The k-member went in like butta. Looks great and fit great. Engine mounts were a dream and the engine and trans seem to lined up great.

As expected the a/c does not hit the k-member but due to spacing around the connector I cannot see a way to hook it up short of either having a custom block made or cutting down the a/c mount to get it out of the way.

If I use an adapter like the #1601 on this link http://www.coldhose.com/cat/compressor-adapters-25.php it will run right into the a/c mount bolt head. If I use one like #1600 my hose will hit the engine mount. The stock block for the ls f-body comes out the side like 1601 but its turned away from the mount more so it just misses. There are also blank blocks that can be tapped and welded but I'd rather stay away from that.

Any other insight? I hadn't noticed anyone else using the spohn k-member and ls a/c, maybe I should have cut mine!

My current line of thought is to cut down the a/c mount so it takes a shorter bolt.

 

Hmm it seems that everyone using Spohn's K-member these days have no problem installing it, or the engine on it. I wonder if he changed his design? Any tie-rods issues?

 

If you do a search here for www.acsource.com you will get a thread that shows a 90 degree adapter that should help. If you scroll way down the thread, the picture shows up again, with a link!

 

I havent put the steering equipment back on yet, that will be this weekend (if everything goes well). I will let you know.

 

I have seen it, its basically the same I have listed here but neither of them fit the LS compressor. Docsblocks has the right one but still they will not fit as they will hit the A/c mount.

So I'm still planning to cut down the mount.
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http://www.docsblocks.com/proddetail.asp?prod=AA0443

This block matches my compressor so once I cut the mount I'll post how it turned out. docsblocks has some great stuff for great prices!

 

Thanks for docsblocks.

 

 

Well I got my docsbocks parts and the block looked very usable but I forgot something very important...I need to install the exhaust header still.

SO, the part looks good and I could make it fit...at least under the exhaust is put on. So here are the part numbers I got but don't get them unless your header to further away then the stock fbody manifold. Until I put the header on my plan was still to shave down the A/C mount so get the bolt out of the way...but thats the least of my worries now. I now plan to get a blank block and have a custom one made with one port facing down and the other facing up.

AA0443 - block for LS1 compressor
AC0358 - seals for AA0443
AA1083 - o-rings

 

I just talked to Steve at Spohn.

He said that the the A/C , Comprossor blocks and the A/C lines will clear the Spohn K-memeber if the LS1 was out of a F-body.

So midnit what car is the LS1 out of ? Is that why you have this issue.


He said the Stock LS1 manifolds will also clear the K-memeber.
He also said that he has not heard of any issues with the LS1 PS clearence.

What are you guys talking about maybe getting the Alt/PS aftermarket bracket ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Camar...1%7C240%3A1318

Steve said that the LS1 PS clears the Spohn K memeber. But he said that the Alt will hit the K-memebr brace mount. But you can order them without the mounts.

midnit,
Did u order the Spohn K-member with the brace mounts or without ?

Five7Kid,

I am guessing you were looking at the above bracket because you are using the stock 3rd gen K-memeber with the K-memeber brace on it and you dont want to cut the brace mount off?

So I guess this bracket would be handy, if I wanted to Order the Spohn K-member with the brace mounts and brace ?


I was just abt to place the order until I saw this thread.

 

When Steve said "out of an f-body" he was only referring to the accessories, not the engine itself. I am using the f-body accessories. The A/C does clear the k-member, the factory f-body A/C lines do not clear MY spohn k-member. Perhaps their intent was for it to but mine does not. I would have to shift the engine forward about 1/2" for it to fit and thats not possible without redrilling the LSx mount holes. So, until I find another reason to drill the mounts I will let sleeping dogs lie. I will be verifying tonight whether the engine needs to move.

I ordered my k-member without the brace mounts. As far as I know the mount doesn't hit the alt, its the brace (if installed) that hits it. So you could order it with the mounts but just don't install the brace.

 

Here is a picture of the LS1 A/C comprossor, block and lines. This picture is with it still on the Stock LS1 K-member.



So I dont know if this will as it sits will clear the Spohn K-member.

People who has used a Spohn K-member in a 3rd gen running a Fbody LS1 AC compressor please chime in

 

Any updates on the steering stuff clearance?

 

Not yet. I've been slammed at work but I am going to do it this weekend. I'll post my results...hope it goes well!

 

The 4th gen lines will clear at least the older design Spohn. Enough room to bolt it on and off in the car as well. I don't have AC on mine yet, but I have installed the lines to mark them where they will need to merge with the 3rd gen lines.

Kevin D.

 

Does anybody have this problem using a LS2 out of a GTO? Any clearance issues i should know about so my blood pressure won't skyrocket.

 

Well I hooked up my steering components tonight and I'm not too happy with what I found.

1. On the drivers side with the a-arm at full drop the tie rod head and shaft hit the k-member. (picture 1)

2. On the passengers side the idler arm comes within a quater of an inch from the a/c clutch and the bolt from the link is 1/16 of an inch from hitting the a/c compressor. (picture 2)

So now I'm pissed. If I raise the passenger side motor mount 1/4" it solves all my passenger side issues but does nothing for the driver side. I do not know what brand of steering components I have as I bought them used from a board member...but they are MUCH thicker then factory and it appears if I go back to factory size parts that may also solve my steering problems. Yippee, another re-buy.

Any idea how much clearance you need from the engine? As in, the engine vibrates and moves a little, the frame twists, the steering warps...whats the minimum safe distance to position things from the engine? I got the link bolt to 1/8" from the a/c compressor...that stoo close isn't it?

I am regretting not just notching my k-member. I thought I would go with the tubular to get more options on my exhaust but thats not looking good either.

 

Man that sucks. I had doubt this would happen sadly. Spohn's design is really flawed. I just dont understand why he doesnt change or modify his jig. wtf?!