No SHO...yet

[benabelly]

Hi,

I joined the forum to get more info on the 3.0 SHO engine, especially dimensions. I have a Fiberfab Aztec GT II with a Volkswagen pan and engine and I guess I'm just too used to V8 power, so the VW isn't doing it for me.

I've done a lot of research on a lot of different engines and chassis' to swap into/under the car and I think I've ended up deciding on the 3.0 SHO engine. I was leaning towards a 302 Ford, because of it's lightweight. The car weighs 1714 pounds right now and I want to keep it under 2,200, and then I started reading about the 3.0.

I've seen this engine in a Fiero (the "redneck dunebuggy") that I'm sure a lot of you have seen too and there's one in a Fiberfab GT12, which uses the VW pan, so it looks like it's doable.

So, here I am ready to start doing a lot more reading on these things and after a big show here in January, I plan to start rebuilding the car.

 

[SHOspazz92]

Hi,

I joined the forum to get more info on the 3.0 SHO engine, especially dimensions. I have a Fiberfab Aztec GT II with a Volkswagen pan and engine and I guess I'm just too used to V8 power, so the VW isn't doing it for me.

I've done a lot of research on a lot of different engines and chassis' to swap into/under the car and I think I've ended up deciding on the 3.0 SHO engine. I was leaning towards a 302 Ford, because of it's lightweight. The car weighs 1714 pounds right now and I want to keep it under 2,200, and then I started reading about the 3.0.

I've seen this engine in a Fiero (the "redneck dunebuggy") that I'm sure a lot of you have seen too and there's one in a Fiberfab GT12, which uses the VW pan, so it looks like it's doable.

So, here I am ready to start doing a lot more reading on these things and after a big show here in January, I plan to start rebuilding the car.

The SHO engine is pretty heavy in comparison to the 302 (As far as Power per/lb). ****, a fully dressed LSX is even better (Weighs the same as a 302, makes a lot more power). Either V8 would be a easier fit over the SHO engine because they don't have the Massive DOHC heads taking up so much room.

If your deadset on the SHO engine however, use a 3.2. It is essentially the exact same motor, just a little larger for the Automatics. Same bolt pattern to the trans and all. You'll enjoy the extra TQ.

-Sam

 

[frosho]

That is a sweet project, I like those older "kit" cars. There was a Kelmark GT for sale near me a year or two ago that I wished I could afford.

If you're going to go with a SHO V6, you might as well opt for the 3.2 for a little more displacement. It's a popular swap for those of us with 5-speeds. I can't think of any reason to use a 3.0 over a 3.2, unless you're on a tight budget (3.2's bring higher prices than 3.0's, as you might expect).

Welcome to the forum!

 

[benabelly]

I did do a search on the weight and dimensions. If 500 pounds is right, I can live with that. The small block Chevy is 575. I also have plenty of space left to right and front to back for the engine to fit transversely. I'd like to use a the original 5 speed too.

The biggest problem I have is a lack of height and I see these engines are a total of 29". That could be a big problem, if it's accurate. The 302 is 27".

 

[SHOspazz92]

I did do a search on the weight and dimensions. If 500 pounds is right, I can live with that. The small block Chevy is 575. I also have plenty of space left to right and front to back for the engine to fit transversely. I'd like to use a the original 5 speed too.

The biggest problem I have is a lack of height and I see these engines are a total of 29". That could be a big problem, if it's accurate. The 302 is 27".

Just saying, there is no way a fully dressed LS1 is 575lbs. More like 450lbs. Would love to see the SHO swap but at the time there are a lot better (HP/$$) options out there.

-Sam

 

[SHOspazz92]

I did do a search on the weight and dimensions. If 500 pounds is right, I can live with that. The small block Chevy is 575. I also have plenty of space left to right and front to back for the engine to fit transversely. I'd like to use a the original 5 speed too.

The biggest problem I have is a lack of height and I see these engines are a total of 29". That could be a big problem, if it's accurate. The 302 is 27".

These engines are pretty tall.

For comparison, a LS1 is 25" from the bottom oil pan to top of manifold and 28" from the bellhousing ****** to front of the water pump.

 

[kevinspann]

SHO engines = free, LS1s = expensive.