likeadrug

I know I'm going to take some flak for this here, but my luck with my FD ended recently, had a problem with the cooling system mid drive which translated quickly into no more seals in the engine.

What I am considering as a project is to transplant an LSX variety motor into the car myself. Not because I don't like rotaries or realize they can be just as reliable, but because I'd like the experience of doing the transplant myself and wouldn't mind something less finicky with a bit more low end. A big part of it is I am planning on building a complete Factory Five kit car sometime in the near future, and wouldn't mind trying something like an engine transplant first to see how it goes.

I'm wondering if anyone in Calgary has done this with an FD? Also, is there a good local or at least Canadian place to get a hold of an LS1/T56?

Thanks in advance.

Sizzlenut

The only two canadian LSX rx7s I know of are here in the Toronto area. Sourcing an LS1/T56 in Canada can be tough because the cars aren't as popular up here than in the States. Also the way the exchange rate is right now, you might save some $$$ bringing an engine/tranny from across the border. Cleveland Pick-a-Part is a good source and sell a ton of these combos. You may also get a pretty good deal on the forums for one that's already built because the hardcore guys are going the LS7 route now and selling off they're old setups. If this is your first build, do lots of research and take it one step at a time. You won't regret it. GL.

Alak

iTrader: (9)

Theres a couple guys in town here like Monty that have done this to their FC's. They can source all kinds of stuff.

I'd recommend no less than an LS7.

likeadrug

I'd also recommend no less than a Bugatti Veyron, but seeing as I don't have 13k just to drop on the crate engine atm, it's not going to be happening

IMO, even the bone stock LS1 with 350 hp in an FD is going to be plenty fun to play with. I'm not really planning on racing an Enzo, just daily driving around Calgary for 4-5 months out of the year when the swap is done.

Monty is a friend of mine from middle school so I'm hoping to have his help on this one, but he hasn't been on his computer in the last couple days. I know he spent 6k just on parts for his engine, and rebuilt it himself... and is producing around 500hp. I just want to get the car working and reliable.

Alak

iTrader: (9)

Look for an LS7 out of the wreckers in the states. Given the drive-ability of the Z06, Im sure theres 50 pole shaped Vettes sitting in a yard right now.


If thats not to your pocketbook, you can buy a crate LS2 for a carb that makes 440HP. Not bad for new parts and out of the box for only $4000 (If I recall).

likeadrug

An LS7 is going to run you upwards of 9k just for the engine, period - which is the outside upper limit of my budget for the whole project.

An LS2 is going to be between 5-7k (for a salvage one!) and an LS1 is looking to be between 3-5k.

I know how 400hp feels in an RX7, and for me its PLENTY, and 400hp from a V8 is a different animal than 400hp from a single turbo rotary because of all the low end. Therefore I definitely would not want to do more than a mildly modded LS1 or stock LS2 for my purposes.

Just to clarify my purposes are driving this on low-speed-limit city roads and staying alive

Alak

iTrader: (9)

Jegs sells the LS2 Carb motor for $5200 ready to run minus carburetor.

I looked into doing a Ford Modular motor swap a couple years ago, and decided that if I went V8, might as well buy a V8 car. Im still jugling the idea of buying a 03-04 Mach 1 in the spring.

likeadrug

Unfortunately I also need a T56 (transmission), ecm, wiring harness, AC compressor, power steering, mounting kit, ect.

Its very doable, but going to run me about 7-9k on parts, whereas I could just a little bit less on a rotary done by a shop or mechanic. Time for a change, and I want the experience anyways.

Kinda looking forward to that nice V8 growl that I miss from the days I drove a Ws6 trans am, too. FD + V8 just seems like the best of both worlds to me, although I did sure love it when my turbo spooled.

Alak

iTrader: (9)

You could also consider something different, like a Rover V8 or some such. They powered TVR's for years. (And Land Rovers).

Theres also the European V8's. Or even the Powerstroke Diesel V8.


Im just throwing out Ideas.

W8 is another one, but could be pricey.

likeadrug

Well I've decided to go with the LS2 from a 2005+ Vette / GTO.

Looks like the best compromise between price / power. Improved tech and fuel efficiency from the LS1 by a bit as well. Going to be a long winter..., going to be torture waiting for the snow to melt when the car is done.

Tai-Lun

iTrader: (8)

Where did you find your LS2 if you don't mind me asking, I am looking around for one at the moment as well.

Thanks.

pinkston

iTrader: (1)

thats the way to go man

likeadrug

I'd prefer not to say until I get a hold of the engine, and everything is a done deal, at which point I can give you a better recommendation / experience.

Tai-Lun

iTrader: (8)

nice, pm the details when you finalize the deal. Thanks.

~overdose~

there is 7 guys in calgary that i know who have done the ls1 swap in fc's but fd's i dunno man also i have a old friend who did a ls1 in a FB! its insane if you want pm me and i'll foward one of my buddies e-mails via msn and he can help you out with information or help with the swap