what car for ls1 swap
09-27-2008, 02:40 AM
#1
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what car for ls1 swap I'm planning to to do LS1 swap but I don't know what car will be gr8 for that
C4 ? Foxbody ? Iroc ?
I think the c4 is lighter than the others right !!
anyone have swap pics of those cars ?
C4 ? Foxbody ? Iroc ?
I think the c4 is lighter than the others right !!
anyone have swap pics of those cars ?
09-27-2008, 10:13 AM
#5
Here's a quick list in no particular order.
Nissan 240sx
Mazda Miata
Mazda RX7
Older Camaros
Older Vettes
Most vintage GM Products
Porsche 944
Fox Body
I'm sure there are others, but those seem to be the common ones by reading along in this forum. You can also consider trucks. Each car presents its own set of problems, so just pick a rwd car that you like the looks of, and do a search here.
How about a mid 80's ferrari?
Nissan 240sx
Mazda Miata
Mazda RX7
Older Camaros
Older Vettes
Most vintage GM Products
Porsche 944
Fox Body
I'm sure there are others, but those seem to be the common ones by reading along in this forum. You can also consider trucks. Each car presents its own set of problems, so just pick a rwd car that you like the looks of, and do a search here.
How about a mid 80's ferrari?
09-27-2008, 10:26 AM
#7
Well, what kind'a car do you want to build. There is no best!!
Like the classic early Ford hot rods (and have big bucks)? Buy a Brookville steel '32 roadster and a rolling chassis. You'll have $ 20K (min.) in this before you buy the engine tranny. Car won' t handle (yeah, I know who Max Balchowsky was) but it will be a k-i-l-l-e-r block to block. You'll also drive something that screams Hot Rod/fast car!
Miata or RX-7, less money for the basic car -- but you'll have to replace /modify everything (radiator, brakes, suspension, rearend, etc.,etc.).
These will still handle, the roll-up windows do keep out the rain and the A/C does keep you cool in summer. They're also "sleepers".
Want ultra light -- look at one of the Lotus 7 (Craterham 7, etc). derived kit cars. I understand that the LSx engines are "too much engine" for these chassis ( is that really possible??). They handle (like a go cart) and probably ride like them too. Same lack of weather protection and ineffective A/C as '32 roadster.
Low buck chassis -- '90's Mudstain, S-10 or Blazer, etc,etc. I am not knocking these vehicles!! However, engine, tranny, brake and suspension mods will still cost approximately the same as the first three listed.
You pay your nickle and you take your choice!
Might as well build what trips your trigger (it'll always be the early Fords for me).
Like the classic early Ford hot rods (and have big bucks)? Buy a Brookville steel '32 roadster and a rolling chassis. You'll have $ 20K (min.) in this before you buy the engine tranny. Car won' t handle (yeah, I know who Max Balchowsky was) but it will be a k-i-l-l-e-r block to block. You'll also drive something that screams Hot Rod/fast car!
Miata or RX-7, less money for the basic car -- but you'll have to replace /modify everything (radiator, brakes, suspension, rearend, etc.,etc.).
These will still handle, the roll-up windows do keep out the rain and the A/C does keep you cool in summer. They're also "sleepers".
Want ultra light -- look at one of the Lotus 7 (Craterham 7, etc). derived kit cars. I understand that the LSx engines are "too much engine" for these chassis ( is that really possible??). They handle (like a go cart) and probably ride like them too. Same lack of weather protection and ineffective A/C as '32 roadster.
Low buck chassis -- '90's Mudstain, S-10 or Blazer, etc,etc. I am not knocking these vehicles!! However, engine, tranny, brake and suspension mods will still cost approximately the same as the first three listed.
You pay your nickle and you take your choice!
Might as well build what trips your trigger (it'll always be the early Fords for me).
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09-27-2008, 02:05 PM
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I really like that GTM? that wait4me is building. 
If there wasn't so much involved in getting the body panels to look good like he says, I would look into one of those.
