Affordable cars for an LSx swap?
11-21-2012, 11:51 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Affordable cars for an LSx swap? Before you comment negatively let admit that I AM a newbie when it comes to cars and racing. When I have the money I plan on buying a used car (not sure what) and an LSx engine. I have 2 questions:
1. What is the difference between the LS engines (LS1, Ls2, etc.)
2. What are some decent looking cars that would not be too difficult to put an LS engine into? (note that it will be my first time)
I have looked into the Mazda Rx8 but read it wouldn't fit, on these forums.
I've also looked into the Mitsubishi Eclipse because I think it looks pretty sweet, but it is a FWD and there is no way I would be able to convert it to a RWD my first time.
Any comments are appreciated, and please nothing negative. I know I'm a noob
1. What is the difference between the LS engines (LS1, Ls2, etc.)
2. What are some decent looking cars that would not be too difficult to put an LS engine into? (note that it will be my first time)
I have looked into the Mazda Rx8 but read it wouldn't fit, on these forums.
I've also looked into the Mitsubishi Eclipse because I think it looks pretty sweet, but it is a FWD and there is no way I would be able to convert it to a RWD my first time.
Any comments are appreciated, and please nothing negative. I know I'm a noob
11-22-2012, 01:03 AM
#3
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
240Z. Awesome car with swap kits available.
LS1, LS2, LS3, etc are all basically the same engine in different displacements, power levels, etc. Think of 327/305/350 and it will make sense. Same architecture, different engines. Look for a truck engine to save some cash and still have an "LS" engine.
LS1, LS2, LS3, etc are all basically the same engine in different displacements, power levels, etc. Think of 327/305/350 and it will make sense. Same architecture, different engines. Look for a truck engine to save some cash and still have an "LS" engine.
11-22-2012, 08:49 AM
#6
Cheapest and easiest LS vehicle? A 2001 Camaro. Lots of people think they look OK and coming with the LS from the factory is about as easy as it gets.
Second to a factory car might be one of the old Datsuns. A place it Texas makes swap kits and claim it takes 20 hours to swap out the inline 6 for a fully functional LS motor. You would be better off with a 280z. They are a bit heavier, but that is because they are made much stronger than the 240's. They are way cheaper and easier to come by also. Compared to my 240 the 280's had a lot of very desirable refinements too.
One guy on here claimed a Dodge Dakota was by far the easiest LS swap vehicle ever.
Second to a factory car might be one of the old Datsuns. A place it Texas makes swap kits and claim it takes 20 hours to swap out the inline 6 for a fully functional LS motor. You would be better off with a 280z. They are a bit heavier, but that is because they are made much stronger than the 240's. They are way cheaper and easier to come by also. Compared to my 240 the 280's had a lot of very desirable refinements too.
One guy on here claimed a Dodge Dakota was by far the easiest LS swap vehicle ever.
Trending Topics
11-22-2012, 11:01 AM
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks guys, I appreciate it! A Trans Am is one of my dream cars, but I can't afford that right now.. I've considered buying a v6 Firebird and upgrading when possible though. Somebody on here said buy a truck engine since it's cheaper? Will any truck engine squeeze into a car?
11-22-2012, 11:44 AM
#9
TECH Resident
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The base engine is the same size. Intake, oil pan, and accessories are different, but can be swapped for car stuff if needed.
Check your local laws though. Some states don't allow truck engines in cars for some reason.
Check your local laws though. Some states don't allow truck engines in cars for some reason.
11-22-2012, 02:21 PM
#10
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cheapest cars to find:
For Drag racing:
Third Gen F bodies - long strut front, torque arm rear - they hook pretty well, typically can be had for next to nothing
Fox mustangs - a lot of 4 cyl cars, all 8.8 stuff bolts in, 4 link rear, hook extremely well, typically (until recently) pretty cheap
S10 - full frame, leaf rear, but caltracs make them hook super well. Only downfall is weak 7.5 rears, but 8.8 rears can be adapter fairly easy, cheap
Autocross/all around:
FC Rx7s - when the rotory craps out, they dump these pretty cheap. Weak rear ends unless its a turbo car then they are ok. pretty decent sized engine bay
240sx - plethora of aftermarket suspension support, R200 diffs are extremely strong, LSD units can be had cheap, however drift boys have caused the price of shells to go through the roof
Daily Driver:
Older C10s - easy to work on, came with sbc - so it's easy to adapt LSX engine.
G body cars - ride well, handle well when suspension is addressed, they hook due to 4 link rear end, downfall is all the 7.5in rears (can swap a Buick 10.5).
Toy:
Older vettes C4 body - these can be had cheap when people are tired of crossfire injection or tuned port craps on them. Chassis are pretty light, IRS suspension, handle awesome in stock form. No rust
Maybe that helps.
I build a G body malibu, my next ls powered car (and not because a lot are on the bandwagon) will be a fox mustang, or sn95 6 cyl car. I love the bare bones look. All go no show.
