best ls1 hybrid
I'll vote for FD RX-7 as well..... 
285/30/18's fit with custom rims and coilovers, they are phenominal road race cars, lightweight, very stiff chassis, you can get carbon fiber doors for $800 a pair, CF rear hatch for $300, and make the car very light. With custom front end and rear flares you can stuff 335/18's all the way around.... Plus they are sexy as hell IMO. I'm gathering parts to build one now.
The C4 is nice as well. I've seen them go for $2K with tired motors..... 315/17's fit all the way around with ZR1 rims or other custom ones.... Probably wider... they have a flexy chassis but with a cage that could be cured tremendously. Infinite gearing available out back is a big plus in addition to many companies offering upgraded brakes.
A 240Z with IMSA body kit would be great.... but the suspension is pretty old
technology... however it does work well.
-Mark
285/30/18's fit with custom rims and coilovers, they are phenominal road race cars, lightweight, very stiff chassis, you can get carbon fiber doors for $800 a pair, CF rear hatch for $300, and make the car very light. With custom front end and rear flares you can stuff 335/18's all the way around.... Plus they are sexy as hell IMO. I'm gathering parts to build one now.
The C4 is nice as well. I've seen them go for $2K with tired motors..... 315/17's fit all the way around with ZR1 rims or other custom ones.... Probably wider... they have a flexy chassis but with a cage that could be cured tremendously. Infinite gearing available out back is a big plus in addition to many companies offering upgraded brakes.
A 240Z with IMSA body kit would be great.... but the suspension is pretty old
technology... however it does work well.
-Mark
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Montreal, Quebec
280z seems to be the fastest not too light car, and realatively cheap.
280z/ls1 can beat 2003 viper srt/10 and 2002 corvette z06 on a 1/4mile but what kind of money are we talking about to upgrade handling to those cars level(if its posible)
280z/ls1 can beat 2003 viper srt/10 and 2002 corvette z06 on a 1/4mile but what kind of money are we talking about to upgrade handling to those cars level(if its posible)
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 259
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by Excal
well if you can get down to 2400 with the heavy c4, then an rx-7 applying same measures you can get down to a lotus like 2100 or less. the Rx-7 already weighs 500 pounds less (1st gen). plus Greater distribution of weight superior chassis (any generation).
And it's porsche caliber as far as handling, the c4 was a bit brutish, even up to 1996.
And it's porsche caliber as far as handling, the c4 was a bit brutish, even up to 1996.
Last gen RX7 is a truly great platform and the swap has been done many times. Personally, I would love to own one with an LS1. Hell, that Hinson guy will sell you one turn-key.
Datsun 240 (or 280) can be had cheaper, if you can find one that's not rusted. You'd have to spend some time and/or money to get it to the level of an FD in terms of braking/handling. And of course the interior is bound to be crap (esp. in comparison to the FD) - which of course doesn't matter much if it's to be a racer.
944 has not been brought up yet. I've seen pics of a LT1 944 - I don't recall whether the stock transaxle was used.
Teching In
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has anyone ever concidered a ls1 in a 1st gen rx7 just a thought i mean smaller lighter i have a 82 rx7 with a widebody mariah kit with no motor or tranny and am concidering my options i would love a ls1 and 6spd talk about a gocart on steroids 
i never drove a stock 1st gen so i cant speak about handeling but on mine it has 345/40/17s in rear and 275/30/17s in front on welds 17x12 rear 17x10 front when i first got it it was an ex autocrosser had 12a turbo and it handles better then anything ive driven before and ive had some track time in a couple nsx's fd rx7 rx8 zo6 even a porche gt4 i think the gt4 was the closest in handeling but be it better on the track it wouldnt be on street
i never drove a stock 1st gen so i cant speak about handeling but on mine it has 345/40/17s in rear and 275/30/17s in front on welds 17x12 rear 17x10 front when i first got it it was an ex autocrosser had 12a turbo and it handles better then anything ive driven before and ive had some track time in a couple nsx's fd rx7 rx8 zo6 even a porche gt4 i think the gt4 was the closest in handeling but be it better on the track it wouldnt be on street Last edited by rxtasyy; Sep 18, 2004 at 11:14 PM.
Originally Posted by jeromio
944 has not been brought up yet. I've seen pics of a LT1 944 - I don't recall whether the stock transaxle was used.
Deranged Rat Fink
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From: Right here at my laptop, DUH!
a Fiero GT with an LS1 ? that's gonna be quite a beast! you go dude! i guess you probably have heard of www.v8archie.com ?
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 259
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by Gen3Benz
944's are front engine RWD cars. Couldn't you use the 4l60e/t56?
There may be enough room in the tunnel for a transmission, but I kinda doubt it. Plus, adding in a differential and new shafts etc. would add to the complexity.
I found the site with the LT1 swap:
http://www.easyfoto.com/gallery/view...571&uid=129677
He used the stock transaxle. I doubt the LS1 would be any m ore difficult than this one. Great car.
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Woodstock, IL.
Originally Posted by badjuju342
a Fiero GT with an LS1 ? that's gonna be quite a beast! you go dude! i guess you probably have heard of www.v8archie.com ?
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 94
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From: Katy/Houston/San Marcos/Austin, TX
Best car for the LS1 swap at an affordable price? Datsun Zcar hands down... not to mention, there is quite a bit of info out there on this swap and more coming out everyday over at HybridZ.org. 
