LS2 LX Torana

[LS2LXHatch]

I am considering repowering my LX hatch with an LS2. I currently have a 308 and turbo 350.

I see that at least one forum member has an LS2 in a Torana. Any advice on what parts to use and where to get them would be appreciated.

One specific area of interest is what sump and exhaust manifolds did you use.

Where there any clearance problems fitting the engine?

Did you purchase the engine thru Holden or from an importer?

Was it worth it?

Cheers

Andy

[SS Sportswagon]

Sounds awesome mate cant wait to c it progress keep us posted if you go ahead with it :burnout: Cheers

[VT 2 EXEC LS1]

I see that at least one forum member has an LS2 in a Torana. Any advice on what parts to use and where to get them would be appreciated.i dont think it has been completed yet and from what i gather its only an ls1

[team illucid]

i dont think it has been completed yet and from what i gather its only an ls1
was an LS1 now is an LS2 I believe.

[LX346]

I wouldnt go rushing into an LS2 in a torana so soon.
You can get up to 358ci legal in a LH/X Torana, but it still requires engineering.
But with an LS2 is 6.0L, your over the limit, it will be hard to find someone that will put their name next to it, I had enough trouble with the LS1.

[O5BRKY]

Hey LX346, not you looking at the L34 on ebay??

[LS2LXHatch]

I wouldnt go rushing into an LS2 in a torana so soon.
You can get up to 358ci legal in a LH/X Torana, but it still requires engineering.
But with an LS2 is 6.0L, your over the limit, it will be hard to find someone that will put their name next to it, I had enough trouble with the LS1.In WA the maximum engine size is limited by the tare weight of the vehicle. The formulae is tare x 5 = maximum engine displacement in cc.

According to my rego papers the LX Torana hatch tare is 1204kg. Therefore the maximum engine size is 1204 x 5 = 6020cc

The LS2 is 364 cubic inch which is 5965cc so the engine is within the guidelines.

The car will be running 290 by 28 AU3 rotors and AU3 twin piston PBR calipers on the front with a commodore disc brake borg warner diff so braking will not be a problem. The LS2 is at least 60kg lighter than my current engine so I can not see an arguments there.

I do not for see any problems with my application for a permit but I obviously will not proceed until it has been approved.

I would like to see pictures of your LS1 Toranana. Could you email them to acullen@wn.com.au

Cheers

Andy

[team illucid]

In WA the maximum engine size is limited by the tare weight of the vehicle. The formulae is tare x 5 = maximum engine displacement in cc.

According to my rego papers the LX Torana hatch tare is 1204kg. Therefore the maximum engine size is 1204 x 5 = 6020cc

The LS2 is 364 cubic inch which is 5965cc so the engine is within the guidelines.

The car will be running 290 by 28 AU3 rotors and AU3 twin piston PBR calipers on the front with a commodore disc brake borg warner diff so braking will not be a problem. The LS2 is at least 60kg lighter than my current engine so I can not see an arguments there.

I do not for see any problems with my application for a permit but I obviously will not proceed until it has been approved.

I would like to see pictures of your LS1 Toranana. Could you email them to acullen@wn.com.au

Cheers

Andy

can I ask why you would use a commodore diff instead of a 9" ?

[LS2LXHatch]

can I ask why you would use a commodore diff instead of a 9" ?The 28 spline LSD borg warner diff is more strong enough for my current engine and is considerably lighter than the 9".

If the LS2 is approved then I will fit a 31 spline LSD 9".

Andy

[kayman]

This sounds like an interesting project. You will have to keep us updated with pictures along the way ;)

[LX346]

Hey LX346, not you looking at the L34 on ebay??

Thats me, always liked the L34's for some reason.

[LX346]

Your lucky in WA then, all eastern states get robbed to 5.7L.

Sounds like you got it sussed out, just order the bits from Castle Auto's and get her cracking.

BTW my car weighed in at 2800lbs (1270kg) fully loaded, all fluids, turn key as it will see the street.
Its around 100lbs lighter then a 308 LH/X.

Ive got 9" 31 spline detroit locker, all the usual gear, same brake setup that you plan on running etc.

BTW sump and extractors, get them custom made, nothing fits unmodified and no stock exhaust manifolds fit on driver side.


In WA the maximum engine size is limited by the tare weight of the vehicle. The formulae is tare x 5 = maximum engine displacement in cc.

According to my rego papers the LX Torana hatch tare is 1204kg. Therefore the maximum engine size is 1204 x 5 = 6020cc

The LS2 is 364 cubic inch which is 5965cc so the engine is within the guidelines.