For Drag racing:
Third Gen F bodies - long strut front, torque arm rear - they hook pretty well, typically can be had for next to nothing
Fox mustangs - a lot of 4 cyl cars, all 8.8 stuff bolts in, 4 link rear, hook extremely well, typically (until recently) pretty cheap
S10 - full frame, leaf rear, but caltracs make them hook super well. Only downfall is weak 7.5 rears, but 8.8 rears can be adapter fairly easy, cheap
Autocross/all around:
FC Rx7s - when the rotory craps out, they dump these pretty cheap. Weak rear ends unless its a turbo car then they are ok. pretty decent sized engine bay
240sx - plethora of aftermarket suspension support, R200 diffs are extremely strong, LSD units can be had cheap, however drift boys have caused the price of shells to go through the roof
Daily Driver:
Older C10s - easy to work on, came with sbc - so it's easy to adapt LSX engine.
G body cars - ride well, handle well when suspension is addressed, they hook due to 4 link rear end, downfall is all the 7.5in rears (can swap a Buick 10.5).
Toy:
Older vettes C4 body - these can be had cheap when people are tired of crossfire injection or tuned port craps on them. Chassis are pretty light, IRS suspension, handle awesome in stock form. No rust
Maybe that helps.
I build a G body malibu, my next ls powered car (and not because a lot are on the bandwagon) will be a fox mustang, or sn95 6 cyl car. I love the bare bones look. All go no show.
11-22-2012, 05:26 PM
#14
ditto on the Mustang fox body cars.
2nd Gen F-bodies are *probably* easier to go cheap on a LSx swap than 3rd Gens (stronger factory rear end, cheaper "go fast" suspension parts, more space under the hood, lots of swappable parts with older muscle cars), though you may have difficulty finding one that is sufficiently rust-free. Don't get me wrong, both can be done relatively cheaply. Both can also cost you $$$. You have to plan your project right and learn from (expensive) mistakes made by others.
Other Cheapy LSx swap / hot rod candidates:
2nd Gen F-bodies are *probably* easier to go cheap on a LSx swap than 3rd Gens (stronger factory rear end, cheaper "go fast" suspension parts, more space under the hood, lots of swappable parts with older muscle cars), though you may have difficulty finding one that is sufficiently rust-free. Don't get me wrong, both can be done relatively cheaply. Both can also cost you $$$. You have to plan your project right and learn from (expensive) mistakes made by others.
Other Cheapy LSx swap / hot rod candidates:
- 80s/90s GM B-Body cars (Caprice, Roadmaster, etc)
- 70s/80s GM G-Body cars (Grand Prix, Cutlass, Regal, etc)
- 70s/80s GM A-Body cars (Chevelle/Malibu, LeMans, 70s Cutlass, etc)
- C4 Corvettes
- 98 and later 4th Gen F-bodies (Factory LSx)
- Mid 00's Isuzu Trooper V8 (Factory LSx)
- Buick Ranier V8 (Factory LSx)
- 00's Pontiac Grand Prix V8 (Factory LSx, FWD causes this one to be overlooked)
- 90's Lincoln Mark 8 (pull the relatively desirable Cobra engine and sell it to make up for the LSx you want)
- Chevy S10, any era.
- RWD Chevy Astro (not AWD)
- Chevy/GMC full sized pickups
11-23-2012, 08:54 PM
#16
Look at a Porsche 928....... 928's can be had for 1-2k
50/50 weight distribution, keep the factory transmission, ls1 bolts right onto the torque tube with an adapter plate.
Lots of Porsche 944 conversions out there too.
50/50 weight distribution, keep the factory transmission, ls1 bolts right onto the torque tube with an adapter plate.
Lots of Porsche 944 conversions out there too.
11-24-2012, 06:34 AM
#18
Luxury sedan - jaguar xj series. Motor mounts are as simple as f-body style pedestals and almost flat steel trans mount. F-body radiator and fans too. Plenty of roOm for front mount turbo. Nice early 90's can be bought for $3k range in larger higher income cities. Only slight radiator support cut necessary to clear radiator cap.
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3388290232.html
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3388290232.html
Last edited by aknovaman; 11-25-2012 at 08:03 PM.
11-24-2012, 11:45 PM
#19
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To whoever said you can't do an engine swap if you can't afford 4th gen:
When I said I wanted a Trans Am but couldn't afford I meant a new TA that still has perfect interior and under 5k miles. It wouldn't be hard to go out and buy a used one
When I said I wanted a Trans Am but couldn't afford I meant a new TA that still has perfect interior and under 5k miles. It wouldn't be hard to go out and buy a used one
11-25-2012, 04:28 PM
#20
Having been down this road (Still am), the easiest car to swap an LS engine into is obviously a 4th gen, But it is actually a 67-74 F-body.
To make the swap easier, the aftermarket must be supporting it. I'm a little bitter about the first gen camaros, but every part you would need is available from someone. You don't have to fab anything for these cars. They already have fuel injection tanks, motor mounts, harnesses, fuel lines, etc etc...
I have a 78 Camaro, and what a PIA this LS swap has been. I had to have a $1200 fuel tank custom made and still wasn't a direct bolt in (I'm still pissed off). Not so common swap vehicles make it difficult. Unless you have mad Fab skills.
To make the swap easier, the aftermarket must be supporting it. I'm a little bitter about the first gen camaros, but every part you would need is available from someone. You don't have to fab anything for these cars. They already have fuel injection tanks, motor mounts, harnesses, fuel lines, etc etc...
I have a 78 Camaro, and what a PIA this LS swap has been. I had to have a $1200 fuel tank custom made and still wasn't a direct bolt in (I'm still pissed off). Not so common swap vehicles make it difficult. Unless you have mad Fab skills.