Damn... LS1
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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Damn... LS1
I just randomly came across this thread on LS1 tech of a guy who happens to be in St. Paul who totaled his Z28. Hes selling the engine for 800. I dunno if its gone or what, but I pmed him about it - mostly to see if he still has the driveshaft, cause I want to buy that.
I would love to put an LS1 in my car. I have more of an ambition to do this, then a turbo setup. I have wanted to do this for awhile becuase it would be rare to have a conversion from a 6, but more rare that its in a 97. Ive seen it done, but I know it takes some massive work.
Anyone from experience, or reading... Can you give me approximate prices, or information on what I would be looking at to do this. I woudlnt do it anytime soon, due to this is my DD, but realistically... I would rather swap the engine then sell her in the future. I just want to know what Im looking at.
Id probably do it piece by piece, but I dont have a ton of knowledge on engines, or what pieces I would need to set it up to work in my car. Any info on this, or links to walkthroughs, anything. Id just like to read up on it and know what I would be getting myself into. Thanks a lot for any info.
I would love to put an LS1 in my car. I have more of an ambition to do this, then a turbo setup. I have wanted to do this for awhile becuase it would be rare to have a conversion from a 6, but more rare that its in a 97. Ive seen it done, but I know it takes some massive work.
Anyone from experience, or reading... Can you give me approximate prices, or information on what I would be looking at to do this. I woudlnt do it anytime soon, due to this is my DD, but realistically... I would rather swap the engine then sell her in the future. I just want to know what Im looking at.
Id probably do it piece by piece, but I dont have a ton of knowledge on engines, or what pieces I would need to set it up to work in my car. Any info on this, or links to walkthroughs, anything. Id just like to read up on it and know what I would be getting myself into. Thanks a lot for any info.
#2
I'm not a 4th-gen guy and I'm going mainly by my knowledge of older cars, but you would likely need a transmission, driveshaft, convert your engine harness wiring to the LS1 setup (which could be a pain in the *** since you're OBDII), get a better radiator, stiffer front springs...
#3
ha ha ha. in my red camaro i did a lot of research on doing it...look at what i eventually ended up doing...buying a car with a V8 already in it.
it can be done, but in most cases its not worth it. first off, youre lucky you have a 97. the dash needs to be swapped because LS1s have a different wiring setup. most of the cars wiring needs to be changed, but with the 97 dashes it matches the 98-02 dashes, so that part's done.
second, you need a different transmission. you only need a different bell housing to make it work, but the torque of a V8 will kill most V6 transmissions.
then you need the crossmember and springs/shocks at the minimum, but i believe the steering rack, spindles, and brakes should do fine.
there isnt that much you actually need to make it work, but to do it right, theres a lot required. heres a link to more info:
http://tacreationsusa.com/3_4_3_8_v6_to_ls1.htm
it can be done, but in most cases its not worth it. first off, youre lucky you have a 97. the dash needs to be swapped because LS1s have a different wiring setup. most of the cars wiring needs to be changed, but with the 97 dashes it matches the 98-02 dashes, so that part's done.
second, you need a different transmission. you only need a different bell housing to make it work, but the torque of a V8 will kill most V6 transmissions.
then you need the crossmember and springs/shocks at the minimum, but i believe the steering rack, spindles, and brakes should do fine.
there isnt that much you actually need to make it work, but to do it right, theres a lot required. heres a link to more info:
http://tacreationsusa.com/3_4_3_8_v6_to_ls1.htm
#9
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I think the engine might be slightly damaged... Im not really sure. I know I saw one cracked part on the front (it was in an accident) it was a pully or somthing.
So you really think the cost of putting an LS1 in that I can get for 800 for the engine, is going to amount up to at LEAST 4k I would have to pay for a turbo setup.. I dont believe thats including the internals I would have to replace since I have 110k on my car now? Id love to turbo it, but Id love even more to have an LS1 in an LT1 body style.
Thanks for the link and help caleb. The major work that would have to be done to make it fit would be mostly at the front of the bay, since they redesigned the front?
So you really think the cost of putting an LS1 in that I can get for 800 for the engine, is going to amount up to at LEAST 4k I would have to pay for a turbo setup.. I dont believe thats including the internals I would have to replace since I have 110k on my car now? Id love to turbo it, but Id love even more to have an LS1 in an LT1 body style.
Thanks for the link and help caleb. The major work that would have to be done to make it fit would be mostly at the front of the bay, since they redesigned the front?
#12
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So in the end, do you think it would be worth it for the money spent? And say I get the engine for 800... How much more would I be putting in approx just to get it working.
Of course I would buy small bolt ons while I have the engine out, but keep the price of that out... I just want to know how much for the little things to get it working, roughly.
Of course I would buy small bolt ons while I have the engine out, but keep the price of that out... I just want to know how much for the little things to get it working, roughly.