Is there any interest in a build thread for my LS1 swap?
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Is there any interest in a build thread for my LS1 swap?
sure
Definitely, Ive been acquiring parts for mine over the past few months.
Yes.
Another yes.
Its purdy.
Yes!
Awesome. I've been taking a lot of pics, so I will break it down into a few pieces.
Part Acquisition
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...95579551_n.jpg
Getrag Limited Slip 3.73 Ratio
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...97593515_n.jpg
LS1 from a 2002 Camaro from Cleveland Pick a Part
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...61946140_n.jpg
Out of the crate
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...68716300_n.jpg
Another view of the engine assembly
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...35601762_n.jpg
New upgraded roll bar HDHT
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...00654898_n.jpg
Flyin' Miata swap headers
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...82367256_n.jpg
Swap axles, upgraded hubs
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...60840944_n.jpg
Swap oil pan
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...05148132_n.jpg
Swap fuel system
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...02818438_n.jpg
High pressure oil pump upgrade
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...93844709_n.jpg
Clutch master upgrade
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...79363405_n.jpg
Underdrive pulley
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...84331394_n.jpg
V8 Roadsters fender braces
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...18791229_n.jpg
Frame rails
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...14977944_n.jpg
Motor mounts
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...46602979_n.jpg
Driveshaft
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...19314979_n.jpg
Subframe
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...26841772_n.jpg
Diff and trans mounts
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...46732655_n.jpg
Monster stage 2 clutch
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...24808520_n.jpg
Dual valvesprings and titanium retainers
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...80382801_n.jpg
Aggressive grind custom cam
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...36575336_n.jpg
Stock rocker arms with trunion and bearing upgrades
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...58766346_n.jpg
Pushrod upgrade
Very Jealous. :clap:
LS1 Prep
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...91055933_n.jpg
Stripped the engine of all the hoses, accessories, wiring, etc
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...16907762_n.jpg
Checking overall condition, checking for sludge, etc - pretty clean engine
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...00120425_n.jpg
Assembly day!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...77633201_n.jpg
Cleaned the engine, installed Katech connecting rod bolts and the cam
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...17282674_n.jpg
Installed new LS2 chain, lined up the sprockets for timing
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...55287434_n.jpg
New valve springs installed
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...57152248_n.jpg
Assembled valvetrain
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...14476709_n.jpg
Assembled with headers, accessories, sparkplug wires, oil pan, etc
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...83951450_n.jpg
Mounted into subframe, installing lightened flywheel
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...64172087_n.jpg
Installing clutch
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...29676092_n.jpg
Installed bellhousing
Chassis Prep
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...38018568_n.jpg
Stripped the fenders, hood, bumper, - basically the front end.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...82815565_n.jpg
Comparison shot
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Putting a square peg into a round hole
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...25719980_n.jpg
And just like that the whole front sub assembly drops out.
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...94258039_n.jpg
Another view
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...43856328_n.jpg
The front end is so light, you can easily lift it with one hand - and the chassis will stay in the up position. I wouldn't recommend leaving it like that unattended.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...22693316_n.jpg
Interesting shot
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...56266440_n.jpg
Side by side
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Another
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Dropped the rear subframe assembly
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...98700846_n.jpg
Completely stripped the engine bay.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...57539959_n.jpg
Completely stripped interior. Removing the engine was easier.
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...22712531_n.jpg
Got the new roll bar situated
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...82715365_n.jpg
Chassis harness... what a bitch.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...89549517_n.jpg
Marked for cutting
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...34944420_n.jpg
Another marked for cutting
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Looks a little messy here, but these are the first steps to getting the tunnel widened enough to fit the bellhousing
https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...33616284_n.jpg
Here you can see how I have widened out the tunnel, and wrapped what used to be the firewall into the tunnel. It will look a lot cleaner once welded, sealed, and painted.
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...68725483_n.jpg
Test fit! Not bad. Space is tight behind the passenger side head. The tunnel is too wide and needs an indentation at the top. The engine will need to come out a few times before the final tweaks to the chassis are made.
Not bad for a first report. What did you do on Day 2?
Wow, that is some crazy progress. You got almost a whole swap done and I'm still being lazy about the shifter rebuild on mine. How long did it take you to do all that and how long to collect all the parts? Interested to see how much a swap like this would cost as well :)
Thanks for sharing.
Nice work Maan! Keep it up.
Asking the price of a swap is like asking a woman her age; don't.
Wow, great progress! Are you sure you are an accountant???
Well done Sir!
I've snooped around this before and noticed that outfit in Cleveland that sells a lot of LS engines and trannys. Just curious whether you looked around locally?
Nice write up. I'll be watching this for sure.
can you also include prices?
I've been collecting parts Nov-Dec. I starting doing the engine work when I had free time during that period as parts showed up. I've spent maybe 3 hardcore weekends on it so far (work on the car from 8am-midnight, eat whataburger, pass out, wake up and get working on it again).Quote:
Originally Posted by S2K_MoZo
My estimate all in all including the car ($5500) and the xidas ($2000) already on it is $25k. I was keeping a spreadsheet, and around the $15k mark I stopped. The $15k covers pretty much everything, I figured another $3k for the big brake kit, radiator and fans, and misc (nuts, bolts, blades, tools, etc).
I did make $1200 by selling the drivetrain.
So all in all just shy of $24k for the whole thing. But for that $24k I am getting around 500hp in a fortified chassis that will stick to pavement like glue. I could just buy an econobox for the same price.