The car will be running 290 by 28 AU3 rotors and AU3 twin piston PBR calipers on the front with a commodore disc brake borg warner diff so braking will not be a problem. The LS2 is at least 60kg lighter than my current engine so I can not see an arguments there.

I do not for see any problems with my application for a permit but I obviously will not proceed until it has been approved.

I would like to see pictures of your LS1 Toranana. Could you email them to acullen@wn.com.au

Cheers

Andy

[LS2LXHatch]

LS346,

What did you do for an airbox?

Did you purchase an engine cover from Castle Auto's?

[LX346]

Just make a custom box to suit, depends how your engine bay is, I still have the battery in the factory spot on the LH side and the canister on the RH so the box is near the canister.

Engine covers I left off but will put them on soon, there just VZ LS1 split covers.

[lsb05]

1st car 253 LH SLR,4th car LH SLR 5000. Thought I'd throw that in. Anyway fellas put up some pics on your hatches,be interesting to see.

cheers
lee

[LS2LXHatch]

These pictures are from around 1997.

www.torana.webhop.net

The only significant change since then is I have changed the 13x7 rims to 14x7. I ordered the front brake parts yesterday and will be ordering the 9" in two weeks. Once the front brakes and the 9" are fitted I will be fitting 17x7 rims.

[Lucky]

This takes me back.In the early 80's i had a "G Pack"Torana with a 9 inch diff and a stock 307 Chev engine with Sagnaw box.
Great car and used to do 15.4 quartes from memory.
Had full NSW rego with engineers certificate.
Only issue was the 9 inch diff wasn't narrowed and required special rear rims which still used to rub the guards a bit.
Remember the Plugs were a bit difficult to change and the clutch was actuated by a Bedford truck clutch cable,but i sure loved that car.
Ciao

[LS2LXHatch]

I received the approval in principle from the WA dpi today.

I will be fitting the front brakes on the weekend.

Andy

[smoken2]

I received the approval in principle from the WA dpi today.

I will be fitting the front brakes on the weekend.

Andy

Hi,
Please keep us all posted on your progress. Great project, I just couldn't imagine an LX with an LS2, shit you will need to be careful booting it hard on corners. Remember you can't steer if your front wheels are in the air!

Cheers.

[LS2LXHatch]

It is a complicated and expensive conversion but the end result should be worth it. I expect it will take 3 months to complete.

I have decided to replace the TH350 with a TH700 4L65E which should make it a everyday street car that can pull low 13s.

Andy

[smoken2]

It is a complicated and expensive conversion but the end result should be worth it. I expect it will take 3 months to complete.

I have decided to replace the TH350 with a TH700 4L65E which should make it a everyday street car that can pull low 13s.

Andy

Hi,

Running the 700 is a good idea, it will help to make it a nice car to live with.

Cheers.

[LS2LXHatch]

The engine and transmission arrived today.

Does anyone know how to confirm that it is actually a VZ HSV engine?

Does anyone know what the differences are between the LS2 engines. For example

VE SS 270kW @ 5700rpm
VZ HSV 295kW @ 6000rpm
VE HSV 307kW @ 6000rpm

Is it just different tunes or are there internal differences?

[vyssbeast]

The engine and transmission arrived today.

Does anyone know how to confirm that it is actually a VZ HSV engine?

Does anyone know what the differences are between the LS2 engines. For example

VE SS 270kW @ 5700rpm
VZ HSV 295kW @ 6000rpm
VE HSV 307kW @ 6000rpm

Is it just different tunes or are there internal differences?

the VZ and VE HSV are both an LS2 no internal differences afaik only tune/exhaust

the VE SS is an L98 not an LS2 ...

[team illucid]

It is a complicated and expensive conversion but the end result should be worth it. I expect it will take 3 months to complete.

I have decided to replace the TH350 with a TH700 4L65E which should make it a everyday street car that can pull low 13s.

Andy

Your kidding right :)

I would expect it to be able to pull a low 12 to a high 11 with good rubber and a tune, considering it will be about 600Kgs lighter than a commodore.

[Itchy_Feet]

As for checking the engine your best bet would be the eng s# try a holden dealer/chev importer or the net to get the s# of engines, did you get the engine from a wrecker or is it an imported(crate eng)? If you ordered a 'ls2 6.0' crate donk than that is what you should have got, if not the importer is in the poo, However if you only ordered an 'all new 6.0l chev' than you could have anything.

[LS2LXHatch]

The engine was bought brand new from a holden dealer. It was sold as fitted to VZ HSV. I have no reason to doubt what I have bought, it is just nice to match the numbers.