The vintage Z cars are known for excellent autocrossing capabilities and well... they look awesome with a little bit of body work and some nice wheels. VERY easy to work on too.. my buddy has a 350 w/ TPI in an old 280 and it's so simple to manage... FAST too! Mid-12's with minimal (almost no) mods whatsoever and skinny tires.
All available for dirt cheap depending on the condition of the Z you find. Project Datsuns go for $500 if you want to build it from the ground up!
I like my '91 300zx NA... but we're talking about affordable swaps.
- Vann
The vintage Z cars are known for excellent autocrossing capabilities and well... they look awesome with a little bit of body work and some nice wheels. VERY easy to work on too.. my buddy has a 350 w/ TPI in an old 280 and it's so simple to manage... FAST too! Mid-12's with minimal (almost no) mods whatsoever and skinny tires.
All available for dirt cheap depending on the condition of the Z you find. Project Datsuns go for $500 if you want to build it from the ground up! I like my '91 300zx NA... but we're talking about affordable swaps.
- Vann
I have read that there is no way to fit a LS1 in a 944, as the intake will not clear or something without a hideous hood bulge.
Now a turboed Lt1... that would be a sick sick car....
I still vote for the 93-95 RX7, but I am just biased I guess. Hell, I can even change my plugs easier that you can in a camaro...
-Jason
Now a turboed Lt1... that would be a sick sick car....
I still vote for the 93-95 RX7, but I am just biased I guess. Hell, I can even change my plugs easier that you can in a camaro...
-Jason
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 259
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by Payne
I have read that there is no way to fit a LS1 in a 944, as the intake will not clear or something without a hideous hood bulge.
Would an LS1 be that much taller than an LT1? The one thing that would worry me is cost of chassis/suspension parts and upgrades.
However, I agree, Last gen RX7 would be a great candidate.
Choosing a Z is difficult: the swap is not that bad (big engine bay), but finding one in decent shape can be hard. They're over 30 yrs now old and had no rust proofing at all.
3rd gen rx7-1g+ on a skidpad with basic suspension upgrades, excellent braking, nice fit, good looks and no bumpsteer issues with hinson's tie rod ends. Only drawback imo is the lack of gear options for the rear end(3.90 or 4.10) although there is now a cradle available for the '03+ cobra irs swap.
1st Gen RX7, if I was going to build a car for all out performance, it would have to be the RX7, ULTRA-Light weight, tons of engine bay/tranny tunnel room. There are companies already offering everything from a narrowed bolt in 9" to bolt in LS1 motor and tranny mounts. You can pick one up with a blown motor (VERY PLENTIFUL) for $200 bucks!!! Imagine all that extra money for mods.. hmmmm....
Staging Lane
Joined: Oct 2004
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I choose Any Datsun Z First of all hello everyone!
I think any of the Datsun Z are good cars for an ls1 swap.
I have this in mind,Working on the whole car first.
Here are some pics so u ca look at a simple Z.
You can go to hybridz.org as someone mentioned to see way better than this one.
But i wanted to stay with the datsun Curves.
I think any of the Datsun Z are good cars for an ls1 swap.
I have this in mind,Working on the whole car first.
Here are some pics so u ca look at a simple Z.
You can go to hybridz.org as someone mentioned to see way better than this one.
But i wanted to stay with the datsun Curves.
Teching In
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I have a 1971 Datsun 240 with the TPI 350 and a 700r....It is fast and nice, but I intend to go with the LS1/T-56 combo, after I rebuild a garage and do a little rotisserie resto on the Z.
My recommendation would be to try and wrangle a ride or even a test drive from someone who has done the conversion. The handling, nimbleness, and seat-of-your-pants feeling in a quick Z cant be easily duplicated in an F-body. Not knocking F-body owners in any way, just saying that I have been beaten by F-bodies, and driven a couple of them, and I missed my Z. I admit, I felt the need to add some HP, but was still happier with the overall experience.
There are quite a few cars out there that would be improved by this conversion, but for overall looks and performance, as well as unmatchable "feel", my vote goes to the Z, with a close second to the FD RX7. I would be happy with either.
My recommendation would be to try and wrangle a ride or even a test drive from someone who has done the conversion. The handling, nimbleness, and seat-of-your-pants feeling in a quick Z cant be easily duplicated in an F-body. Not knocking F-body owners in any way, just saying that I have been beaten by F-bodies, and driven a couple of them, and I missed my Z. I admit, I felt the need to add some HP, but was still happier with the overall experience.
There are quite a few cars out there that would be improved by this conversion, but for overall looks and performance, as well as unmatchable "feel", my vote goes to the Z, with a close second to the FD RX7. I would be happy with either. 
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Foley, Alabama-southern Alabama
What about a Mitsibishi Eclipse or a Stealth,sporty looks and nice interior,should be cheap to find??They"re fwd so you"d have to install a rear axle,but it woul be killer!!!
How about this one?
http://www.v8s10s.com/id2.html
I am a S10 V8 guy myself, so I am not impartial. Although, mine is not a LS1. May not be the best handling, but you can get a S10 below 3000 lbs pretty easy.
http://www.v8s10s.com/id2.html
I am a S10 V8 guy myself, so I am not impartial. Although, mine is not a LS1. May not be the best handling, but you can get a S10 below 3000 lbs pretty easy.