My project revolves around a Lexus to be converted into a sleeper drag car. So far I've purchased the following for the build:

01' GS430 200k mile donor car, chosen because it has a strong rear end.
04' 84k mile 5.3L out of an Avalanche. I have all the accessories, harness, computer etc.
02' 2500 Silverado 4L80E transmission, mileage unknown.







The plan is to copy Skinnies and some other proven combinations with the intent of using E85, though with a goal of ~700rwhp:

2001 Lexus GS430
2004 5.3L engine, accessories, computer, wiring harness
4L80E transmission
LS1 intake
SRT Billet Dual Fuel Pump Hanger
Pass side valve cover
8 truck coils
Two stock 16" wheels
GTO oil pan
ARP head stud kit
GM Lifters
Melling OEM oil pump
ARP Balancer bolt
Fuel pressure regulator mallory 4305m
Pro stick BM
DEI Titanium Exhaust Wrap
Russell fuel filter
Optima red battery (sealed)
Derale trans cooler kit
PT7675CEA Turbo billet wheel
VSracing 50MM BLOW OFF VALVE BOV
Vsracing 60MM WASTEGATE
3 BAR MAP Harness 99-04
Valve spring tool
7.4" push rods
T-stat
GM Steel Header Gaskets (pair)
NGK spark plugs
spark plug wires
Patriot Gold dual valve spring kit
Transgo Transmission shift kit
Fragola 8600 Parker Push-Lok Hose
fuel fittings
air filter
MT tires
Jegs radiator
Petcock
Radiator cap
hobbs switch turn on at 2psi
Battery relocation kit
Gauge pod from maxima
Fuel rails
TCI flexplate and bolts
Dorman Fan assembly
LS9 head gaskets
Lingenfelter GT2-3 cam
LS1 Dual Oil Catch Cans Saikoumichi
FAST 3 BAR MAP
Ebay intercooler
Ebay piping kit
boost controller Turbosmart Eboost2
Timing chain
Circle D converter 245mm multi-disk 4000rpm
Two, DW300 In-Tank Fuel Pumps
Alky Control meth injection kit
95lb FIC injectors
O2 bungs
alternator relocation bracket
Tach and Speedo conversion boxes
dual gauges
Custom Driveshaft
LS1 accessories
Cable LS1 throttle body
Wideband O2 gauge/kit

I have the above list in an Excel spreadsheet with all the costs and links to the sites I purchased, or will purchase these items from. The list is much longer than I thought it would be when I started this project. I will continue to update as I proceed with the project.

 

If i read correctly, even with a manual valve body you still need a "box" for the 4l80e

 

FAST LS1,

Nice project you have going on. I'm doing the same to an '93 SC400, also using the later GS/SC400 3.26:1 rear end.

As far as the few items you're referring to:

If you're already set-up for DBW (drive by wire) ie. TB and ECU, then stick with that. However, you'll have to swap-in a DBW accelerator pedal. -OR- if you plan on a larger TB then it'll make sense to just go cable driven, which is pretty easy to fabricate.

Definitely keep and modify your harness, as most aftermarket's I've priced out have been in the $900-1200 range. Great thing about Lexus is that they have a computer for pretty much every-damn-thing in the car. LS1 ECU's are pretty basic in design and operation, in that there aren't many ancillaries it controls other than the motor itself. Work with what you got..

Can't really offer any suggestions on your transmission, as I'll be running a 6 speed with the SSR main shaft swap, TH-400 yoke and Camaro/Firebird aluminum drive shaft.

EDIT: Don't mean to go off the beaten path of your thread, but what engine/trans mounts are you going with?

 

Why the LS9 head gaskets? Isn't the 5.3's bore too small for that?

Also, I'd stick by DBW if you can. I found wiring the DBW easier than setting up a throttle cable, but that's just my opinion. It makes wiring your cruise control a lot easier, too.

