$10k spending limit LT1 to LS swap, NEED SUGGESTIONS. What would you do
12-23-2012, 05:48 AM
#1
$10k spending limit LT1 to LS swap, NEED SUGGESTIONS. What would you do So I finally have bills paid. I have a 96 LT1 Z-28 with T-56. I'm ready to swap to a LS motor. I've been researching for weeks now on what build I'd like to do so I can start parting things together but this researching is getting no where. All I know are LT motors. I've read about many builds like LQ9 with L92 heads, LY6 with L92 heads, stroked LS6's, all kinds of stuff. I'm obviously dedicated because here I am at 4:37 AM still researching since 5PM, and also bought two LS build books.
The only hard info I've gathered is I might want something with a 4.000" bore or larger because I'll have more head options. Also I probably dont want anything with more than a 4.00" stroke because I plan to use nitrous.
So heres my goals. I'd like to have around 500hp at the wheels give or take and a 200 shot of nitrous. This is not a daily driver. I do not care about drivablility or fuel economy. I've already deleted AC, heat, power steering, cruise, all emissions, front sway bar, interior, rear seat, gutted the dash, ect. Already deleted ABS and installed line lock. Like I said I dont care about all that. This build is purely for kicking mustang as*******. My wife is not just ok with me spending the money but wants to help and be a part of it every step of the way.
So pretend you have a LT1 with 10k to blow on just the motor part. I have another 5k put away for finishing suspension and rear end so just engine ideas. What would you do to get the most bang for your buck with 10k, ready, go...
The only hard info I've gathered is I might want something with a 4.000" bore or larger because I'll have more head options. Also I probably dont want anything with more than a 4.00" stroke because I plan to use nitrous.
So heres my goals. I'd like to have around 500hp at the wheels give or take and a 200 shot of nitrous. This is not a daily driver. I do not care about drivablility or fuel economy. I've already deleted AC, heat, power steering, cruise, all emissions, front sway bar, interior, rear seat, gutted the dash, ect. Already deleted ABS and installed line lock. Like I said I dont care about all that. This build is purely for kicking mustang as*******. My wife is not just ok with me spending the money but wants to help and be a part of it every step of the way.
So pretend you have a LT1 with 10k to blow on just the motor part. I have another 5k put away for finishing suspension and rear end so just engine ideas. What would you do to get the most bang for your buck with 10k, ready, go...
Last edited by Jc803; 12-23-2012 at 05:54 AM.
12-23-2012, 06:06 AM
#4
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I'd think an LQ9 with some AFRs and healthy cam should get you to your goal, perhaps even a bit past it.
(Don't forget all the ancillaries like long tubes, rockers, fuel rails, injectors, etc etc.
Similar to this: https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...230-heads.html
That's an LQ9 with AFR 230s, Fast Truck 102 and a decent cam 230s.
Note that dyno was on 33in tires too. I'd think a slightly bigger cam since its in a LOT lighter vehicle, with a manual trans, etc should be at if not exceed 500 RWHP.
Are you going to adapt the T56 from the LT1 (I don't even know if that is possible..) or just sell yours and buy a LS T56? Don't forget the clutch is different so you'll have to account fro that.
(Don't forget all the ancillaries like long tubes, rockers, fuel rails, injectors, etc etc.
Similar to this: https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...230-heads.html
That's an LQ9 with AFR 230s, Fast Truck 102 and a decent cam 230s.
Note that dyno was on 33in tires too. I'd think a slightly bigger cam since its in a LOT lighter vehicle, with a manual trans, etc should be at if not exceed 500 RWHP.
Are you going to adapt the T56 from the LT1 (I don't even know if that is possible..) or just sell yours and buy a LS T56? Don't forget the clutch is different so you'll have to account fro that.