There is another kit car like that too I saw on Speed Channel once. I don't think there is anyway I'm going to remember what it was though. WAIT, just found it.
http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/canam/
Looks like it would be fun.
I am going to finish up my Cavalier swap when I finish my Impala though. That should be fun.
If there wasn't so much involved in getting the body panels to look good like he says, I would look into one of those. There is another kit car like that too I saw on Speed Channel once. I don't think there is anyway I'm going to remember what it was though. WAIT, just found it.
http://www.ultimasports.co.uk/canam/
Looks like it would be fun.
I am going to finish up my Cavalier swap when I finish my Impala though. That should be fun.
09-27-2008, 02:28 PM
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I havent really let the car out of the bag yet but...
I am putting a h/c/i ls1 in to a 1960 austin healey 3000. It will have complete after market suspension front and rear, I will be running at the least a 315 tire
more than likely will be in the 325-335 size though. Going to shoot for a street friendly 425-450 rwhp and should weigh 2200lbs or so.
I havent got very far yet, the car was in storage for 22 years. I have it completely stripped and about 75% sand blasted. Hoping to get a lot of progress done when the cooler months get here as I love being in the garage when its cold.
I am putting a h/c/i ls1 in to a 1960 austin healey 3000. It will have complete after market suspension front and rear, I will be running at the least a 315 tire
more than likely will be in the 325-335 size though. Going to shoot for a street friendly 425-450 rwhp and should weigh 2200lbs or so.
I havent got very far yet, the car was in storage for 22 years. I have it completely stripped and about 75% sand blasted. Hoping to get a lot of progress done when the cooler months get here as I love being in the garage when its cold.
09-27-2008, 05:30 PM
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Thanks for your suggestions..but the problem is I don't have much choices here...rare to find a miata or rx7...second..I love to hear the sound of a V8 on a v8 car...
I have to choose between foxbody's,corvettes and camaros...we have lot of them here...
I have to choose between foxbody's,corvettes and camaros...we have lot of them here...
09-28-2008, 12:09 PM
#12
Don't arc weld on A-Healey Frame rails Silver86 -- way back in the day (mid '70's) -- did a 289 Ford to A-H 100 ( roadster predecessor to roll-up window A-H 3000 series convertibles). Think I paid $ 250.00 and towed it away from a used car lot (had a busted tranny).
At that time, we were warned (by the dealership) not to arc weld to the frame rails. AIR, the rails are formed from two rather thin sheet metal 'C' sections (resistance?) welded to form a square. There was a prominent weld seam along the top and bottom of each rail.
We were advised to gas weld to the rails (think that info's in the factory repair manuals) as arc welding would promote cracking at/ near the weld.
Didn't know whether you had ever heard the above. All my swap brackets clamped around the rails; so obviously I had no cracking problem.
Hope we'll see some picts of your car. Still think these A-H's are among the most graceful of all the '60's sports car designs.
At that time, we were warned (by the dealership) not to arc weld to the frame rails. AIR, the rails are formed from two rather thin sheet metal 'C' sections (resistance?) welded to form a square. There was a prominent weld seam along the top and bottom of each rail.
We were advised to gas weld to the rails (think that info's in the factory repair manuals) as arc welding would promote cracking at/ near the weld.
Didn't know whether you had ever heard the above. All my swap brackets clamped around the rails; so obviously I had no cracking problem.
Hope we'll see some picts of your car. Still think these A-H's are among the most graceful of all the '60's sports car designs.
09-28-2008, 02:27 PM
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I vote for the rx7 FD as well. Incredible handling and insane acceleration. Imagine 2800# and 500rwhp! You don't have to change brakes with this swap as stated earlier. Check out hinsonsupercars.com they have a package with everything you need for the swap. It's not that difficult of a swap
09-28-2008, 09:23 PM
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He had an issue with his subframe cracking i think. He has since fixed it and i think it is good to go. I am not having him do the swap though. I don't know about price i was just giving a reference.
