LS-1

[rbjscott]

Has anyone run an LS-1 in a direct drive application? I know at first thought this is a dumb question, but on a small boat (12 feet) might be successful. Low milage LS-1 is cheep in my area.

 

[Waterthunder]

They run O.K. just picture a conventional dd Small block with a little more torque and a 130Lbs to 180Lbs less weight depending on your combo. The one thing I don't like about LS1's in a DD configuration is the thrust bearing is located in the center main instead of the rear. With a gearbox this means nothing but with a DD it's not good. I would recommend if there is anyway possible what so ever run a gearbox on any car motor instead of going DD. It's like the old Fram commercial "pay me now or pay me later". Any car motor airboater I have ever know that had a DD boat eventually up graded to a gearbox and everyone of them stated I wish I had run one sooner.

 

[Anonymous]

Plus the rear main bearing is twice as wide on a conventional SB as on a LS1...There's a reason why A/C engines have a massive rear main and thrust.

 

[rbjscott]

I was trying for the compact size and less weight. I will do something different. The LS-1 with a reduction is in my opinion the best of both worlds. Thanks folk.