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240sx/LS4 swap

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Old Mar 1, 2015 | 09:58 PM
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Default 240sx/LS4 swap

Hows it going ladies and gents,
Getting ready to start the swap of an LS4 from a totalled Monte Carlo SS into the rear (yes, replacing the rear axle with the LS4 fwd engine/trans) of a 1991 240sx. Been doing some measurements for fitment issues and all seems as though it should work rather well. May move the axle back about 6 inches to makes sure theres enough clearance from the engine to the drivers seat. Looking to build a car that mostly for the strip, maybe screw around on the street once in a great while But the big question was if anyone had done or attempted such a swap and problems or complications or perhaps info to help along the way.

Thanks a million!
Hayden.
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Old Mar 2, 2015 | 06:34 AM
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That is a really exciting project! All I can think of is possible heat issues from that front side header... although if you're willing to take on moving your driveline 6" rearward and hogging out room for a motor, doesn't seem like building a heat shield would be any sort of a problem.

Personally I'd ditch the 240 and try this in an MR2 Spyder (or Turbo) b/c the Spyder only weighs 2200 lbs. But I'm biased b/c I'm doing this swap at the moment with a manual trans.

Here's my build thread so far.

http://www.mr2oc.com/showthread.php?t=574769

Let's see some pics!

Travis
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Old Mar 2, 2015 | 10:38 AM
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Oooooh thats pretty sweet as well! And mr2 would be nice but happened to get the 240 in rough shape but it runs and drives for 200 dollars, so couldnt really beat it! And somebody wants to buy the powerpack already so already got the money back from it. Definitely gonna post some pictures tonight when im off work. Thanks for the encouragement!
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 09:19 PM
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I swapped in a LS4 drivetrain along with a turbo and a small shot of nitrous in the back of my Lambo Diablo kit car. I built the car on a stretched (10.5") Fiero frame, the engine runs on a Microsquirt and the trans is on a stand alone.

I think your suspension/axles/hubs is going to be your biggest hurdle. If I was you I would try to find a Fiero rear engine cradle with all the suspension and use that it would make it so much easier....
Attached Thumbnails 240sx/LS4 swap-1-8-15-0001bbx.jpg  
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 10:20 PM
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Care to elaborate anymore on the suspension/axle/hubs problem. Just trying to use as much as possible thats already on hand and spend the least.
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 10:33 PM
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Took some pictures tonight getting things underway. The 240, whats left of the monte carlo haha, and the engine almost ready to drop out.
Attached Thumbnails 240sx/LS4 swap-20150303_184139.jpg   240sx/LS4 swap-20150303_184223.jpg   240sx/LS4 swap-20150303_195928.jpg  
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 10:35 PM
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Just realized the pictures are sideways. Sorry about that.
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 10:51 PM
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i see now your using the whole drop out drivettain & suspension. So are you just going to fab up some kind of tie-rods to lock the fwd steering suspension?
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Old Mar 3, 2015 | 11:31 PM
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Yes sir!
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Old Mar 6, 2015 | 06:19 PM
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Engine out and ready to be prepped
Attached Thumbnails 240sx/LS4 swap-20150306_161537.jpg   240sx/LS4 swap-20150306_161528.jpg  
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Old Mar 6, 2015 | 06:25 PM
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Looks like a fun project!
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Old Mar 7, 2015 | 04:39 PM
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Dropping everything from the 240 today. And thanks!
Attached Thumbnails 240sx/LS4 swap-20150307_143511.jpg   240sx/LS4 swap-20150307_143544.jpg  
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by wsierra1993
Dropping everything from the 240 today. And thanks!
Just curious, why change a 240 To a mid engine setup when it's already a pretty balanced chassis weight-wise? I would thing you'd have a lot less to fab up if you kept it front engined and it would still be a hoot to drive. I guess you'd need a different Trans but an LS4 in something with rear drive and a manual sounds pretty freaking awesome haha.
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Old Mar 8, 2015 | 05:04 PM
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Haha the goal is to be featured on 1320!
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Old Jun 19, 2015 | 01:13 PM
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Old Jun 19, 2015 | 01:32 PM
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Well **** just got real. these thing ought to be real fun after it's finished
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Old Jun 19, 2015 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Nreid90





















I am kinda surprised that over 700 veiwers and no one caught the major flaw in this project.... even the so called experienced have not mentioned it.
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Old Jun 19, 2015 | 05:23 PM
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Op please keep on with your build. Illborns opinion does not reflect the ls4 community.
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Old Jun 19, 2015 | 06:24 PM
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I will. It is for sale currently but I would like to drive her before I see her go.
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Old Jun 19, 2015 | 08:14 PM
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Rolling chassis as of now
Attached Thumbnails 240sx/LS4 swap-image.jpg  
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