mmdb

iTrader: (1)

I currently have a nissan 240sx and I plan on doing a v8 swap. I'd like to make 350-400rwhp with motor only (not nos... not yet), this will also be my daily driver. I'd like to keep the swap cost low, but not to a point where I must decided between performance or cost. The purpose of swapping such a motor would be to be a competitive circuit car as well as on the 1/4 mile drag strip.

So beginning with the motor I've looked into the GTO motor or the corvette motor. I like the idea of the Z06 motor putting out 405hp without any modifications. But the price is about $5k on ebay, whereas the GTO seems to run around $4K. Is there any benefit to running one over another? I'm not quite sure of the differences. Eventually I'd like to add cams, do some head work, and maybe add supercharger of some sort (screw or centrifugle) and hit about 500+ hp.

My first goal upon installing is that I'd like to have the motor be able to pass smog. So this means the motor has to be about a 1997. passing smog is my #1 goal while putting out good/great/awesome hp and being reliable. I'd appreciate any opinions upon reaching my goal of purchasing a motor that is most cost effective. Thanks for any input (positive or negative).

Bring the Noise

Uh an Ls2 with a cam and headers should get you close to 400rwhp.

Which GTO motor were you looking at?
The 04 GTO's have the 350hp LS1, where the 05 & 06 GTO's have the 400hp LS2.
All 3 motors weight in around 400lbs -vs- an Ironblock SBC which is around 550.

For your particular job I'ld look at the LS6 manifold and the pulley driven throttle body. The LS2/LS7's use a Drive by wire Throttle Body, ie silanoid driven where the Ls1/Ls6 motors have a cable driven throttle body.
You can always fab up a throttle cable bracket and use an aftermarket 90mm TB with the LS2 manifold though.

If you go with an LS1 look for a set of 243 casting Ls2/Ls6 heads as thats a good 30hp gain over the stock Ls1's 241 castings.

Once your start tweaking a Gen III / IV motor then the name designations kinda mean nothing.

Aftermarket cams for LS1's work on LS6 and LS2 motors (same for heads, cranks, rods, springs, rocker arms, push rods, manifolds, etc). So once you start modding the motor it won't matter what you started with (well except for the piston size).

bmfcamaro

iTrader: (1)

i wouldnt recommend a 98 just for tuning reasons. i would try a 2001-2002 for a ls1. ls2's are nice because they put out more power. i think a ls1 would work fine for a small car like that though.

ringram

Actually 99+ should be fine as the PCM will take an 02 OS etc.

mmdb

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the input. Ok so 99+ motor, ls2 is more desirable from a baseline stand point? I'd like to able to drop the motor in without much, if any, modifications and run with the stock motor. If/When I feel the need for more power I'd like to do some upgrades, and ultimately start looking towards forced induction. But I'm sure that won't be the case as these motors put out A LOT more than I've ever experienced. Btw I've checked prices on Ebay, and these's a few motors that go by LS7 at the same time LS2, which is kind of confusing. Are the different numbers specifying motor and/or head differences, design, etc?

pianoprodigy

iTrader: (1)

LS2 is not worth the extra cost. Just get a low mileage LS1. I found a 2002 LS1 with less than 50k miles for $2100 complete with ECU, harness, accessories, etc.

mmdb

iTrader: (1)

^^^^ where did you look for that deal? I've been searching ebay and local papers but to no avail. Maybe my search skills need some guidance. Any particular car you got the LS1 out of? I've been reading that the differences are minimal (intake plenum?).

pianoprodigy

iTrader: (1)

I called around to local salvage yards one morning. I found one within an hour. Ask them if they have any 99-02 Firebirds or TransAms with V8s and a 6 speed manual (they don't generally know what an LS1 or T56 is). I had to buy my motor and trans separate, but sometimes you can find both together.

ramairws6

iTrader: (33)

I have one for sale with 16,000 actual miles out of a 2001 WS6 if your interested?! Traver

Cheatin' Chad

iTrader: (3)

@400rwhp any LS1 will be fine/ I did it with a 98 with NO PROBLEM.

prostock_bigblock

iTrader: (11)

I dont see any problems in the 98s many out there r hitting the 400+ mark.

AU N EGL

2002 or newer LS6 motor. Better oiling, less chance of oil leak, and better cooling.

bettonracing

iTrader: (3)

This may not apply to all states or even still exist but I remember reading from the GADOT book a few yrs ago that a smog legal swap also requires that the engine be from the same manufacturer as the one that comes in the car... But I guess u could try create a loophole since there're shareholding talks about Renault & GM...

(note: Renault <=> nissan)