Alright, I'm still in highschool and own a 94 Z28 now... but am seriously considering selling it, getting a daily driver(like an old BMW or something so I can learn stick on a beater), and then saving up and making a long term project out of something, because I love making crazy ****

I was wondering, since I have about NO LS1 knowledge, would it probably be a smarter idea to start out doing a regular carbuerated SBC swap into something first to keep everything as simple as possible? And cheap... LOL I want to make some sort of hybrid car... with a cool project name(lol), I was thinking "Jack of all trades" because I'd like it to run something like mid 12s to low 13s in the 1/4, and pull in excess of .90 lateral Gs on a skidpad, and be reliable. It probably won't be a daily driver, so gas mileage isn't an issue(hence why I don't think an LS1 is "necessary"). The only reason I think I would go for an LS1 would be so I could use a T56 tranny. Because I don't believe they can mount up to SBCs.

I'm not really sure what to put whatever I plan on building into, I really dig the old 78-83 Malibus, but there are hardly any around here. Something that is somewhat common are the little MGs, older RX7s, 5.0 Mustangs, etc etc.

Are there any other cars I should be thinking of/looking for around here?

 

A SBC is definately cheaper, you could always swap an LS1 in later. a SBC RX-7 would be no slouch either. Pick something you really like the body style of, handles decently stock, and build it to the best of your abilities (or funds)..
good luck!
olly

 

Thanks!

I want to build something to whip ***(or has potential to) in whatever class it would be grouped in at an SCCA auto-x event. I think I'm going to get 2 friends from my automotive class to help with this. One is an import obsessed guy(lol) who's all about handling and the other is pretty knowledgable and likes just about everything. I'm the V8 nut

I was actually looking at auto trader and the most common car that I've seen V8s swapped into on there in abundance would probably be the early 90s miatas. There were a couple 90s and 91s for like $3k.

I've been eyeing up www.v8miata.com and I know I'll recieve some crap from you guys for this but a ford 5.0 swap is looking quite nice as well.

The #1 focus will be handling, so I'm sure an V8 would be fine, though I'm not sure how badly a carb would affect throttle response. I think if FI is the way to go, a 5.0 would be cheaper(LT1 = URGH!! LS1 = broke).

I just can't get over the fact that the first gen miatas look like such a freakin homo-mobile I suppose a V8 lope could help some

edit: forgot to add... What are some other good manual transmissions that can be used with a SBC aside from a T5?

Do you think a 700R4 converted to a manual valve body and ratchet shifter would be good for auto x? I want to be able to select my own gears, but I think a manualized-auto(lol) would be better and cut down on time between shifts.

 

The T56 can be mated up to a SBC. T56 was available in '93 to '97 Z28's, which came with LT1's. LT1 is darned close to a SBC (not the same, but not all that far off, especially in the bellhousing area). The LT1 flywheel is pretty wacky shaped (its not a conventional flat flywheel), so you might end up with some trickery there. Ultimately, it shouldn't be a deciding factor.

What should be deciding factors? How about some of these:
What body styles appeal to you?
What "look" interests you (like pro-touring or pro-street or vintage gasser)?
What kind of budget do you have (both money AND time)?
What talents / skills do you have or can you learn for free (bodyshop, welding, etc).

BTW, these are rhetorical questions. I don't want to know, but you need to think long and hard about how big a project you really want to tackle, that'll determine what good swap candidates are for you.

After you think about the above, I'd suggest you outline what your goals are. Mid 12's on street tires, .90g, and completely streetable for $5k would be a useful set of criteria (if that's what the goals are). Think long and hard about what you want (and what you're willing and not willing to give up to accomplish those goals) and you'll be well on your way to thinking through a project.

Once you've established some goals start thinking about what would accomplish those goals. Yes, you could run mid 12's in an '88 Suburban, but the amount of power required would be huge becaust the thing is so huge. And that amount of power isn't likely to come cheap. Think about vehicle weight, engine power, traction, etc and evaluate any potential candidate based upon whether it meets your goals.


