Chevy Colorado 2.8L I4 LK5 Swap

[GoinManta]

Looking for a new motor for my Kadett.. I considered a lot of motors, and was leaning towards the 2.2L Opel motor.. Then I came across this motor.

>>>>

The straight-4 LK5 engine is sold as the Vortec 2800 in GM trucks. Like its Atlas brothers, the LK5 has dual overhead cams, and shares their 93 mm (3.7 in) bore and 102 mm (4 in) stroke. The LK5 displaces 2.8 L (2770 cc, 169 cu in) and produces 175 hp (131 kW) at 5600 rpm and 185 ft·lbf (251 N·m) at 2800 rpm.[2] Engine redline is 6300 rpm.

It is used in the following vehicles:

2004-2006 Chevrolet Colorado
2004-2006 GMC Canyon
2006 Isuzu i-Series

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Dimensionally its almost a dead match for the Opel CIH motor. But it is a bit higher due to the Air Flow Meter and CIH on top of the motor. Motor mounts are in the same location.. width is about the same as is length.. etc.. The oil pan is similar to the Opel with a rear hump pan.

Best thing its cost complete is under $800 with low mileage at Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and for about $400 my guy that builds the LS harnesses I sell. Can modify the harness and reprogram the computer making that part of the job easy.

I did look at the I-5 (By the way tends to be CHEAPER.. more of them out there)

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The L52 (also called Vortec 3500), is a straight-5 truck engine. It displaces 3.5 L (3,460 cc/211 cu in), with a 93 mm (3.7 in) bore and 102 mm (4 in) stroke, and shares much with the rest of the Atlas family. Dynoed at the flywheel it produces 220 hp (164 kW) at 5600 rpm and 225 ft·lbf (305 N·m) at 2800 rpm, while producing 179.13 hp at 6001 rpm when dynoed at the rear wheels. Engine redline is 6300 rpm.

It is used in the following vehicles:

2002 Chevrolet Bel Air concept
2004-2006 Chevrolet Colorado
2004-2006 GMC Canyon
2006 Isuzu i-Series
2006 Hummer H3
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Its 6 inches longer.. which MAY fit a Manta.. but it doubtful it will fit my Kadett..

I will keep you all informed. Once my GTO goes next weekend I will be getting the motor and starting on the swap.

[GoinManta]

Some More Pics

Now the pictures are of the I-5.. It was too dark where the I-4 was located.

The only difference between the two is the length.. which was 6" longer as mentioned

[GoinManta]

Some more info:

Type: 2.8L I-4 (LK5)
Displacement: 2770cc (169 ci)
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Valve configuration: dual overhead cam (4 valves per cylinder)
Assembly site: Tonawanda, N.Y.
Valve lifters: roller followers with stationary hydraulic lash adjusters
Firing order: 1 - 3 - 4 - 2
Bore x stroke: 93 x 102mm
Fuel system: multipoint sequential fuel injection
Horsepower: 175 hp (131 kw) @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 185 lb-ft (251 Nm) @ 2800 rpm
Fuel shut off: 6300 rpm
Emissions controls: evaporative system
close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters
Applications: Chevrolet Colorado (base)
GMC Canyon (base)

MATERIALS
Block: lost foam cast aluminum
Cylinder head: lost foam cast aluminum
Intake manifold: composite
Exhaust manifold: high silicon molybdenum
cast nodular iron
Main bearing caps: forged powder metal
Crankshaft: cast nodular iron
Camshaft: cast nodular iron
Connecting rods: forged powder metal
Additional features: chain-driven balance shaft
variable exhaust valve timing
coil-on-plug Ignition
electronic throttle control
platinum tip spark plugs
Oil Life System
extended life coolant
structural cast aluminum oil pan
inadvertent restart protection


The picture / power chart is for the I-5 not the I-4.. but posted it because it shows the opposite hand side of the motor.

[GoinManta]

OK here is a question for you fabricators.

Do you think with this plastic intake there is a way to cut it in half like at a 45 degree and reset the intake to so instead of going up it can go to the right.

What I noticed was the lower part of the motor looked similar to the ECOTEC. Wondeirng if the ECOTEC Intake woudl fit the Vortec/Atlas motor.

The problem lies in the fact that intake raises the profile of the engine assembly to about 5" taller than the Opel motor, of that about 2-1/2" of it is the intake. So, if the intake could be reworked it would be less than 2" taller and need relatively little modification to the Kadett or Manta hood.

