Looking at a LS based swap since finding a decent deal on a 13b is hard to come by.
I'd be buying either a 4.8/5.3 Vortec long block and using the LS1 intake and F body accessories that I need. Would probably run an auto trans to keep costs down as t56s cost an arm and a leg around here IF you can find one. Keep the stock TII rear end, stock V8 PCM/modified harness and either make mounts or buy some from a member.

Just curious if anyone else has done a "budget" build and what it cost them. I have done engine swaps before, have my own shop and am a welder.

 

don't cut yourself short with an auto unless its gonna be a drag car. believe me, i definitely understand doing a build on a budget, i'm doing it now. even if you are a good fabricator/welder you'll run into many issues. just take your time, save your money, and do it right the first time. i'd suggest saving your money and buying used parts from members parting out or upgrading. the right deals will come along. just be patient. you're gonna wanna buy a subframe that positions the engine correctly and allows minimal steering alteration. the subframes out now correct the issue with simple to install bumpsteer kits.

as far as the engine it's the same idea. be patient. when you've got the $$$ be on the lookout constantly so when the right deal comes along you can get it. check local forums, craigslist, ebay, etc. i've seen many great deals on craigslist. search your area and surrounding areas. if you've gotta drive 100 miles or so it could be worth it.

just start saving and begin doing the many little, but necessary things. trust me, you'll have alot to do even without any parts.

 

Even on a budget I ended up with about 10k$ on top of the 4k cost of my FD shell. I'm using the stock clutch from my motor/trans pullout and got a deal on my used cooling system. Things add up faster than you would believe.

 

I have around 30k in my car.

 

I have less than 9 in my car including the shell(FD/LS1/T56) Funnyscreenname is correct, be patient and look around.. I even think I have a part I got from him on my car. I bought a 5.3 and then sold it, when I really started adding the cost of the oil pan/intake/ accessories, it would have cost more than my LS1 I got a few weeks later

 

I have 3000 into my build. I have pretty much everything I need plus a lot of upgrades. I got an 02 ls1 and t56 off a vet. New oil pan heads bearings gaskets etc I would say I will be around 5 said and done. Keep in mind my tranny and motor cost 500 and 800 so I saved there

 

a friend did a turbo lq9 in his fd for just over 10k and went 8.60s another guy i kno has a Na ls3 in his fc and only spent 6500

 

6k on top of the car is a reasonable budget assuming you're not doing a ton of buying and selling (aka parts cars) to get stuff for "free". 10k on top of the car would be a nice swap.

I'm on my 3rd v8 (one broke, one sold, now into a stroker) and somewhere in the 20k+ range. It's quite doable to spend more on an exhaust than the the bluebook of an FC.

-Joel

 

5100 in my ls1/fd/t56, sold rotary parts, bought used/preowned new items and used stock exhaust manifolds. I have a build thread on norotors ..same screename if you want to check it out.

 

That is sig worthy material.

 

There are over $18,000 in parts in my LS1 FC if they were to be bought retail.. Plus the value of the car. It is currently insured for $25,000.

 

Budget turbo build done right, I am looking at about 10K if the car doesnt sell.