[Dickie Knee]

The engine was bought brand new from a holden dealer. It was sold as fitted to VZ HSV. I have no reason to doubt what I have bought, it is just nice to match the numbers.

What is the part number on the invoice and I will have a look.

DK

[LS2LXHatch]

The part number is NG-92066645.

The serial number in the left hand side of the block is 5279223035.

Another number on the right hand side of the block is X89051.

The bar-code sticker at the rear of the left head is 106MC 2053280648.

Thanks

Andy

[rodder]

very interesting project i was thinking about doing it myself. i have an lx sitting at home. so 1270 kg with running gear and fuel. i like that very much. i had a uc about four years ago and it ran 11.8 with about 310 hp at the wheels. which is what a standard ls2 should make so i think that you are aiming a bit to low. that will be a scarily fun fast car. can't wait to see pics and manifold ideas and stuff.

[Dickie Knee]

The part number is NG-92066645.

The serial number in the left hand side of the block is 5279223035.

Another number on the right hand side of the block is X89051.

The bar-code sticker at the rear of the left head is 106MC 2053280648.

Thanks

Andy

Hmmm

The part number listed is for a VZ / WL LS2 but I don't know why they have receipt and sold it from their non-genuine inventory file.

DK

Edit : It's ok I think I know why they have done it. It's to do with stock order ratios and reporting sales values to holden.

DK

[LS2LXHatch]

DK, Thanks for the info on the parts.

Rodder, It sounds like low 13s is rather conservative. I will be running the standard fuel injection with a cable operated throttle body. I hope to be able to move the battery to the boot and put a standard VZ air box in its place. The exhaust system will be extractors into twin hi-flow cats with 2 1/4 inch pipes into Magaflow mufflers. Any opinion's on what cats and mufflers to use would be appreciated. I would like to use 2 1/2 inch pipes but I am told it is very difficult to clear the 9 inch and Brown/Davis fuel tank

[Dickie Knee]

What's the diff ratio on the 9" you using?

DK

[rodder]

on my torana i had twin three inch pipes that ran under the diff. never had and clearance issues. never scraped either. apparently the ls2 loves three inch pipes as well. with the appropriate tune of course. there has been people getting near on four hundred horse at the wheels with standard ls2's with tune and twin three inch pipes. that would be alot of fun in 1270 kg. been working on my torana all night. you have given me incentive to get the project started again. thanks

[LS2LXHatch]

DK,
The diff ratio is 3.55. The rear tyres are Toyo Proxes T1R 235/40/ZR17 which according to Toyo take 531 revs per km.

According to my calculations with a 3.55 diff and a TH700 4L65E at 110 Km/H it will be pulling 2410rpm.

At 6000 rpm the speeds are

1st 62 Km/H
2nd 117 Km/H
3rd 191 Km/H
4th 273 Km/H

Rodder,
I would like fit a 3" exhaust but I do not want the pipes running under the diff. My current exhaust runs under the diff and it has always annoyed me.

[smoken2]

DK,
The diff ratio is 3.55. The rear tyres are Toyo Proxes T1R 235/40/ZR17 which according to Toyo take 531 revs per km.

According to my calculations with a 3.55 diff and a TH700 4L65E at 110 Km/H it will be pulling 2410rpm.

At 6000 rpm the speeds are

1st 62 Km/H
2nd 117 Km/H
3rd 191 Km/H
4th 273 Km/H

Rodder,
I would like fit a 3" exhaust but I do not want the pipes running under the diff. My current exhaust runs under the diff and it has always annoyed me.


Hi,

On my torana I run a 2.5" dual system with dump pipes and flange plates at the diff. With the LS2 you could run a twin 3" system with the good ol flange plates and dump pipes and have the dual 2" tail pipes for special occasions, depending on the State you live in.
Anyway, an LS2 with a full 2.25" dual system would keep you (hopefully) and the police happy, but I'd go 3" dump pipes, and my wife would kill me again! if I did.

Cheers.

[rodder]

ls2. i forgot to ask are you getting the engine edited or you leaving the tune as per factory. i am putting a stroked (408) in my car adn not sure about the pipes yet. i am planning to put a turbo/supercharger on the car as well so depends on which form of FI that i go for the exhaust. the uc i had used a t400 and nine inch and on 205/14 crappy street tyres it pulled a 11.9 leaving the line at idle with 310 at the wheels. tried using the stall once and blew the tyres of the car. do you want to race it of just have fun on the street?

[LS2LXHatch]

The initial tune will be a MAF tune by Castle Auto Elec. I have to run a MAF for the pits. Once the car has been on the road for 5000 Km's I will get the tune looked at. I will probably keep the MAF so the car remains 100% legal.

