LS Engine Clearance Issues

I currently have a 1989 305 TPI engine in my 57 Chev using side engine mounts (Ecklers part 18-02). I also am using an Ecklers rack and pinion kit (Ecklers part number 57-1408221).

I’m considering pulling out the 305 TPI and installing an LS engine (ideally I want an LS7, but may end up with what ever I can make work with my budget). I’m curious which of the following LS engines will install into the stock frame and have no clearance issues with the rack and pinion I’m currently using.

So the engines I’m now considering are:
-LS1
-LS6
-LS2
-LS3

Any insight and info is appreciated.

They're all essentially the same blocks so any clearance issues would be identical. Even an LS7 is the same. If you use engine adapter plates you can put the engine just about anywhere you want to fore and aft. I have no idea if ANY of them will work with your R&P but I'm sure someone has tried it. The key is probably going to be which oilpan you use, not which LS engine.

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Originally Posted by Michaelmotorcycle

I currently have a 1989 305 TPI engine in my 57 Chev using side engine mounts (Ecklers part 18-02). I also am using an Ecklers rack and pinion kit (Ecklers part number 57-1408221).

I’m considering pulling out the 305 TPI and installing an LS engine (ideally I want an LS7, but may end up with what ever I can make work with my budget). I’m curious which of the following LS engines will install into the stock frame and have no clearance issues with the rack and pinion I’m currently using.

So the engines I’m now considering are:
-LS1
-LS6
-LS2
-LS3

Any insight and info is appreciated.

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Hooker makes a header for an LS Engine with a Unisteer rack if that’s what you have. Eckler’s maybe is Unisteer? They’re #2293

I assume also that the Holley 302-1 pan will clear the Unisteer, but don't know for sure. Holley tech support should know, since they have those headers for the Unisteer. The 302-1 pan should fit any LS except an LS7, which is a dry sump.