Swapping a LSx into a CTS with a v6; has it been done?
05-11-2012, 06:26 PM
#1
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Swapping a LSx into a CTS with a v6; has it been done? I am throwing around the idea of picking up a CTS on the cheap and putting a T-56, L/Q4/Q9/M7/33, etc. in it. Given that most GM vehicles are a breeze to swap things in--especially due to the similarities the platforms have, I am hoping the CTS is similar.
Unfortunately, unlike a good majority of GM's vehicles, I'm not seeing any real build threads or similar where somebody has tried it.
Can it be done (within reason), or would I be wasting my time?
Unfortunately, unlike a good majority of GM's vehicles, I'm not seeing any real build threads or similar where somebody has tried it.
Can it be done (within reason), or would I be wasting my time?
05-11-2012, 06:50 PM
#2
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The following is my opinion...
For the amount of time it'll take for a swap, you'd be much better off starting at a V. Better base suspension, all wiring, harnesses, all accessories will most likely directly bolt to another LS.
An LQ4 swap, which stock makes 300hp?
Unless this was some full on race build, where all you'd really keep in the end is the frame... I don't see this being worth the time. You can recoup money by selling an LS6 or LS2, etc... You won't be recouping much with those V6s.
If you were talking built LS7 or something crazy, then I could even semi-see why you'd go that route, but even then... I'd say the V would be better to start at.
For the amount of time it'll take for a swap, you'd be much better off starting at a V. Better base suspension, all wiring, harnesses, all accessories will most likely directly bolt to another LS.
An LQ4 swap, which stock makes 300hp?
Unless this was some full on race build, where all you'd really keep in the end is the frame... I don't see this being worth the time. You can recoup money by selling an LS6 or LS2, etc... You won't be recouping much with those V6s.
If you were talking built LS7 or something crazy, then I could even semi-see why you'd go that route, but even then... I'd say the V would be better to start at.
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05-11-2012, 08:52 PM
#5
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The following is my opinion...
For the amount of time it'll take for a swap, you'd be much better off starting at a V. Better base suspension, all wiring, harnesses, all accessories will most likely directly bolt to another LS.
An LQ4 swap, which stock makes 300hp?
Unless this was some full on race build, where all you'd really keep in the end is the frame... I don't see this being worth the time. You can recoup money by selling an LS6 or LS2, etc... You won't be recouping much with those V6s.
If you were talking built LS7 or something crazy, then I could even semi-see why you'd go that route, but even then... I'd say the V would be better to start at.
For the amount of time it'll take for a swap, you'd be much better off starting at a V. Better base suspension, all wiring, harnesses, all accessories will most likely directly bolt to another LS.
An LQ4 swap, which stock makes 300hp?
Unless this was some full on race build, where all you'd really keep in the end is the frame... I don't see this being worth the time. You can recoup money by selling an LS6 or LS2, etc... You won't be recouping much with those V6s.
If you were talking built LS7 or something crazy, then I could even semi-see why you'd go that route, but even then... I'd say the V would be better to start at.
And yes to this also...there is a pristine 2004 CTS-V on CL with a blown motor in my area...guys asking $12k but i'm sure you can get it for cheaper. With the amount of kids buying these things with no money to fix a blown motor, you should see these things popping up more often. Nothing is the same between the V and a regular CTS...cross-member, suspension, brakes, pedals, electrical...its just not worth it.
05-12-2012, 10:15 PM
#7
If he is dropping a motor and trans into a car why start with a V? a base v6 cts can be had for nothing and the motor pulled easily. Find an engine and engine harness along with the t56 and prob do it all for a fraction of what a high mileage V1 would cost.
the extra money saved could be used to replace the rear and enjoy it
the extra money saved could be used to replace the rear and enjoy it
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05-12-2012, 10:48 PM
#8
If he is dropping a motor and trans into a car why start with a V? a base v6 cts can be had for nothing and the motor pulled easily. Find an engine and engine harness along with the t56 and prob do it all for a fraction of what a high mileage V1 would cost.
the extra money saved could be used to replace the rear and enjoy it
the extra money saved could be used to replace the rear and enjoy it
05-12-2012, 11:00 PM
#10
05-13-2012, 12:12 AM
#12
ive helped people drop them into 240's.....
We could try to be helpful to this guy so he can decide to do this or not. We could prob learn something from it.
I think you would need the following:
1) Engine and trans
2) engine harness
3) maybe from cradle from a junk yard for a cts-v
4) maybe a different radiator and many hoses and etc minor things.
You might have to be ok with various things not working in the vehicle cluster, and most you check engine lights can be turned off with hp tuners.
I honestly have never under the hood of a base cts. I would also get the most absurd motor you can afford. ls3/ls7 with a cam would make this well worth it. Maybye even a ls6 could be fine if you are willing to be ok with having to tinker a bit to make it work cleanly.
We could try to be helpful to this guy so he can decide to do this or not. We could prob learn something from it.
I think you would need the following:
1) Engine and trans
2) engine harness
3) maybe from cradle from a junk yard for a cts-v
4) maybe a different radiator and many hoses and etc minor things.
You might have to be ok with various things not working in the vehicle cluster, and most you check engine lights can be turned off with hp tuners.
I honestly have never under the hood of a base cts. I would also get the most absurd motor you can afford. ls3/ls7 with a cam would make this well worth it. Maybye even a ls6 could be fine if you are willing to be ok with having to tinker a bit to make it work cleanly.
