LT5 in a Delorean

[GTOger]

OK boys and girls, get ready for a really dumb idea. But it's an idea I am nonetheless enamored with at the moment.

I want to drop an LT5 into a Delorean. Why?

Because I'm looking for another wacky car to add to my menagerie, and I have been strangely infatuated by the Delorean since the first time I saw one at a car show in the late 80s. Well, the Back To The Future movies probably didn't hurt, either.

I have a little list of cars that I'd like to own, and the Delorean is on it. And being quite honest, it probably has the lowest cost of entry compared with the other cars I'm thinking about. But I just know that my wife is not going to be satisfied with that little 6 cylinder job. Partially because she likes to drive fast, partially because she won't hear the end of it from me.

So there's this kid out on the Interwebs who stuffed a late-model LS1 into his Delorean as an engineering project for school. I know... that would be a fun class, right? Anyhow, I'm thinking if this kid can put an LS1 in, why not put an LT5?

Which would sort of be fitting. Why? Because as you may know, Lotus had a big hand in designing the car. In fact, they pretty much designed the underpinnings and the way the car would be manufactured. And we all know about Lotus' roll in the LT5 development.

What do you think? I know that LT5's have been transplanted into a handful of other vehicles, though I can't name any off the top of my head. Shouldn't be a big deal to cram one in a Delorean, right? Maybe some transmission stuff would have to get worked out.... Hmmmmm. Insurmountable? An impossible dream?

[LGAFF]

Big parts supplier for those about a mile from my house

[LGAFF]

http://dmcmidwest.com/about/

[LGAFF]

What color were you looking for:)

[WVZR-1]

What color were you looking for:)



I had a request to "color" one once and the buyer never did the buy!

[lbszr]

I was infatuated with them also when they came out. So sounds like a great idea.

I have only seen one at a car cruise in.

Depending how tight the LS1 is in there, the LT5 could really be tough to squeeze in there, just a thought.

[LGAFF]

http://ls1delorean.blogspot.com/

[GTOger]

Depending how tight the LS1 is in there, the LT5 could really be tough to squeeze in there, just a thought.

Here's what the LS1 in one of those buggies looks like from the back:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLsmCId1Ixg/UMAaHOs4_dI/AAAAAAAABEk/8pZYXO_rEyQ/s320/561_10100820343776505_1700289751_n.jpg



That's what I'm thinking. The oil pan may wind up scraping the pavement. That wouldn't be good. I'm not into "fragile".

[lbszr]

Here's what the LS1 in one of those buggies looks like from the back:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DLsmCId1Ixg/UMAaHOs4_dI/AAAAAAAABEk/8pZYXO_rEyQ/s320/561_10100820343776505_1700289751_n.jpg



That's what I'm thinking. The oil pan may wind up scraping the pavement. That wouldn't be good. I'm not into "fragile".


Hmm, yea, without measuring. I would guess the LT5 pan is lower from the crank than the LS1, but maybe not.

I can measure a 99 LS1 and compare it to the LT5 if it might help?

[GTOger]

Hey, if you've got those hanging around, then cool. Right now this is just kind of a daydream for me. I have to (a) find a Delorean and (b) find a LT5 that my CFO will allow. Then I have to "break" them both to make them work together. LOL. Oh, and before I do ANY of that I have to finish the current project, which is to get my GTO engine back together and in the car and have it driving around. So yes, if you have the ability to EASILY measure, that's very cool! But don't put yourself out on it...

[lbszr]

I'll check it out in a few days, I kind of wonder which one would be lower.

[Locobob]

Sounds like a really cool project. I'm thinking packaging would be a bit of a problem not to mention you'd probably have to beef up the rear springs for an LT-5 install - the LS motors are a good deal lighter.

[GTOger]

Good point, Bob. Hadn't considered the weight. It was just a nutty idea I suddenly came up with over Thai food with the wife. She may have been expecting a lovely Friday date night. Nope! :)

[XfireZ51]

Wouldn't it be easier to install a lightening rod in the back of the DMC?

:sign10:

[-=Jeff=-]

Wouldn't it be easier to install a lightening rod in the back of the DMC?

:sign10:

Or a Mr Fusion

[A26B]

You might consider converting to dry sump for the LT5 if the engine height w/stock pan becomes and issue. I have seen the LT5 w/dry sump but don't have any photos.

Like Locobob said, weight difference is considerable. Straight line acceleration would be great but for the turns, throttle steer & trail braking might not overcome the under steer. Would be a very cool project.

I guess twin turbos would be out of the question??=D>

Several years ago, I worked on a similar idea for a GT40/TT-LT5. Would require custom tube frame which was the easiest part of the job. Then the body had to be split to stretch both length & width. As cool as it would have been, just too big a project for me. I already have one of those $100,000+ LT5mobiles.

BTW, did you finish the LT5 GTO?

[Bob Eyres]

I think Jerry's going in the right direction there. I'd like to see an LT5 in a sixties muscle car like the GTO. I can't imagine a more ill handling tailwagger than a Delorean with an LT5. Although here's one with a 4cam twin turbo Lotus V8. Maybe there's hope for the swap.

http://www.entermyworld.com/gallery/dmc-lotus-conversion

Let's face it, the LS motors are the modern "go to" package for installing incredible horsepower in any package with four wheels, and for good reason, compact dimensions, and light weight. The LT5 is not the best in either of those two areas.
To me, our beautiful LT5 would be a great choice for dropping into a vehicle where you could actually see the engine, like a hoodless little deuce coupe with a polished LT5 and sixteen little velocity stacks.

[8cam]

My brother un-painted a DeLorean earlier this year, brought it back to a very nice example. Is recommend getting one that is not painted, no matter how cheap. The work he put in was ridiculous. I have seen one with a turbo rotary before which was a great lightweight package. An LT-5 in one makes me think of those wheelie cars at the strip. Now that would be interesting.

[batchman]

I can't imagine a more ill handling tailwagger than a Delorean with an LT5.

An LT-5 in one makes me think of those wheelie cars at the strip.

Checking that fellow's site, with the engine mostly behind the axle I think an LT5 would make that lift the front wheels at rest. The aluminum Rover (Buick?) v8 would be a better choice.

Now consider an LT5 in an Elise - make your Lotus *all* Lotus so to speak. Problem is you'd need something like a Toronado transmission and I doubt you could narrow it enough, or wind up with enough room for the driver... Maybe if you started with an Evora and gave up the rear seat...

Cheers to Sunday Dreamin',
- Jeff

[8cam]

If you want one to play with that you wouldn't mind cutting up, I know where a ratty automatic DeLorean is. Been sitting outside for god knows how long and needs a lot of help. I believe it's also painted, so getting it for free would be a good start. Let me know if you're interested.