12-23-2012, 06:24 AM
#5
Bobs99ss, Ive seen a lot of bad *** turbo builds, but I'm not really a fan of turbo or SC. Im not ruling it out completely, its just I'd like to tune it myself and I only have experience with NA so nitrous sounds like something easy and cheap. Also I've read about changing my fuel system using a 00 c5 fuel filter/pressure regulator and it sounds like a PITA by itself, then figuring out how to make the pressure vary with boost is beyond me.
Thanks screaminz847, I'll check out the link. And for the T-56 to convert you need to change bell housing, input shaft, dust cover, and clutch assembly. I'll have to send the trans out to change the input shaft because thats also beyond me.
I've been ready a lot about LQ9 swaps but a common problem I see is valve to piston clearance. At least with the L92/LS3 heads. I'll read the thread and I'm sure that will answer my question.
Thanks screaminz847, I'll check out the link. And for the T-56 to convert you need to change bell housing, input shaft, dust cover, and clutch assembly. I'll have to send the trans out to change the input shaft because thats also beyond me.
I've been ready a lot about LQ9 swaps but a common problem I see is valve to piston clearance. At least with the L92/LS3 heads. I'll read the thread and I'm sure that will answer my question.
12-23-2012, 06:40 AM
#6
Thats a great thread. Thanks for the info. It seems like thats a very popular swap.
Edit: I take it back Bobs99SS, those motors look like perfect candidates for a turbo build. I'm liking it. I'll have to do more research on both, especially the fueling part. I guess I've been so against turbo builds because theres no "kits" for LT1's. Manifolds and everything are fabricated. But tuning in speed density isnt so bad.
Edit: I take it back Bobs99SS, those motors look like perfect candidates for a turbo build. I'm liking it. I'll have to do more research on both, especially the fueling part. I guess I've been so against turbo builds because theres no "kits" for LT1's. Manifolds and everything are fabricated. But tuning in speed density isnt so bad.
Last edited by Jc803; 12-23-2012 at 06:53 AM.
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12-23-2012, 08:34 AM
#8
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Being i had both LT1 and LS1 camaro's i've grown to love the LT1 body more and was actually going to go down this same road that you are going until my buddy offerd me his car for a price i couldn't pass up.
My vote is TSP H/C/I 408ci with a 200 shot
Good luck and keep us posted
12-23-2012, 03:02 PM
#11
Thanks for the info guys. I like all kinds of opinions so I can look into all kinds of combos.
I just checked out Texas Speed. Did some research and they sound legit. Best part is they are only 300 miles from where I live so going down to speak to them and check everything out in person is in order.
Also I slept on it and a turbo LQ4 build doesnt sound that bad either. Anyone know what kind of power guys are making with this? Along with what internals, stock to built.
I just checked out Texas Speed. Did some research and they sound legit. Best part is they are only 300 miles from where I live so going down to speak to them and check everything out in person is in order.
Also I slept on it and a turbo LQ4 build doesnt sound that bad either. Anyone know what kind of power guys are making with this? Along with what internals, stock to built.
12-23-2012, 04:27 PM
#12
So I just read about the Fast LSXR intake manifold. Quite pricey but well worth it. And in the LS book I have it also mentions it has built in bungs for nitrous nozzles. Along with a 14hp and 11tq increase on a stock LS3, I'm sold.
Whats the best throttle body to use with this?
Also its for the LS3/L92 heads. Not only that but like I said everyone seems to want those so I'm sold on that also.
So that just leaves the biggest question, what block to use with the LS3/L92 heads and Fast 102mm intake. I of course plan on having the heads milled and ported to fit the application. Any suggestions? Obviously has to be at least a 4.000" bore to fit the heads.
One more question. What reluctor do I want, 24 or 58? Im assuming I have to get a gen IV computer with the 58x and a gen III computer if theres a 24x. Anything else I have to get? Different wiring harness?
Whats the best throttle body to use with this?
Also its for the LS3/L92 heads. Not only that but like I said everyone seems to want those so I'm sold on that also.
