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SBC or LS into For Mustang Adapter Kits
July 30, 2024 Ellen Kurr

SBC or LS Engine to Ford Mustang Conversion

Small Block Chevy (SBC) and LS Engine to Ford Mustang Swaps to Enhance Power 

Mustang SBC LS Adapters and Kits


Converting a Ford Mustang to use a Small Block Chevy (SBC) or LS engine is a popular project among car enthusiasts looking to enhance performance or take advantage of the extensive aftermarket support for these engines. This conversion involves several critical steps and the use of specialized parts to ensure the engine fits correctly and functions properly within the Mustang chassis. Below, we answer frequently asked questions about this conversion and detail the parts offered by G Force Performance Products to make your conversion project easier.

3 Reasons to Convert a Mustang to SBC or LS Engine

LS or SBC to Mustang Conversion

Performance and Reliability: The SBC and LS engines are renowned for their robust performance and reliability. The LS engine, in particular, is known for its lightweight, compact design and impressive power output, making it a popular choice for performance upgrades.

Aftermarket Support: Both the LS and SBC engines have extensive aftermarket support. This facilitates finding performance parts and making repairs.

Cost-Effectiveness: In some cases, SBC or LS engines can be more cost-effective compared to building or sourcing a high-performance Ford engine. The availability of used engines and parts further reduces costs.

3 Big Challenges of This Conversion

Compatibility Issues: The most significant challenge is ensuring compatibility between the Ford Mustang's chassis, transmission, and the Chevrolet engine. This involves modifications to engine mounts and possibly the drivetrain. An adapter plate helps facilitate mounting a GM engine to the Mustang K member.

Wiring and Electronics: Altering the Mustang’s wiring harness and electronic systems to work with the Chevrolet engine's ECU can require careful planning.

Exhaust System: The exhaust manifold or headers must be designed to fit within the Mustang's engine bay without interference.

Key G Force Components for SBC or LS Engine Conversion

Mustang to SBC or LS Engine Adapter Kits

G Force Performance Products offers several essential components to facilitate the conversion of an SBC or LS engine into a Ford Mustang. These components are designed to address the fitment and compatibility issues that arise during such a swap.

Swap Block™ Engine Blocks for the SBC or LS Engine

Using an SBC or LS swap block engine mock-up block during the conversion of a Ford Mustang is highly useful for ensuring accurate fitment. The swap blocks, available from G Force Performance Products, allow builders to simulate the physical presence of the engine in the engine bay without the weight and bulk of the actual engine.

Mock-up blocks help precisely position the motor mount adapter plates, confirming correct alignment with the K member and verifying clearances for critical components such as the oil pan and headers.

By using a mock-up block, enthusiasts can make necessary adjustments before the final installation, reducing potential issues and streamlining the conversion process.

  • Part: Swap Block Mock Up Block
  • Features: Unique tab and slot design for tight tolerances and easy shipping. Precision formed returns on all weight bearing components. Easily positioned by had for verifying clearances for critical components. Durable steel construction allows for welding for custom component fabrication.
  • Assembly: Quick and easy assembly using a wrench and hammer.

Easy Swap Block Assembly Instructions

Welcome Back

Jordan from G Force, home of the patent pending Swap Block™ Mock Up Blocks.

Today I’m going to show you how to assemble an LS version of our Swap Block.
So, in front of me, we have all the individual components that come with our kit. Our Swap Blocks are shipped flat for ease of shipping and they also all include hardware kits to bolt your motor mounts, accessories, bellhousing, and exhaust manifold to your mock up blocks.

A couple of things to note, before we get started is that it’s a good idea to have a couple of pieces of wood to elevate the bottom plate surface from the table so that your tabs can slide through the slots. A couple of tools that you’ll need is a hammer and a crescent wrench.

So we’re going to get started. All of our plates have laser etching in them which makes it very easy to assemble. Right, so you’re going to take your back plate at least for the LS block and it’s going to have laser etching, in all of…next to all of the slots. And you’re going to take the corresponding panel here and this is one for a motor mount, and it going to say B, L and you’re going to line up with the B, L [on the back plate]. And you’re going to make sure that these reliefs are facing inward, and then you’re going to slide the tabs into the slots.

You’re going to do the same thing for the other side, B, R. We have a couple of intake panels here. We’re going to line up the letters. Make sure that this slot is—has clearance. So this guy goes over on this side. And this one goes over here.
Now we’re going to do the exhaust plates. The one says EX, and L. We’re going to line up the EX, L on the back panel. We’re going to do the same for the right side here.