Which reminds me... I do have a harddog sport roll bar in good condition with all hardware for sale (haven't posted it yet).
I work the pole on weekends for the car cash...Quote:
Originally Posted by motorollow
jk
I did look around and found that most were high mileage (150k+). I did find a few lower mileage ones, but they were from individuals. What I liked about cleveland was that they had a good reputation, engine was very clean, they provide all the specs (compression, oil pressure, vacuum, etc), video of the engine running, and a 6 month warranty. To me, paying a little extra to get that reassurance was worth it.Quote:
Originally Posted by hornetball
Thanks for all the details. It sounds pretty exciting and loving the build so far.
On a separate note, is it double diagonal rollbar that fits with glass soft top by any chance?
The one I'm selling is the M2 sport. It fits the glass soft top, but does not have diagonals. Looks like the one below:Quote:
Originally Posted by S2K_MoZo
http://www.bethania-garage.com/images/9s_4.jpg
I upgraded to the M2 Hardcore Hardtop Double Diagonal.
for around 24k to have a car that can hang(or make cry) with pretty much anything on the highway or the twisties is going to be very nice.
Yeah, bang for the buck I don't think it could be beat. Honestly though, you could get creative and pull this off for much cheaper. You could get a smaller roll bar or a used one, you could buy a camaro, part it out, and get the engine for "free". I'm running the full flyin miata exhaust, you could have it done at a shop. You could go with the stock shifter, stock clutch (both which I am upgraded), could use a "universal" style radiator and save money there, skip the BBK and just throw new discs and aggressive pads on there. You could probably get the axles and drive shaft through the driveshaft shop or source them from a local shop.
I think you could realistically pull off a v8 swap for under $10k - but, I think you won't be fully utilizing the chassis, and you're going to have things that will need replacement short term.
My $0.02
I love my Miata and all Miatas as much as the next guy, and I would love a V8 in mine, but I think bang for the buck goes to the RX-7 (FC or FD) with an LSx. The swap kits are stupid cheap, easy to perform, and you still have a great handling and fairly lightweight vehicle.
That said, the build looks awesome, and I can only imagine the grins you'll have when it's finished. Good luck!
http://youtu.be/1vgNlL5dTbc
Here is a quick video that summarizes where I'm at now.
I'll follow up soon with pictures and details...
Friggin' AWESOME. When am I going to see this beast at MSR-C (you can be my guest)?
Hmmm ...soon!! :) It'll be a bit until the car is done and I have a chance to get used to it.Quote:
Originally Posted by hornetball
Update!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...10782424_n.jpg
The final test fit... had to throw the covers on - sexy.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...71948673_n.jpg
Putting the rear diff and subframe together.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...19069691_n.jpg
Getting all my chassis modification welded up.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...63005166_n.jpg
Welding work done. In retrospect, the mods did not require all that many cuts.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...04786747_n.jpg
Modified tunnel
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...39651013_n.jpg
Stitch welded
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...31445727_n.jpg
Door seam stitch welded
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...79621241_n.jpg
Corner brackets and trans tunnel brackets welded up.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...31123501_n.jpg
V8R Fender brace installed. All the welded areas had seam sealer applied then a layer of rubberized coating.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...67129454_n.jpg
Door bars and roll bar installed.
Update!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...15101291_n.jpg
Working on routing the wiring harness and figuring out what will hook up and where.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...60730697_n.jpg
Stage 1 of the harness done. I integrated the wiring for the mazda coolant temp sensor and aftermarket oil pressure and temp sensors.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...49134062_n.jpg
Wiring harness done and installed on engine. Clutch slave and lines installed, upgraded shifter installed as well.
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...86679188_n.jpg
Cleaned and painted the engine bay. Welds all sealed and coated. Not in this photo, but I installed heatshielding material as well.
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...43777438_n.jpg
Most of the structural work completed.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.n...36011227_n.jpg
Corvette fuel filter/regulator, fuel lines, and upgraded pump installed.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...90198702_n.jpg
Going in for the last time...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...69731506_n.jpg
Frame rails installed... locating holes for the transmission cross member
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One of the most beautiful sights to see when swapping in an engine... shifter is perfectly centered in the hole.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...13798304_n.jpg
Rumble rumble
Update!
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...99541364_n.jpg
Wiring hooked up, brake lines re-routed, fuel line routed, upgraded clutch master installed...
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...52633729_n.jpg
Trans cross member installed, drive shaft, rear diff, subframe etc all installed.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...90314645_n.jpg
Exhaust in
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Gauge cluster fully operational... I'm going to mount an aftermarket oil pressure/temp gauge in place of the factory oil pressure gauge.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.n...32698359_n.jpg
Rear suspension and axles installed. New bushings, new bearings, new hubs, ARP studs.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.n...56703211_n.jpg
Everything tucks in so nicely...
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...98146542_n.jpg
Believe it or not, with the tubular subframe there is actually an ok amount of space to get your hands in and get work done.
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...77478794_n.jpg
Most folks view... :burnrubr: Need to adjust the exhaust tips just a bit...
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/...88333724_n.jpg
Fenders on... starting to look more and more like a car...
WANT!!!! Can't wait to see it all buttoned up!
You've been busy!! I'll bet you're sore.
I caged my red car over the weekend. I'm sore today.
My silver car dropped cylinder #2 on track Friday afternoon. Hmmmm . . . maybe it just needs more cubes.
Seriously, beautiful work.
Shiny new parts! Love the attention to detail!
Can't wait to see the finished product :)