05-13-2012, 07:57 AM
#13
The point is that he wants to rop a V engine into a Non-V CTS and we are all saying that it would probably be cheaper and less of a pain to JUST buy V.
WE are not saying that it cannot be done at all, but again.......why?
If he is going purely drag, then my formula would be best.
IF he is looking for a cheap V, then look for that.
PLUS the CTS diff is WAY more fragile than the V version and I think this is the #1 reason not to do it.
WE are not saying that it cannot be done at all, but again.......why?
If he is going purely drag, then my formula would be best.
IF he is looking for a cheap V, then look for that.
PLUS the CTS diff is WAY more fragile than the V version and I think this is the #1 reason not to do it.
05-13-2012, 11:55 AM
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ive helped people drop them into 240's.....
We could try to be helpful to this guy so he can decide to do this or not. We could prob learn something from it.
I think you would need the following:
1) Engine and trans
2) engine harness
3) maybe from cradle from a junk yard for a cts-v
4) maybe a different radiator and many hoses and etc minor things.
You might have to be ok with various things not working in the vehicle cluster, and most you check engine lights can be turned off with hp tuners.
I honestly have never under the hood of a base cts. I would also get the most absurd motor you can afford. ls3/ls7 with a cam would make this well worth it. Maybye even a ls6 could be fine if you are willing to be ok with having to tinker a bit to make it work cleanly.
We could try to be helpful to this guy so he can decide to do this or not. We could prob learn something from it.
I think you would need the following:
1) Engine and trans
2) engine harness
3) maybe from cradle from a junk yard for a cts-v
4) maybe a different radiator and many hoses and etc minor things.
You might have to be ok with various things not working in the vehicle cluster, and most you check engine lights can be turned off with hp tuners.
I honestly have never under the hood of a base cts. I would also get the most absurd motor you can afford. ls3/ls7 with a cam would make this well worth it. Maybye even a ls6 could be fine if you are willing to be ok with having to tinker a bit to make it work cleanly.
engine supports are different, if you get an auto which you most likely will since manuals are only 5% of them, you would have to rip that shifter out as well and do something magical to the interior center console, radiators are dif you are right. Rear dif is different... not getting into the suspension or brakes but that has nothing to do with the swap.
PS I have a mostly stripped cts base sitting around if you need some sort of pics for assistance I got them. Oh and the guy that sold me the base prior to me stripping it said he bought it to attempt what you are trying to do but changed his mind. Granted the dude owns a towing company and a hydraulic lift in his garage, as well as a 10sec truck. For him to back out tells me there is a bit more involved here than we think
05-13-2012, 12:33 PM
#16
Some people do a project just to prove that it can be done.
Why someone would want to make a CTS into a V (besides the body molding and clips) sounds kinda pointless considering used ones are around of both types (v1 & v2).
The OP asked if anyone had done it yet.
Sounds like someone tried and gave up.
If you want to drop a big rat motor V8 into a car, I suggest starting with a car a V8 came out of.
If you want a long term project, you picked one.
Why someone would want to make a CTS into a V (besides the body molding and clips) sounds kinda pointless considering used ones are around of both types (v1 & v2).
The OP asked if anyone had done it yet.
Sounds like someone tried and gave up.
If you want to drop a big rat motor V8 into a car, I suggest starting with a car a V8 came out of.
If you want a long term project, you picked one.
05-13-2012, 12:59 PM
#17
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The OP would also need the V front fascia. The standard CTS fascia won't allow enough airflow for cooling. If you compare the 2, the V is opened up a lot more. Unfortunately this is another factor where starting with a V makes more sense.
05-13-2012, 01:48 PM
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This is not even worth discussing. Turning a cts into a V would require electrical (wiring harness), complete drivetrain (motor, trans, rear), suspension, complete interior as well as exterior (facias, side skirts), paint to make it all match and look good, etc. Not worth the time or money spent doing it.
However, if someone wants to waste their time doing it to "prove it can be done", knock yourself out and enjoy paying way more for a fake V than you would pay just buying a real one to begin with.
If price is an issue, I would find a CLEAR TITLE V with super high miles. A running and driving high mile V can be had for $12k or less if u look hard enough. Even a V with a blown motor would be much more worth while than a cts to cts-v conversion.
However, if someone wants to waste their time doing it to "prove it can be done", knock yourself out and enjoy paying way more for a fake V than you would pay just buying a real one to begin with.
If price is an issue, I would find a CLEAR TITLE V with super high miles. A running and driving high mile V can be had for $12k or less if u look hard enough. Even a V with a blown motor would be much more worth while than a cts to cts-v conversion.
05-13-2012, 02:17 PM
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Is it doable? Yes is it worth it, no. Save your time and money and get a v. Or get a s14 and swap in a ls2. Me and a buddy did that on a s13 and it was ls2 with auto transmission from a gto. Rolling off the line he runs 11.1 so if you want a scary fast car that's the way to go. Especially if you go fi
05-13-2012, 03:09 PM
#20
The OP never mentioned anything about making a cts into a V. just dropping a v8 into a cts chassis. nothing about him wanting to make a fake v or what ever that means.
as people who like modifying stuff, heck as people who like to mod a V1 we should should never ask someone why they wish to do something. just not get in their way and let them try. I just dont understand what is provoking such an emotional response from people about him asking about this.
as people who like modifying stuff, heck as people who like to mod a V1 we should should never ask someone why they wish to do something. just not get in their way and let them try. I just dont understand what is provoking such an emotional response from people about him asking about this.