Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 08:10 PM
  #1  
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Default Best car for conversion

Hi,
I have recently started thinking of starting a project car that I will eventually swap an ls1 into. I am not that loyal to any brand and I don't mind cross-breeding. I have thought of using 87-93 mustang, but what else is out there? The mustang follows all of my criteria. I like its suspension(simple yet effective 4-link type design out back, and struts up front), there's a huge market for suspension and body parts, and it has an engine bay that is easy to work in, and it can be light(under 3000lbs), and it looks good to me. What other cars follow this criteria? Here's what i have thought of so far:

94+ mustang-heavier but otherwise similar to 87-93 mustang
mid 90's firebird-like the body style, but looks hard to work on engine
80's monte carlo-heavy and unfamiliar with suspension abilities
s-10-low on my list since i would probably want to do backhalf with a truck(lots of money)

what other cars do you guys suggest? thanks for any suggestions!

Last edited by fasteddie911; Nov 29, 2006 at 10:21 PM.
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 08:26 PM
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I think the S13 or S14 Nissans (240sx) are pretty popular too. Pretty much anything is a good candidate as far as I'm concerned. You basically have to decide what you want to do with it, then go from there.
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 09:11 PM
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what do you want to do with the car? mostly dragracing? some kind of roadracing/drifting/auto-x? just a cool street car?
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 09:36 PM
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ck out the rear drive volvos. i'm loving my 94 940. weighs 3350 wet. 4.10 with eaton locker standard. lots of support from jtr. did a 13.9 1/4 today (on street tires 225/50 16 on 16x 7.5) on a g-tech.
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:39 PM
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Second and third gen RX7s are great swap candidates. Second gens are inexpensive and third gens handle great and look very impressive. Both weigh about 2800lbs and have 50/50 weight distribution. The rear ends are IRS, but don't have any trouble handling the power of a mildly modified LS1. Check out www.torquecentral.com

Pete
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:46 PM
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thanks for the great replies and help. I guess the car would be more geared to the dragstrip, so I think i would prefer a solid rear axle rather than the irs. Also, i kind of want to use a domestic car, just a personal preference.
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:49 PM
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do a little british car... talk about sleeper
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:52 PM
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if you want to go drag racing mustangs probably your best bet.

Nissan S13 and S14 240SXs have IRS, Mazda RX7s have same problem. both weigh around 2600-2800

i picked a Datsun 240Z. also an IRS car, but i backhalved it. Also, the weight is very attractive (it will be around 2000lbs)
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 10:54 PM
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Sounds like a fox body is right up your alley.
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Old Nov 29, 2006 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by THE_SUPRA
do a little british car... talk about sleeper
Lotus seven replica

checkout www.locostusa.com

You can build everything from scratch, buy the frame, buy a kit, etc...
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