So that just leaves the biggest question, what block to use with the LS3/L92 heads and Fast 102mm intake. I of course plan on having the heads milled and ported to fit the application. Any suggestions? Obviously has to be at least a 4.000" bore to fit the heads.
One more question. What reluctor do I want, 24 or 58? Im assuming I have to get a gen IV computer with the 58x and a gen III computer if theres a 24x. Anything else I have to get? Different wiring harness?
12-23-2012, 04:58 PM
#14
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I have a modded LQ4 in my 1994 Camaro, formerly a V6 car. Engine is stock 2002 short block. Current mods, LS1 hotcam, LS1 intake, 43lb/hr injectors, LT headers, ported stock heads; should be expecting 480 crank HP. Engine was put together with turbo in mind, typically 700-800 whp is seen with the right sized turbo and other components.
12-23-2012, 05:03 PM
#15
what ECM will you be using ?before a certain year it will all be 24 tooth relucter wheel .the ls3 block will have a bigger bore then the ls2 block,which works better with the bigger valves of the ls3 heads.try to get a wiring harness from a wrecked 99-02 f-body.
12-23-2012, 05:14 PM
#16
Thanks ProkillSS
Accrdwgnguy, is that 700-800hp on a turbo stock LQ4? I'm becoming more and more interested in this turbo LQ4 swap.
garygnu, I dont know what ECM I'll be using yet. I still have questions like, does any LS computer run both motors with 24x or 58x reluctor? Or is it different computers for both? Also about the wiring harness, is it the same harness for both? Is it the same harness for all LS based motors?
I do like the motors on Texas Speed, its always an option, but I'd like to build something myself, plus that will save even more money for other stuff. If I buy a dropout motor off ebay most comes with the harness and ECM.
Accrdwgnguy, is that 700-800hp on a turbo stock LQ4? I'm becoming more and more interested in this turbo LQ4 swap.
garygnu, I dont know what ECM I'll be using yet. I still have questions like, does any LS computer run both motors with 24x or 58x reluctor? Or is it different computers for both? Also about the wiring harness, is it the same harness for both? Is it the same harness for all LS based motors?
I do like the motors on Texas Speed, its always an option, but I'd like to build something myself, plus that will save even more money for other stuff. If I buy a dropout motor off ebay most comes with the harness and ECM.
12-23-2012, 06:03 PM
#18
Boost is the way to go,ya can even get a killer 5.3 forged block for like 2400ish,there was a thread on here not to long ago a sponser was selling,boost is just so much fun,its alot easier to make big power than staying na,i love na builds but compared to a cheap turbo setup ya can make some big power with out spending a ton for a motor,also look into huron speed kits,also on3 started making turbo kits for f bodys
12-23-2012, 06:19 PM
#20
Ok so I'm pretty much sold on a turbo build, after looking around plus what you guys say.
Price aside, which would be better for a build, the LQ4 or 5.3L? Naturally I'm thinking LQ4 because of the larger displacement and can use heads for 4.000 bore. Which also means I can use the fast 102mm intake.
Thats brings me to the next question. Whichever motor you think would be the better build, what heads and intake would you use. Assuming I go with LQ4, is L92 heads and fast 102mm intake a good plan or is there something better? If the 5.3 motor is a better build then what heads and intake?
And either way I'm assuming even if I leave the motor stock, ARP rod, main, and head bolts are important.
Price aside, which would be better for a build, the LQ4 or 5.3L? Naturally I'm thinking LQ4 because of the larger displacement and can use heads for 4.000 bore. Which also means I can use the fast 102mm intake.
Thats brings me to the next question. Whichever motor you think would be the better build, what heads and intake would you use. Assuming I go with LQ4, is L92 heads and fast 102mm intake a good plan or is there something better? If the 5.3 motor is a better build then what heads and intake?
And either way I'm assuming even if I leave the motor stock, ARP rod, main, and head bolts are important.