Torana Hatchback LS Swap EP.1

Come with me on my LX Torana Hatchback adventure where we are doing a complete build and LS swap! In this episode we bolt the gearbox to the motor and get it fitted up to the car, with the help of a whole new front end.

[@robcantwell1981]

It’s not a Ford but I’ve always liked the LH and LX hatch. Keen to follow your builds👍

[@DylanTantos]

Thanks, it's a beautiful car! I will have another episode dropping during the week, stay tuned 🤙🏼

[@stevengriffin7873]

I thought the hatch was from the LX onwards.

[@ryanjames2829]

Great info, looking forward to episode 3. Wanting to do the same on my hatch 🤙

[@backyardbangers1012]

Nice Tori

[@thephranc]

comment for the rhythms!

[@Streeter2143]

I’m planning on LS swapping my LH pretty soon. Do you know if the tunnel is the same size or smaller between the 6 cylinder & 8 cylinder?

[@DylanTantos]

I believe they are all the same. Some people talk about having to cut the tunnel to get the t56 up higher to correct the angle. From test fitting, mine looks alright but we'll see once we get there 🤙🏼

[@nathanbrown156]

Subscribed and keen to follow the journey mate. I need to do an almost identical conversion on my hatch with an LS1 and T56. All my research says that while the conversion kits may bolt up, the drive shaft angle will be unacceptable. I’ve been advised to mod the tunnel and make a custom gearbox crossmember to get the angle right. Would suck if the headers lose clearance after doing this though as they were designed based on the angle provided by the crossmember in the kit.
So everything you’re using is from the rod shop?

[@DylanTantos]

Yeah Nathan I'm using mostly rodshop but for the box I'm using MalWood rear case and cross member. He's said it will fix the angle. From a visual it looks like the angle will be okay but we'll find out soon enough. I'm also doing away with the rodshop mounts and using rubber as anything else will create vibration.

[@nathanbrown156]

Certainly keen to see how it goes mate. When I called around asking conversion mobs about that very setup they all had the same opinion on it and were particularly vocal with their disapproval. The only thing they liked was the short extension housing that places the gear shifter in the right spot. I really hope it works well as it would be a lot less hassle. If you’re able to do an accurate degree angle on the shaft when its all together that would be some very helpful info to share.

[@DylanTantos]

Hopefully it will end up being okay, otherwise I will do what's required to fix it haha.
Yeah the MalWood rear case is definitely a go to. I got the full kit and it all seems like quality gear. Heads up the box needs to be stripped to fit the rear case and shift rod correctly, so make sure you buy that before rebuilding the box.

[@nathanbrown156]

@@DylanTantosthanks for the tip mate! Really looking forward to learning more from your journey.

[@stevengriffin7873]

I don't understand why any power steering conversion is not electric.Why choose to have pumps and pulleys and belts and hoses instead of a simple electric motor.

[@DylanTantos]

Yeah it's a much simpler option, I agree! Each to their own though, some prefer the old school way.
I do have an electric pump to go on this car though!

[@stevengriffin7873]

@@DylanTantos No not an electric pump.An electric motor that is coupled directly to the steering to give assistance.Absolutely brilliant.Only works when you turn the wheel so it hardly ever has to work.And doesn't suck up power all the time turning a pump.Lighter too without all the extras and plumbing.I would never go back to hydraulic by choice.