Again the pictures are of the I-5, not the I-4 they are what I could find.

[wrench459]

Todays intakes are more than likely made of plastic.
I've all way's shied away from them because of the lack of being able to easily improve the flow.
One case in point would be a 4.6L with PI heads. We had to remove the nice ported Alum. intake and replace it with a plastic unit to get the power up to the levels we wanted. So go figure
Another area where work needs to be done. Man I hate R&D on my nickle.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by wrench459 Todays intakes are more than likely made of plastic. I've all way's shied away from them because of the lack of being able to easily improve the flow. One case in point would be a 4.6L with PI heads. We had to remove the nice ported Alum. intake and replace it with a plastic unit to get the power up to the levels we wanted. So go figure Another area where work needs to be done. Man I hate R&D on my nickle.

I guess in this case, a slight power loss would be better than 5" tall hood bump. I am getting one off ebay to see if I can do anyting with it.. There is an epoxy I have used for plastic recently on some other projects and maybe be able to modify it.

Do you if anyone has had luck modifying the plastic intakes? In the case of the LK5.. it looks pretty basic like a big rectangle with the head connection on the bottom and a intake at the top.. so it should be easy to modify.. the question is the plastic if it would hold up to being cut and expoied back together.

OH.. and I found that the 2007 version is a 2.9L with close to 200 HP. Same intake though..

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by wrench459 Todays intakes are more than likely made of plastic. I've all way's shied away from them because of the lack of being able to easily improve the flow. One case in point would be a 4.6L with PI heads. We had to remove the nice ported Alum. intake and replace it with a plastic unit to get the power up to the levels we wanted. So go figure Another area where work needs to be done. Man I hate R&D on my nickle.

From what I understand the 96-97 4.6 Thunderbirds were faster than the 94-96 because of the plastic intakes though they are more prone to cracking and leaking.

[GoinManta]

Got an LK5

$1000 FOR COMPLETE TAKEOUT MOTOR WITH WIRING TO FIREWALL OR WHERE EVER IT UNBOLTS FROM, ALL ACCESSORIES, TRANNY ETC

Looking to put it in Bens Manta and take his 2.0L motor and put that in my Kadett.

Figured if I need to install a cowl induction hood, it would look better on the Manta

With a 185 HP / 175 ft/lbs the Manta should scream...

Let you all know how it goes.

[guyopel]

That intake manifold looks like a Quad 4 might fit your eng. HTH
Good luck with your project .
John

[Gumby]

What about metal impregnated into fiberglass? The metal forms the seal between the head and the manifold and the fiberglass forms the rest of the manifold... I don't know about cutting the original one up but you could certainly make a custom part.

[GoinManta]

For right now.. the Manta has a bit more hieght in the motor area.

So I will fit it in.. and then decide wiether to install a cowl induction scoop on it to claer it, or modify the intake. Rather not modify the intake (1 for cost, 2 for performance)..

A cowl induction hood will give it a Camaro SS Look and with 175 HP.. it will eb as fast as one.

[Aardvaark]

Charles. Maybe I'm missing it in the posts, but what tranny will you use?

[GoinManta]

The transmission that came in the Colorado (and in various forms about every GM product since 1999.. the 4L60E 4 speed automatic)

I may not be using my sons Manta.. as I have a line on a 73' Automatic Manta Rallye.. which would work a bit better.

But if that falls through I will use his car.

Figuring I will do a custom dash like I did on my 66 GTO using Aurora guages.

Overall I think this project will be super simple.. (as conversions go).

The only thing I may have to do is swap a differnt rearend in. Depending on the length of the 4L60. BUT it could be possible that an Manta driveshaft will work like it does on the S-10 tranny. Which would be sweet.

Charles

[GoinManta]

Speaking of the dash anyone have the name of the guy that makes the stainless steel inserts for the Manta dash cluster?

[GoinManta]

Trim this scoop down, and I think I have a winner.. no intake mods needed.

The proof will be once I get the motor installed how much room I really need.

BTW, if anyone is looking for a hood scoop, bump, etc.. etc..

A REALLY great website is: Rated: Best* Fit, Best Quality & Lowest Prices, Camaro Fiberglass, Mustang Fiberglass, Chevelle, Nova, Hood Scoops, 1955 Fenders

They have an unbelieveable amount of hood scoops, cowl induction sccops, etc.. to choose from.