 

^^ +1 on the gasket question

 

bmech211,

I will probably go DBW, and just pick up a gas pedal out of a DBW truck. It's probably the easier, cleaner route. As far as engine/trans mounts, I planned to just fabricate them myself, trying to stay on a budget. I think the engine mounts are available on clublexus.com, but the trans mounts are not for a 4L80E.

I tried to find an oil pan that would clear our application, but had no luck. Modifying a pan like the GTO's seems to be the only option.
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-s...thread-16.html

FastKat,

The LS9 head gaskets stemmed from others using them in this application successfully.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...sket-4-8l.html

 

Jake's Performance Trans brake and manual box $550 shipped to your door. Find a GOOD local trans guy to install it along with an early overdrive unit. My 4L80e supposedly had 70,000 miles and my trans guy said it looked like new and charged my $300 to install everything including OD unit, filter and any gasket not included from Jake. With Jake's setup you don't need the Transgo kit. Although I bought a second hand Circle D convertor and haven't ran it yet, if I was to buy new I would go with PTC, as I've never heard ANY bad about them for turbo convertors.

 

Interesting stuff on the LS9 head gasket - this thread was helpful: https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...fo-inside.html

With that being said, I just spent $30 at the dealership on an MLS gasket kit w/2 gaskets. I like the idea of a tighter fit around the bore. From what I understand, the original LS1 MLS head gaskets hold up really well. The LS9 ones look good, too. I guess it just comes down to whether you think it's worth the money!

 

00Wildcat,

I went to Jake's website, the internal modifications don't look too difficult. I may just do this myself as there's no one around here I would trust to do trans work. Thanks for the info.

 

I would just run the trans off the engine computer. That way you can enjoy full auto and still have the option for manual shifting. Throw a trans-go hd2 shift kit in, aftermarket converter, and hook the trans to the computer/tune computer for the trans.

 

ls9 gaskets are fine on a 5.3 and work great, I prefer cable over dbw, but either will work. Just modify the truck harness, it isn't bad to do, and I like a manual vb, I'd look into the rossler one after having a friend have issues with the Jakes one in a few 4l80e's Jake built for him.

 

what were the issues with Jake's setup?

 

X2, was it the old problematic transgo -3 kit or the "little black box"? The little black box does the same thing as Rossler's (electric/manual hybrid).

 

No black box, Jake built one and didn't work, low line pressure, killed clutches, etc. Then he gave us his built one that was for his own personal car, it didn't work either, all kinds of issues. Finally stuck a rossler th400 in the car and no issues since.

 

Good luck with the build! It's gonna be a blast!

 

tunedportcj5,

How did the LS2 intake work on your car? I've been looking at LS6 intakes, but the LS2's are much cheaper. Does it require different fuel rails, injectors, throttle body etc?

 

+1 on this....just have a segment swap done and you're golden

 

I'm running DBW - pretty much plug and play for me. It requires the short LS2 style injectors but I think there are alternative ways to use the taller injectors by spacing the rail and changing the o-rings. Also - the TB's are 4 bolt. I am using the truck 88mm TB.

 

You could look into Sonnax tranny parts. I have a friend with their 4l60e trans pack and it's slightly noticeable putting around but once you get on it she shifts hard and fast and no lag into the 2-3. I'm not sure if the 4l80 has a similar package

 

I have used those head gaskets,for three years no issues 24.5 psi,you will need a adapter for the 4l80 flex plate,its a shim of sorts,basically a spacer that puts the flex plate out more,do yourself a favor buy a good converter(yank it ) or go home..lol
also stay with the auto,you can get a stand alone controler like Bauman,it has been working great in my 9 second gto for three years.they make a conversion cable now where you can use your stock TCM and turn off some codes,I am going with this route now, so that I dont have the tranny codes every time I start my car and i will have my cruise control back.
PS I have a performabuilt 4l80e ,I had 10 broken 4l65es built by other well known shops,,they could not hold the power even with the stock shortblock and my turbo setup I was running 10.5 @129 with the ls2,i learned anything much over 600 hp dont care who builds the 60/65e in a heavy car they wont last when going fast.