Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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Old 06-26-2004 | 10:03 PM
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Default best ls1 hybrid

i wanna know what you think would be the best ls1 hybrid if we consider handling, car performance(with stock ls1), style and an affortable cost. thanks
Old 06-26-2004 | 10:12 PM
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I think that the Datsun 280Z or the RX7. I chose the 280 and will be doing the swap in a couple of months once I get the brakes and suspension and chassis fixed up. Check out these guys.

http://hybridz.org/nuke/modules.php?...BB2&file=index

http://www.brokenkitty.com/zcar/zcar.htm

Dale
Old 06-27-2004 | 11:37 AM
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the third gen f bodies seem to be pretty popular , dunno if they're the besy or not but they are plentiful, cheap, and there is a good selection of aftermarket parts & accessories out available for them . my camaro convertible is getting the treatment along with a sixspeed .
Old 06-28-2004 | 06:01 AM
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RX-7
Old 06-28-2004 | 08:42 AM
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I would say probably a 69 camaro for

and a 93-95 RX7 for

I am starting a 93 RX swap, and am expecting to be in the high 11s on a stock motor.

You can easily be down to 2600-2700 lbs, the IRS is good up to about 1.6 60 fts, it has 4 piston front and 2 piston back brakes, you can fit 275s without body surgery, and the list goes on and on.

my .02

-Jason
Old 06-28-2004 | 10:15 AM
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ditto on the FD Rx7

for a light weight chassis, with good handling, and good weight distribution, its hard to beat.

Ryan
Old 06-28-2004 | 10:19 AM
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3rd gen F-body is definitely the best all-around candidate for engine swaps. These cars are:

1. dirt cheap
2. have tons of aftermarket suspension available
3. parts are cheap
4. have a proven chassis for drag racing or road racing
5. plenty of engine bay room

And I have the perfect candidate for you! https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175972
Old 06-28-2004 | 07:02 PM
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The 75 to 80 Chevy Monza (78 preferred) is in my opinion the car that would be best for the LS1 engine swap. They came with a small block so the room is there, Big brake upgrades are easy thanks to V8monza.com ball joint adapters that lets you use Monte carlo brakes (Baer track 1 kit), the rear can be set up like the LS1 camaros (7 5/8" torsen posi) and disc brakes. The weight could be dropped from 2800 to 3000 lbs down to 2500 or so. the LS1 would make the weight balance near perfect also. I'm savin my pennys for an LS6.
Monza355
Old 06-28-2004 | 07:04 PM
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Its also hear that the 3rd Gens hook like a ***** too.
Old 06-29-2004 | 04:58 PM
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Based on what it does to the weight-bias and handling I'd think that a older Corvette would be hard to beat.
Old 07-01-2004 | 09:09 AM
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does the rx7 have enough headroom for drivers over 6 feet tall if they wear a helmet?
Old 07-01-2004 | 01:05 PM
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I fit in mine at 6'3", so yes at 6' you should fit with a helmet fine.

I may have to bolt the seat directly to the floor myself to get that extra 2" for a helmet.
Old 07-02-2004 | 11:35 AM
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1st gen Rx-7....a good handler (little porsche) weighs like 2600 pounds or less.

can be had for next to nothing, (I found a second gen for $926 so imagine).

they have race ready wide bodykits for it that give it a 80s porsche look, with 2000s porsche performance.
Old 07-02-2004 | 07:59 PM
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I read all the above posts about "cheap cars" that handle and have great setup with an ls1.

The best would be a 84-86 C4 Corvette, available for $4-5k bucks in great shape

I have to disagree with almost everyone above from a easy point

1st) With an ls1 and full weight (including 5 pt roll bar) mine weighed 2700 lbs after ls1 swap minus the a/c and smog stuff on prostars

2) C4 corvette, especially an 84 sport suspension (the best handling c4 yr) will run with a c5 in the twisties

3) car is cheap and easy swap
Old 07-03-2004 | 03:52 AM
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Default 84 corvette

i must say im surprised u could get 2700lbs cause the curb weight of the 84 vette is 3190lbs i think, and about the suspension, do you think the vette has better handling than rx7/280z?
Old 07-03-2004 | 12:14 PM
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Which is "Best" is such an argumentative question. To each their own..... I choose a fast back Fiero because I liked the looks, and the handling. They just needed more power.
Old 07-03-2004 | 12:25 PM
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When it comes to handeling, any of the above cars can be upgraded to any level you wish.

Dale
Old 07-04-2004 | 08:27 AM
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1st) With an ls1 and full weight (including 5 pt roll bar) mine weighed 2700 lbs after ls1 swap minus the a/c and smog stuff on prostars
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.

The fiero had handling issues in the first years of production no? also i don't know about chassis integrity, most swaps i see use the stock Fiero transmission also. I don't know about Fieros legacy in racing though.

Best is very generic, maybe "Best performing" would be more adequate.. a Ultima GTR is an optimal deal.


Last edited by Excal; 07-04-2004 at 08:33 AM.
Old 07-04-2004 | 04:00 PM
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Well since we dont know where frank_camaro lives we can't talk about the legal aspect of building a kit. Here in Georgia the law does not provide waviers for emissions anymore. I found out the hard way about that. Your kit is considered to be whatever year you bring it to be inspected. So your Ultima would be considered a 2004 or newer in Georgia and you must comply with the emission laws for that year.

Get an old car thats been registered and you'll be fine.

Dale
Old 07-04-2004 | 06:49 PM
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3rd gen rx-7
-light weight
-almost perfect balance!
-strong rear end
-super sexy
-alot of aftermarket support
-subframes are already made by hinsonsupercars.com
-you will probably be the only one in your area (most likely)

and did i mention they are awesome looking cars?


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