GM LZ9 3.9L V6 Dimensions

[Ghetto Fab]

Does anyone have any overall dimensions for a GM 3.9L engine, or better yet a source they can point too on the great wide internets for those dims? I've been looking at different motor options, but I have a hard time finding any concrete dimensions. As everyone is probably aware space in a buggy is usually tight.

 

[SteerAndStuff]

I had taken this picture of mine at one point for someone. Only good dimension I have.

 

[Ghetto Fab]

Thanks! Anything helps! Is the starter located on that side also?

 

[SteerAndStuff]

Thanks! Anything helps! Is the starter located on that side also?

Starter is on drivers side

 

[Ghetto Fab]

Out of curiosity, how is the power output from one of these motors? Should be enough for crawling I would think, but what about other situations? Are they lacking any low end torque?

 

[SteerAndStuff]

I can't complain about power on the 3.9. I am 75:1 crawl ratio for reference.

Here is a clip of a power climb. First part was 1st gear and rev limitered out and second attempt was in 2nd gear.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

What dimensions do you want? I have an engine sitting on the floor currently

 

[Ghetto Fab]

Send to 93401 so I can scan the whole thing.

But realistically, anything your willing to measure. Length, width, height from crank centerline, height of the widest part of the motor, oil pan depth? That sorta stuff.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

Some overall dimensions

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

So I wanted to simplify this as much as I could. My engine came from a Pontiac g6. I wanted to delete the oil cooler at the filter housing. Thru a little internet searching snd cross reference the engine I found a gm part that allows you to delete the cooler. Add plug in the block and viola, 2” shorter oil filter and less fittings.

 

[SteerAndStuff]

Good time to add an accumulator adapter and shorter oil filter

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

Do they need an accumulator?

 

[SteerAndStuff]

I used the camaro oil pickup tube and never had a problem with going up but going down steep would loose pressure. Cheap and easy insurance.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

Great point. I’m going to use the stock pan, but what is a good pickup tube or oil pump for these?

 

[SteerAndStuff]

This is the pickup tube i am using, I read about it on Jesse's Pokey build. Uses a Camaro oil pickup to move it toward rear of pan. It is discussed in post 391, 392, and 397 in this thread:

Project: Pokey - JHF Pro Mod Comp Buggy

www.pirate4x4.com

I did this from the get go so no experience with the stock pickup. I never loose oil while going uphill but when I drop down something really steep I do loose oil pressure so maybe not the end all solution but makes sense since we typically spend more time in climbing angles. I apparently didn't save the part number of that in my file when I bought it but pretty sure its a Melling 244S.

 

[Ghetto Fab]

Thanks @pennsylvaniaboy for the dimensions! I'll see if I can add that info to my cad model. Someday I'll get one to scan.

Some good info on the LZ9! Maybe this should just be the LZ9 info thread?

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

Sooo at steer and stuff, I got a moroso # 23675, but my fitting don’t match? Wrong part?

 

[SteerAndStuff]

Sooo at steer and stuff, I got a moroso # 23675, but my fitting don’t match? Wrong part?

Filter thread is 13/16. Need the moroso 23676. I'll have to go back, maybe I fat fingered the part number.