Twin-Turbo LS Widebody DeLorean Build by Salvage to Savage
LS-swapped DeLorean DMC12 is the time traveler we’ve been waiting for.
When it comes to LS swaps, most of us know the variables. However, if you want your shop to be recognized around the world, let’s take a look at the start of an amazing build. Inspired by the wild IMSA cars of the ’80s, lead fabricator Tim Moceri of Salvage-to-Salvage on YouTube is seeking to combine carbon fiber and stainless to build a retro-inspired widebody.
The DMC-12 arrived in 1981, powered by a 130-hp Peugeot/Renault/Volvo V6. It was underpowered by any measure, and unreliable at best. An LS swap seems like a no-brainer until you realize how exotic these cars are. “I’ve been waiting 35 years for this,” said Moceri.
Every DeLorean rides on a tube-steel backbone chassis engineered by Lotus. By using a steel backbone down the center console, the DeLorean is stiff & confident in the corners while being decent on the street. In a bit of irony, the team working on the C4 corvette suspension worked with Lotus until GM’s bean counters pulled the plug. The Corvette wouldn’t get a true backbone until the C5.
Custom Suspension, Transmission
Sure, it would be easier to use LS4 suspension out back, but that would be worse than any W-body you have ever driven. Transverse powertrains can’t handle this level of power, so the team decided to mount the block North/South and use a Porsche transmission.
It is a six-speed box with a LOW 3.82 first gear and a 3.44 differential. Porsche uses a granny-low because their power is made at high RPM. Looking downstairs at my old CTS-V, I would need 4.10’s to have the same mechanical advantage. Considering the car’s original curb weight of 2,743 pounds, this car is going launch very hard!
Extreme DeLorean Makeover
Are you noticing a trend here? Every aspect of this build could be done easier, but Moceri is undoubtedly driven by the details. By building their own intercoolers, headers, Salvage to Savage sets themselves apart from every lesser shop. In all honesty, the amount of fabrication this car will see is nothing short of a Riddler award.
Better Airflow, Better IATs
Mounting the IC bricks through the inner quarter-panels presents a fun opportunity. The widebody kit will change the air pressure in the engine bay. Since they are building a unique lower diffuser, managing the airflow behind the cockpit will produce impressive temperature drops across the intercoolers.
When this car was new, 65 percent of its weight was on the rear tires. If you have ever driven a classic 911, you know how precarious this can be in the corners.
With modern coilovers it will be easy to corner-weight this beast, so stay with us as this beast evolves.
Photos: Salvage to Savage