I intend to sell my other car ( to pay for the conversion ) and drive the Torana every day as I have for the last eighteen years with the exception of the last two.

[rodder]

what have you done for engine pipes and the sump. i have been told that the commodore sump wont work with the cross member. also engine mounts?? what are you doing for them?

[LS2LXHatch]

The extractors, sump, engine mounts and crossmember are from Castle Auto Elec.

http://www.castleauto.com.au/hs_dbase/efigen3lhlxuc.php

CAE are also making the wiring harness and modifying the speedo and tacho to handle the T700 and LS2.

[rodder]

thanks. i have their information. the extractors don't look like what i am after but most of the other stuff looks the goods.

[deuce 32]

How have you found the CAE kit?. I'm helping out with an LS1 into VL commodore conversion using a kit from there and its been a bit ho-hum......

[EXSSZV]

It is a complicated and expensive conversion but the end result should be worth it. I expect it will take 3 months to complete.

I have decided to replace the TH350 with a TH700 4L65E which should make it a everyday street car that can pull low 13s.

Andy

My mate is running a 308 setup in his LX and he has slips for 12.68. If you are from Perth you might have seen it driving around plates HISTORI (his - tori), it red with black hood and gold symmonds, mainly south of the river. I dont know who did his engine work but he has a mean setup. I can find out if you want.

Mick

[LS2LXHatch]

deuce 32.
I am still waiting for the CAE parts to arrive. I will report back once they arrive. What fuel pump and regulator are you planning to use?

EXSSZV.
I can't say I have seen HISTORI around. I live south of the river so I will have to keep my eyes open.

[EXSSZV]

deuce 32.
I am still waiting for the CAE parts to arrive. I will report back once they arrive. What fuel pump and regulator are you planning to use?

EXSSZV.
I can't say I have seen HISTORI around. I live south of the river so I will have to keep my eyes open.

LS2
His car only comes out on sundays so yeah.

BTW check this out, this is my other mates car www.tremor.com.au....now this is what i am talking about, serious 308 hp. Click images and Check the video Tremor vs Big block Ute.

[deuce 32]

deuce 32.
I am still waiting for the CAE parts to arrive. I will report back once they arrive. What fuel pump and regulator are you planning to use?

EXSSZV.
I can't say I have seen HISTORI around. I live south of the river so I will have to keep my eyes open.
I'm pretty sure the pump he is using is a bosch unit (not sure of model) and regulator is a malpassi I think?. he sorted out through a place in Adelaide called Petro-ject. They are pretty helpfull, they helped me out with the fuel system for my hotrod.

[Malcolmsp]

My 34 Ford with LS1 uses the factory pump/regulator in a custom tank.

Delco / Chipmaster have done all the pcm work including the fixing the VATS and the tunes :bow: The car has had a factory manifold and TB, a gmpp single plane manifold and 4 barrel TB and now a whipple with 4 barrel TB.

There is not much point getting CAE etc involved to supply a pcm if you are then going to get someone locally to tune the car.

Don't overlook Holden for parts too. As an example a genuine starter motor is cheaper than those listed on some of the motor importers websites!

Look forward to seeing how this works out for you.

cheers
Mal

[LS2LXHatch]

Mal,

It sounds like you have done a fair bit of experimenting with your LS1. I was talking to Chipmaster today regarding my fuel system and edit.

I decided to get a MAF tune from CAE so I could get the car run in and any drive train issues sorted before putting it on a dyno.

How big is the factory fuel pump and regulator? How is it fitted to the tank. I have a Brown Davis 120lt aluminium drop tank which has never been used so I could have it modified if the pump will fit.

[stubsy]

My mate is running a 308 setup in his LX and he has slips for 12.68. If you are from Perth you might have seen it driving around plates HISTORI (his - tori), it red with black hood and gold symmonds, mainly south of the river. I dont know who did his engine work but he has a mean setup. I can find out if you want.

Mick

well im in the process of selling my torrie to a buyer from perth so you will have to look out for it. emerald green. stroked 350 chev, goes like the clappers. shame to see it go but a house calls then i will start my new torrie project. and it will be similar to these, new motor in an old school car!

[Malcolmsp]

Mal,

It sounds like you have done a fair bit of experimenting with your LS1. I was talking to Chipmaster today regarding my fuel system and edit.

I decided to get a MAF tune from CAE so I could get the car run in and any drive train issues sorted before putting it on a dyno.

How big is the factory fuel pump and regulator? How is it fitted to the tank. I have a Brown Davis 120lt aluminium drop tank which has never been used so I could have it modified if the pump will fit.


