Itsdaveonline

Going to pull the trigger on a FB soon. Think it will be an 83 GSL. Goal is to toss in a junkyard 5.3 vortech. Probably LM4 or L33 variant bolted to a used Holset HX55 turbo. Id be happy with 5-600 to the rear.

Anyways before pulling the trigger, how difficult is the FB v8 swap compared to FC / FD? I'm fairly mechanically inclined. I've done cam swaps on LSx motors, done all the work on my ctsv, and have supercharged my truck. So figured this is the next logical progression. Plus i have a bunch of leftover lsx parts which will help ease the budget.

So far it seems 5.3 will work just fine minus the accessories, intake, and fueling and oil pan. Plan on doing the grannys kit. Trying to keep the fab work to a minimum as i lack in that department.

lastphaseofthis

iTrader: (8)

I consider cutting and welding a cornerstone of engine swaps.

Itsdaveonline

Got plenty of tools to cut. That's no issue. Just the welding. Don't have a issue learning... but also lack a welder. But from reading it would seem minimal / no welding is required if i get the full grannies kit to go n/a.

Hopefully someone who's done this can better expand on the difficulty. That would really help.

I do realize the turbo will add significant fab work...

lastphaseofthis

iTrader: (8)

i've done swaps of all sorts, and i tried to get my foot in the door without a welder at first.... but it was stupid hard to try and do things.. once you can weld,, ( i tig my own aluminum now) the possibilities go thru the roof, anything you can think you ccan do and not much can stop you..

Itsdaveonline

hmm yeah, i think i may just shoot for doing the 5.3 swap first. I think that'd keep things easier. Supposedly no fab work with the grannies kit. Still struggling to find relevant build threads. I found one or two, but none of which use the grannies kit.

lastphaseofthis

iTrader: (8)

you can expand exhaust and clamp it, but its much more timing consuming.. thats about the fab work you'll probably see.

Itsdaveonline

hmm that sounds promising. I've researched for hours now, and found a few people using the grannies lsx kit for gen1 / fb and there are complaints of bad fitment, or the motor mounts arent a simple bolt in and drop the motor in as advertised. Then another guy states it drops right in?

I expect the oil pan needs to be modified but would hope no other headaches are involved with the grannies kit. Anyone out there who's used their kit?

Yolo7

I am installing a granny's kit currently. I am not too far along, but the only thing I am really unsure of at the moment is the transmission cross mount and how it installs into the car(holes drilled in the floor board and 2 steel plates sandwiching the floor pan). I don't plan on making anything over 300hp, but if I did I would be thinking about how to reinforce the subframe and cage the car.

Itsdaveonline

Do you have a build thread anywhere? I'm definitely interested in following how everything bolts up.

What's your motor & trans choice?

Yolo7

I do have posting here and at grassroots motorsports magazine.

https://www.rx7club.com/v-8-powered-rx-7s-299/80-sa-5-0-build-1092839/I do have thread here and kn Grassroots Motorsports Magazine website.


I am sticking a 5.0L and a T5 from a '93 mustang into an '80SA. My progress is pretty slow due free time to spend on the car. Currently the engine is the machine shop. Let me know if have any questions or need additional photos of any of the included parts in granny's kit.

Freeskier7791

I put an LT1 in my 85 but ended up having to cut and weld my trans crossmember. If you know someone that can weld it helps. Check out my build thread for more pics. I think if you get SBC to LS engine mounts and use the grannys kit you will be ok.