[noob question] : Planning to do LS conversion (non holden)

[kuning]

Hi folks, I've been trolling around the forum for quite some time now and thought I'd start a thread to (hopefully) get some help from you guys. I'm a noob and just started learning about to LS types engine so please pardon my stupid statements/questions. *put flame suit on*

Here's the scenario:

Project
LSx swap (LS1/LS2/LS3) + T56 on a non GMH vehicle

Project Aim
Road-legal (engineer certf)
Reliable daily drive
Keep A/C, P/S.
Projected power output - ~300rwkw or high 200rwkw
Brake & suspension upgrade

Constraints

Engine + tranny budget = approx $10,000.00 (the cheaper the better :nyuk:)

Swap kit - Engine mount,tranny mount, clutch master cylinder,fuel pump,etc - available.

Engine Constraint

LS1.Not much of an issue. Wire throtle body fits well with the donor car, OEM ECU fits well with LS1's 24x reluctors wheel, abundant literature on LS1, LS1 modifications, parts readily available, and if I get stuck there are alot of workshops who are more than familiar with the LS1. However, the question is; would it be better to get a crate engine or buy a second hand engine then rebuild to spec accordingly -maybe through a engine builder/workshop-
I'm assuming, going with LS1 might/will be cheaper than the other two engine options depending on the engine specs.

How much would a brand new LS1 crate engine cost?
I have seen used engines advertised for roughly $3500. Does this sound about right?


LS2 and LS3. I saw Holmart has these engines up for sale. However, alternator needs to be relocated to LS1 type otherwise bonnet won't close.

58x reluctor wheel I heard that 58x tooth crank trigger will have an issue with the ECU. I'm not really familiar with this. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Drive by wire pedal.I'm assuming Aussies LS2 and LS3 ( as fitted on VZ and VE HSVs) also apply this drive by wire technology?

From research, I have found several solutions:
Buy GM LS2/LS3 harness which comes complete with new pedal -need to custom modify gas pedal bracket to the existing donor car-
Get engine from a builder to do 24x reluctor wheels, wire throtle body & LS1 harness to fit OEM ECU.
I'm not familiar with V8 workshops here in Australia (esp. Victoria), so do you think there will be workshop/ engine builder that will cater for this spec?


Overall, in your point of view, which engine do you think is suitable for this project?


ECU
I'm a total tool when it gets to ECU. What sort of ECU is available for these engine? From what I researched so far, OEM can be used for this project. Do we use GM OEM ECU such as the E38,40 and 67 here in Australia? Also, what are the difference? Are they engine specific?

Human Resource Constraint
My main objective for doing this swap is to learn more about car mechanics. I don't want to just go drive-in drive-out from a workshop but to know what's happening to the car during the process. Therefore, I'm looking for a mechanic/workshop who will be willing to have me around (I can help if need be) when working on the car and wouldn't mind me asking questions (read- pestering around). I'm no pro but have some basics =)


In summary, do you think this is a feasible project? Or am I just living an impossible dream?

Many thanks in advance. My apologies for the bad english, I'm still trying to learn english :smilesandbanana:
And oh, hope I don't get flammed for this thread :bow:

Cheers

Yans


EDIT: Mods, my apologies. Should've put this in technical sub-forum.

[smokey777]

whats it going in?

[huggies]

easiest way now days
would be to buy a GMPP LS Controller Kit
that comes with ecu,wiring harness and pedal
http://paceperformance.com/ProductImages/manufacturer/gm/images/19166567.gif

19201861 - GMPP LS3 Controller Kit (http://paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=228370)

[blown ls1]

i think its fair to say ive done the non gmh swap for similar reasons, my swap was easy in regard to the engine, the tranny was a little harder, it needed the tunnel widened. as for the computer thats easy just get a second ls1 harnes & computer, have u tuner turn off the security and away u go. good luck i hope u are fitting it to a FORD?( basic230s cam 360 @ wheels)

thanx will

[MYT_05]

What car is it going into mate?

I have seen a fair few conversions and I might be able to help you.

[kuning]

Thanks for the replies guys. It's going in to a




Rx-7 -FD shell *seriously putting flame suit now:1peek:*
To those rota head who might read this thread, don't get me wrong. I love the 13B, but for I'm going with the pushrod simply because of simplicity and for the sake of value vs. money in the long run (in my own justifications). I used to own one for a couple of years and sold it. Now I think the time is right for me to own another one but I simply don't want to have the wankel in there anymore.

Anywho, back to the topic. Hinson Supercar in the US sell a swap kit (radiator,master cylinder relocation, engine brace, tranny brace,etc). Tranny wise, there is enough space for the T56 to squeeze there. Engine bay wise, a 'lip' on the firewall needs to be bent down and everything is good to go.

So, in your point of view, what engine should I go with? Ls1,2 or 3? I would really love to have the 6.2L but then I think 300ish kw is too much for a that will spend its life as a 'anytime ready to go' car, not just a weekend car or a track car.

I will start collecting the required parts in December (remind me to write a letter to Piere Noel with the required list for the swap :D) and hopefully by winter next year the car will be on the road.

Thank you for the inputs so far. More inputs/suggestions are more than welcome ;)

Teaser pic, LS3 on an FD3S in the US.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k251/kingkyleevo/DSC_1124.jpg

[seedyrom]

Great stuff.

As you already would know, the trannie tunnel will be wide enough then, and the diff and half shafts can cope with the power.
They certainly pre-planned with the old rotas :)

I was thinking about this one myself, only I wanted to get the LS1 into a Series 1/2/3 (FC?) shell, rather than the series 4/5 (FD). But I couldn't find any fitting kits to cope with the right hand drive.


Good luck, don't be afraid to ask anything silly.

Cheers,
Seedy

[zorro]

Mate there is a mob in the states that have been doing these for years - www.wrongmotor.com See what you can dig up from these guys, they may be able to help you out in regards to wiring, troubleshooting etc.

Excellent conversion and the LS1 sits in the engine bay of the RX7s really well. Good luck with this project I'll be keeping an eye on it. When it gets underway start a build up thread.