The factory pump is on spring loaded legs with a sock filtered intake at the base. Its about the size of a 1 litre milk carton with the legs extended. It fits on a circular mounting hole with three or four bolts from memory. It is internally regulated and can be run returnless if you wish. I run a tank fairly similar to a torana drop tank but its only 85 litres.

Not sure on how silly you intend to get with the hp as the stock fuel pump can be a limiting factor.

I ran 12.80 NA at 3300 pounds with a stock motor and street tyres so you should get well under that with a well set up lighter car.

cheers
Mal

[LS2LXHatch]

Mal,

Thanks for the info.

I have been trying to decide between the intank mounted pump and a surge tank based system. The intank system is appealing because it does not take up any extra space and will work in most situations. The surge tank system is more flexible and guarantee's fuel supply under most conditions but I have to find space to mount a filter, fuel pump, surge tank, EFI pump and regulator. I am going to see if I can find space for the surge tank in the engine bay and then price the components and finally make a decision.

I intend to leave the LS2 stock with the exception of the throttle body and exhaust system so the standard fuel system should be sufficient.

I am surprised that your 34 Ford weighs more than a Torana but I guess it has a strong chassis.

Cheers

Andy

[LX346]

My Torana full street kerb weight with 1/2 tank of fuel sits on 2800lbs. You'll be around 1300kgs without driver once all finished. Its about 300kg lighter then a late model commodore.

[Keithy's UC]

I'd be interested to hear on any progress with this as i'm looking at doing it myself...

Hows it going!!

Keith

[LS2LXHatch]

Keith,

It has not been going well as you may have read in the gmh-torana forum. After waiting four months for a sump from CAE, it arrived last week and was sent back yesterday because of problems with the casting and machining.

I am not particularly happy with the engine mounts from CAE either but they will do for now.

Last week I completed test fitting the chassis kit and fuel tank. In the next two weeks I hope to have completed rustproofing the under-body and fitted the fuel tank, chassis kit, 9", front suspension and 17" Dragway Pro's.

I should know by next week whether I will be using a CAE sump or a modified Camaro sump. Once I have a sump the car should be completed within 4-6 weeks.

[team illucid]

There was an SLR5000 with LS1 and 6spd sold in Adelaide last week for about 28K ... trying to find some more info but apparently it has full approval to be on the road.

[michaels1v8]

There was an SLR5000 with LS1 and 6spd sold in Adelaide last week for about 28K ... trying to find some more info but apparently it has full approval to be on the road.

My god that thing would fly!


Good luck with the build on the LS2 Torana LS2LXHATCH hope you get that sorted out and on the road soon.

[LS2LXHatch]

There was an SLR5000 with LS1 and 6spd sold in Adelaide last week for about 28K ... trying to find some more info but apparently it has full approval to be on the road.

It have approval from the WA DPI for the LS2 in the Torana. Once the engineer has signed off on the installation the permits will be issued.

[team illucid]

It have approval from the WA DPI for the LS2 in the Torana. Once the engineer has signed off on the installation the permits will be issued.

Nice - I will be interested in how you go ... I have a LX SS Hatch sitting in the garage just waiting for something like an LSx to go into it ...

[Toxicdesignz]

Updates?
How's the project going??

[vxssgurl]

I wouldnt go rushing into an LS2 in a torana so soon.
You can get up to 358ci legal in a LH/X Torana, but it still requires engineering.
But with an LS2 is 6.0L, your over the limit, it will be hard to find someone that will put their name next to it, I had enough trouble with the LS1.

Have the laws changed?

A few moons ago now, the ex and I had an LX hatch with a 327 backed up by a rock crusher... and a tag on the firewall stamped 26A, meaning ANY motor could be installed and NO engineering required... had it been stamped just 26, then full comps or no reg...

From memory, I think the specs changed 01/10/76 - anything produced up to 30/09/76 was stamped 26A - after that, 26.

[LS2LXHatch]

Would you believe I am still waiting for Castle Auto Electric to supply the sump. I received a sump from CAE in Jan 07, I sent it back because in some areas the casting was less than 1mm thick. CAE told me another batch would be ready Mar 07. Two weeks ago I gave up on waiting for the CAE cast sump and purchased a late model Camaro sump which is being modified this week to suit the LX.

I decided to do a full bare metal rebuild of the hatch while I was waiting on parts. The bodywork modifications should be completed by the end of next week. Then the shell is off to Impact Panel and Paint for yellow/black 2 pac. I expect the paint to take 8 - 12 weeks and then another 4 weeks to assemble.

You will find some pictures on this page.
ls2lxhatch.webhop.net (http://ls2lxhatch.webhop.net)