Personally, I'm working on a swap of my own, a 1999 Olds Bravada which is gonna get a 6.0l LSx motor. I chose and bought that particular truck because I like the body style, it had all the features I wanted (AWD, AC, Power windows, locks, leather, etc) and the factory drivetrain is mostly compatible with what I want to do. Ultimately, I want a 400+hp, AWD (all weather traction), 3" drop, 285/40/18's, with good gas mileage and the reliability of the sun (starts every day, runs cool, doesn't break, etc). When I'm done I want it to pass emissions, be safe daily transportation, AND be fun to drive in any weather condition.

Just some thoughts.

'JustDreamin'

 

I was thinking about getting a car for about $4k, engine for about 3K, tranny for about 1.5K, and then all the conversion crap, I'm guessing another $4-5k for all the small things.

This will definitely be an ongoing project, but if I can get the drivetrain parts together, I can buy the project car last and will have access to a lift/unlimited tools/my instructor who has been turning wrenches on cars since he was 12(not to mention he's been automotive instructor of the year twice ).

I just don't want something that I'll need to hack out the entire firewall, fab up a tranny tunnel, etc etc.

Once everything is in there and functioning, I'll do a load of suspension upgrades to make it handle to the best of it's ability.

 

That's good to be thinking about a budget. Personally, I didn't have $12k to $15k to spend on a car in high school, so it wasn't an option. Heck, I don't want to spend that much on my current project (just because I'm cheap).

'JustDreamin'

 

I don't have the money now either, but if I can get a call back from one of the dealerships I applied at, I should start making some decent money.

Out of curiosity, what would some of the cheapest swaps be that still perform decently?

 

Save for the Gen III, you'll be glad you did. There is just no comparing a SBC with a Gen III (LS1). The new tech is just so much more responsive, and the stock setup will put alot of modified SBC's to shame. A well planed out LS1 will blow your mind.

 

Second that on the 3rd gen.
Instant throttle response, great fuel economy, Dead reliable 400hp with simply exhaust and intake mods, these engines have as much going for them STOCK as a highly modified SBC.
No stock 1st gen SBC had roller rockers, PM rods, big valves, 1.7 ratio rockers, instantaneous response, light weight, anti knock system, hydraulic roller lifters, forged crank, reinforced aluminum block, 6 bolt mains, i could go on.
Plus you're dropping a good 300lbs by moving to the composite/aluminum setup.
I'd personally go for the Gen3, too, if you're planning on that much of a budget.
Good luck!
olly

 

You may be planning high for the engine and tranny. I have seen LS1 + 6-Spd's for as low as $3k (including computer). Shop around and see what you can find. You may be able to afford a LT1 or LS1. If you stick with a SBC, there are conversion kits to bolt up a T56.

If there are plenty of old RX7's or old Mustangs, those may be good candidates. There are plenty of both on this board (already converted and under construction). Browse around to see approximate cost of parts for either car (or any other you are interested in). Availability of replacement parts and general cost can be a major motivator in your vehicle selection as well.

As already stated, pick one you like and start from there. Best of luck, sounds like you have the motivation, resources, and available know how to get you where you want to be.

 

I disagree there, it's not like you can just drop in an LS1, hook up a throttle linkage and battery cable and fire her up. Yes, you can find a mid-mileage LS1/trans/pcm for around $3k, but you'll have to mod the PCM, ($$$), modify the harness ($$$ if you can't do it yourself,) make up a fuel system ($$$), and all the little things. You have to overplan budget. Way over budget. Heck, I was defiant about that, too. Actually doing it was a whole different story.
for me, here's how it went
LS1+trans+pcm - $4000
headers for the swap - $300 + $200 coated
PCM tuned and harness modified- $300
Fuel lines, fittings - $120
pump - $120
regulator - $60
mounts - $60
conversion plates - $40
paint for intake - $40
Fuel tank, sump- $150
throttle cable - $40
misc radiator hoses, etc.. $20

right there, it's $4000 + $1450.. and i'm not done, yet.
olly

 

agreed, it won't just drop in and fire up.