Okay. Now it’s time to put the front plate on. You’re going to make sure that the G Force is facing up. And we’re going to line up all the tabs and slots. Sometimes this takes two people, but I’m going to do this by myself. There we go. That wasn’t too bad.

So the next step is to bend over all of our tabs so that it creates a ridged connection. So we’re going to take our crescent wrench, and we’re going to start all these to be bent over. Just one at a time. Get them started. They’re all facing inward. Okay. Now we take out our hammer. Now as we’re doing this, this is sucking in everything together and creating a rigid structure.

So now that we have the front plate on, we’re going to flip this thing around and attach the back. We’re going to repeat that process of bending over all of the tabs [and hammering them down].

Okay, now that we have the back panel connected, we’re going to put it upside down and attach the oil pan piece. So we’re going to line up these holes. Okay. Bend the tabs over, [and hammer them down].

Okay, so now we have assembled our lightweight, rigid, and accurate Swap Block Mock Up Block in front of us. This thing is great for test fitting your motor mounts, your front accessories, exhaust manifold, transmission location, etcetera.

This one is an LS, but we also have a Gen 5 LT, Ford Godzilla, and a Small Block Chevy. We’re also coming out with new mock up blocks as we speak.

So, be sure to check out our website to find out more about our Swap Block Mock Up Blocks at crossmembers.com.

Thanks for watching.


Motor Mount and Adapter Kits

 

1984-1993 Ford Mustang on the track

G Force Performance Products provides specific motor mounts and adapter plate kits to mount the SBC or LS engine into a Mustang chassis. These kits are crucial for aligning the engine correctly within the engine bay and ensuring proper clearance for other components.

Adapter Plates

GM V8 to Mustang Adapters

Welcome to G Force, Jordan here

Today I'm going to talk about a couple of our adapters for GM V8 engines in the Mustang chassis. So, in front of me, I have one for an 84 to 95, and then another one for a 96 to 04 Mustang. So, the adapters themselves allow you to adapt a Chevy Small Block into your Mustang.

And then, we also have a couple of different kits that include various components to make your swap easier.

So one of our kits includes the motor mounts that you need for your Small Block Chevy. These are bolt to the engine, and then they will adapt right to our adapter that sits underneath your engine.

A couple things to note about these adapters are it's a kind of a modular, one-piece set up here. And, it allows for easy alignment of your engine inside of your, in your Mustang.

So, this a bolt right to your K member and then your Small Block Chevy is going to bolt right to these blocks here. In addition to the Small Block Chevy Kits, we also have one that allows you to use an LS engine. And so these are just adapting your Small Black Chevy mounts to the LS.

So, if you want to find out more about these Mustang Adapters check us out at Crossmember.com. And don't forget to subscribe below.

Thanks for watching.

Check out our YouTube Channel for more about assembly, installation, and product information.

Oil Pan
The oil pan must clear the Mustang's K member and steering linkage. Oil pans designed for these swaps require precise fitment.

Headers and Exhaust System

Custom headers are often required to fit the SBC or LS engine within the Mustang's engine bay. G Force Performance Products offers headers that clear the steering shaft and other obstructions.

8 Broad Steps for Converting a Mustang to SBC or LS Engine

  1. Planning and Preparation
  2. Engine Removal
  3. Prepping the Engine Bay
  4. Fitting the Engine
  5. Transmission Installation
  6. Wiring and Electronics Alterations
  7. Exhaust System Replacement 
  8. Final Checks and Testing

Enhance Performance and Enjoy Aftermarket Support

Converting a Ford Mustang to use a Small Block Chevy (SBC) or LS engine is a rewarding project that improves performance and reliability. The process involves addressing compatibility issues between the engine and the Mustang chassis, requiring specialized parts such as motor mounts, motor mount adapter plates, headers, and oil pans. 

G Force Performance Products provides some of these high-quality components that simplify this conversion, ensuring a precise fit and excellent performance. Enthusiasts can successfully complete this engine swap and enjoy the benefits of a powerful and reliable engine in their Mustang.

Questions about our Mustang LS and SBC Adapter Kits or Headers?

Live Chat or give us a call at 330-753-5300

Filed in: adapter kit, Ford Mustang, G Force Performance Products, g-force, GForce, Headers, Jordan Sampson, LS, LS engine, LS Mock Up Block, ls mock up swap block, LS Mustang, Motor Mount Adapter, Mustang, Mustang Headers, SBC, SBC engine, SBC mock Up block, SBC to Mustang
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