Barry
Diamond Level Sponsor
It is time to clear up some misconceptions regarding installation of a GM 60 degree V6 (GM60V6) in an Alpine.
The GM60V6 engine has several advantages as compared to the Ford 2.8 V6:
The GM60V6 engine also has several dis-advantages as compared to the Ford 2.8 V6:
A wide variety of OEM exhaust manifolds have been used with the GM60V6 engines. Despite posts which may suggest otherwise, I am not aware of any OEM exhaust manifold that is compatible with the Alpine steering system.
If the Alpine steering system is not used, OEM manifolds from early iron-head FWD engines and some S-10 engines fit very nicely. As far as I know, none of the Camaro exhaust manifolds will fit. Fiero exhaust manifolds can be modified to work, but they are generally considered to have poor performance characteristics.
The transmission mount location is similar on all T-5's, so a transmission crossmember from V6 Jose and the use of a modified (drill two holes) M-II mount will properly locate the tailshaft in the tunnel and determine the front / rear engine location.
The bottom line is that putting a GM60V6 engine in an Alpine is not a simple undertaking. If anyone wants to discuss this further, please send me a PM with your e-mail address; I will be glad to share what I know and don't know.
The GM60V6 engine has several advantages as compared to the Ford 2.8 V6:
1. It is still in production and both OEM and aftermarket parts are readily available.
2. It is readily available with OEM aluminum heads, roller cams, roller tip rockers, etc.
3. It is readily available with displacements up to 3.4L.
4. It is available in both carbureted and EFI versions.
5. It has longer rods which is generally accepted as being good.
6. It has conventional exhaust port location (toward the ends of the heads instead of the middle) which reduces "hot spot" problems.
7. The motor mount pads are on the upper part of the block which means they are angled at 60 degrees; by some miracle, this matches the angle of the Alpine engine mount towers and a fairly simple "Z" bracket allows use of the Alpine engine mounts / rubbers.
2. It is readily available with OEM aluminum heads, roller cams, roller tip rockers, etc.
3. It is readily available with displacements up to 3.4L.
4. It is available in both carbureted and EFI versions.
5. It has longer rods which is generally accepted as being good.
6. It has conventional exhaust port location (toward the ends of the heads instead of the middle) which reduces "hot spot" problems.
7. The motor mount pads are on the upper part of the block which means they are angled at 60 degrees; by some miracle, this matches the angle of the Alpine engine mount towers and a fairly simple "Z" bracket allows use of the Alpine engine mounts / rubbers.
The GM60V6 engine also has several dis-advantages as compared to the Ford 2.8 V6:
1. The longer rods result in a greater deck height which moves the heads slightly "up and out" and that makes header design more difficult with regard to clearing the Alpine steering system.
2. The conventional exhaust port location (toward the ends of the heads instead of the middle) makes header design more difficult with regard to clearing the Alpine steering system.
3. The OEM starter has an integrated solenoid which interferes with the Alpine steering system. The solution is an aftermarket gear reduction starter for a "staggered bolt 153 tooth Chevy V8".
2. The conventional exhaust port location (toward the ends of the heads instead of the middle) makes header design more difficult with regard to clearing the Alpine steering system.
3. The OEM starter has an integrated solenoid which interferes with the Alpine steering system. The solution is an aftermarket gear reduction starter for a "staggered bolt 153 tooth Chevy V8".
A wide variety of OEM exhaust manifolds have been used with the GM60V6 engines. Despite posts which may suggest otherwise, I am not aware of any OEM exhaust manifold that is compatible with the Alpine steering system.
If the Alpine steering system is not used, OEM manifolds from early iron-head FWD engines and some S-10 engines fit very nicely. As far as I know, none of the Camaro exhaust manifolds will fit. Fiero exhaust manifolds can be modified to work, but they are generally considered to have poor performance characteristics.
The transmission mount location is similar on all T-5's, so a transmission crossmember from V6 Jose and the use of a modified (drill two holes) M-II mount will properly locate the tailshaft in the tunnel and determine the front / rear engine location.
The bottom line is that putting a GM60V6 engine in an Alpine is not a simple undertaking. If anyone wants to discuss this further, please send me a PM with your e-mail address; I will be glad to share what I know and don't know.