is, so my floor is probably higher.

Hey there, my truck is traditional BD'ed 1/4 inch past the pinch molding. The reason I pushed the engine so far back was because I wanted it to fit under a stock hood. The air cleaner sits 3/8 of an inch from the highest point of the bubble on the hood with the inner hood bracing removed just enough for the air cleaner. The firewall is set back the width of the valve covers. Being so far back also give you more room for the radiator and front mount accesories. If you get a chance take a look at Plane Janes engine compartment, mine is similar to that, also checkout Rudy's truck on streetsource under maddawg.

Is it still a pretty tight squeeze between the waterpump and the radiator?

I meant to ask before, hows it handle with all that power and a bag setup?

In the first pick it has a long style water pump and its about 1 1/2 inches from the radiator. As for handling I dont know yet, I can tell what I cant wait to get it running so I can tell you though. Rudys handles well from what he has told me also on here is v8mazda4ever he has a ford small block in his maybe he will chime in on his swap.

yeah. thats the only thing that I'm not too sure on. My thinking behind the small block swap is just if I'm gona put all the money into a motor swap I might as well get my moneys worth power wise, but at the same time I'd want decent mileage. I was thinking about doing either a camaro 3.8 or an s10 4.3 if I dont go for a v8. both are good for about 200 horses.

I wouldnt go for the 4.3 if your lookin to get decent mileage.