InMyWhiteTII

Now that I'm finally getting some hours at work, I'm getting my tax return back, and I've discovered eBay (If you guys have **** laying around SELL IT on eBay, I made $300 for like an hour of work), I may actually have the funds to buy the new motor. My question to you guys is: Would you recommend holding out for the LS1/T56 combo (definately what im doing, unless i get the same deal on an LS2/6/7/9) or should I buy the first decent LS1 I can find then buy the tranny seperate?

rajahFD

buying the complete long block has its advantages. i perosnally would (and did) go with the complete pullout. it'll save you a whole lot of trouble

InMyWhiteTII

Damn...well I just did all the calculations (semi-conservatively) and it turns out that I won't be able to afford the LS1+T56 combo until sometime after this summer vacation. I'll be at about $4500 (approx. cost as I have found), and thats not factoring in the shipping or the Hinson installation kit. Any tips on how to make some fast cash? (because I know that theres no way ill be able to spend that money on an engine when I'm about to go to college).

rajahFD

if you're working on a budget, i think the project might not be for you. im not that much older than you, i just graduated high school in 05. the only reason i decided to go with this was because i put most of it on credit, so im paying it off. also, i guess i have what you call a "decent pay job" for MY age; im working A LOT of hours. after than, i'll be starting real estate in a couple of weeks, maybe months. but i wouldn't suggest throwing your whole savings on to this. set your priorities mang, you'll need all the $$ you can get once you hit college - talking from friend experiences.

your engine can range from 3,200 to about 6,200, depending on your deals. your mounting kit (since you're going with hinson) should run to about another 600-800 (? not sure on the second gens) and then you have to put into account all the miscellaneous stuff - add maybe another 700 to that.

there are some other things that will pop up along the way, just get ready for them. good luck on your build and let it run its course, don't push it - do it right the first time and don't take shortcuts.

Chigliakus

Also if you're really wanting to do this swap despite rastarajah's good advice then I'd recommend aiming a little lower. The LS1 is a great engine, obviously superior in many ways to the LT1, but if you're on a budget you probably need to at least consider the cheaper drivetrain. There is a lot of advice on saving money on your FC swap over at torquecentral. Remember that in addition to the drivetrain and mounting equipment you're going to get nickle-and-dimed to the tune of $1k in misc stuff that you haven't even thought of yet. There is no way I'd have attempted this swap back in college, I could barely afford to keep my Honda Accord running and keep myself fed. Now that I've got a good job, a house, and a nice daily driver I can work on the swap at my leisure as I have time and money available. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

digitalsolo

iTrader: (2)

This man is DEAD on with this comment.

I've worked on 5 swaps in FCs/FDs thus far, and EVERY one has had problems pop up that we didn't plan for, including the most recent FD that had ~2 months of daily planning on parts lists. Mind you, it was 3 $8.00 parts, but regardless, stuff will nickel and dime you on these swaps.

The same on shortcuts, they'll ALWAYS cost you more in the long run. Always.

I see you're in Indy, have you seen any of the swapped cars down there? There are some decent examples that I'm rather intimately familiar with (the cars, NOT the owners ).