[GoinManta]

Got the quote from Wiring/Computer guru

$550, and he will custom my harness and reprogram the computer.

All I will have to do, is plug up everything and wire up the fuse panel, fuel pump, fan.

[GoinManta]

Looking at Rims..

Has anyone gone 17" or 18" .. if so how wide did you get under your Manta? Find a TON of posts on GT fitment and such.

I can figure the fitment.. just curious how it would look and how wide someone has gotten without cutting the body.

I was thinking of going 17" w/ 225/35r17 Not sure it would fit though..

From what I can tell though seems the 16" 215/40r16 is about the largest everyoen seems to go with..

[ddoyle]

One thing to always keep in mind on doing engine swaps, try to find out lots of info on the donors. Here are a few things I have seen. The 5 cyl in the H3 with 30k on it with bad valves. Updated head, on backorder, no warrantee. The 5.9l dodges that crack the heads, national backorder. The ford vortec engines, change the plugs..watch out, The ecotech(size?) with the one piece t-stat and plastic housing that cracks. and many more. They sure have some great engines out there, but I cant believe the stupid stuff I see.

Dan

[dallasmanta]

Charles I have 17's on my manta. I will look up the sizes and send you a pm. These sizes are on the outer edge of what will not rub Ron

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by dallasmanta Charles I have 17's on my manta. I will look up the sizes and send you a pm. These sizes are on the outer edge of what will not rub Ron

Thanks.. From your gallery.. Looks like a 7" wide rim and most I find are 40mm and from the online calculator that looks like it would work.. so.. are these 17x7 +40 ?

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by ddoyle One thing to always keep in mind on doing engine swaps, try to find out lots of info on the donors. Here are a few things I have seen. The 5 cyl in the H3 with 30k on it with bad valves. Updated head, on backorder, no warrantee. The 5.9l dodges that crack the heads, national backorder. The ford vortec engines, change the plugs..watch out, The ecotech(size?) with the one piece t-stat and plastic housing that cracks. and many more. They sure have some great engines out there, but I cant believe the stupid stuff I see. Dan

From most websites I have gone too, the LK5 seems to be pretty solid, couldn't find any major recalls.. OR anyone complaining online about them.

One site mentioned replacing the Head / Head Gasket was a major pain, some special tools, etc.. It does seem the valves are a problem.. BUT it also seems part of the reason isn't necessarily an engine design flaw.. Seems the CAT gets clogged and then causes a valve burn. So if I don't put in the CATs.. then I shouldn't have a problem.

[dallasmanta]

charles, the wheels are TSW that have a 20MM offset they are 17x7. The Front tires are 205/40/R17 the backs are 215/40/R17.

I started with 215/40/17 all the way around and had to curl the fender lips back and trim the belly pan to allow for the wide tires to turn.

Six months later my daughter went off roading by accident and blew two tires late one evening. So I took this opportunity to go to the 205 in the front. The polly bushings and the low profile tires with Hi pressure KYB shocks made the ride very harsh. I just switched back to the stock rubber bushings and the Low pressure GR2 KYB shocks and love the ride much better. The 18 inch wheels just did not work on the Manta. Ron

[GoinManta]

I think I am going 15 or 16.. I can't find a 17 that has the style I want.

Finding a good number of 15s that are close and 16s as well..

I can't wait in less than 2 weeks I should have the Manta and the motor.. so I can start working on it.

This will be the first Manta project I plan on stripping down to the body.. that way I can do all the metal work and such right.

Also going to do some tricks to it as well..

[RallyBob]

Charles, I have a set of 16 x 7.5" TSW's with 205/45-16 tires that fit a Manta with no issues. I lost a tire two years ago to a pothole, so I will probably upgrade them to 215/40-16's to keep the diameter reasonable but get a bit more tire contact patch on the road.

[neuropel]

Originally Posted by RallyBob Charles, I have a set of 16 x 7.5" TSW's with 205/45-16 tires that fit a Manta with no issues. I lost a tire two years ago to a pothole, so I will probably upgrade them to 215/40-16's to keep the diameter reasonable but get a bit more tire contact patch on the road.

Do they fit a Manta with lowered suspension, or do they only fit the stock ride height? I have a set of 16"x7" rims that I wanted to use on a Manta but held off because the car has been lowered ~2".