Whats the Best V8 Conversion?

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Old 12-08-07, 04:18 PM
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Whats the Best V8 Conversion?

Iv been reading alot about the whole V8 subject. Over here in the UK there are only 3 cars running V8's and are all LS1 engines(Afaik). 1 is owned by the guy who does the conversions, the 2nd is owned by another guy on Mazdarotaryclub.com & the last one, is owned by a friend of mine whos having a 7L V8 LS1 Stroker Kit installed. Now that means nothing to me simply because we dont really know much about the V8 route & engines this side of the Atlantic. The conversion my firend Craig is having done is the same as the guy who builds them has in his car. Making 510rwhp & 500f/lbs of torque or something mad like that!

Iv seen some of you guys have got LS1's, LS2's, LS7's, Z06 engines...etc etc

Whats the price difference with these? What are the overall spec differences if any...I know the standard new shape Z06 makes 500hp but is it really worth it? What sort of mpg do they run? How "Bulletproof" are they really? What else needs changing apart from the obvious Motor & Gearbox...

Im not planning on going the V8 route because im quite happy with my TD06 & BNR's. I just want to learn more about them...maybe somewhere down the line i can see a V8 conversion if i dont go 20B...

Thanks

Rixio
Old 12-08-07, 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Rixio_Scon
Iv seen some of you guys have got LS1's, LS2's, LS7's, Z06 engines...etc etc

Whats the price difference with these? What are the overall spec differences if any...I know the standard new shape Z06 makes 500hp but is it really worth it? What sort of mpg do they run? How "Bulletproof" are they really? What else needs changing apart from the obvious Motor & Gearbox...
All your questions are easily answered by searching the internet but here's some links I found when I was considering the conversion myself.

Prices:
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...y_ID=53&Page=2

Info:
http://www.v8rx7forum.com/
http://ls1tech.com/forums/

Now do some research.
Old 12-08-07, 06:31 PM
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Old 12-08-07, 09:29 PM
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That Crateenginedepot site is great for prices, but it doesnt really explain what the different engines spec are or anything like what gearbox mates with what...

I see the engines arent all that expensive when you think about it! The standard cost of a street port with single turbo conversion here your looking at around $8k for turbo kit and another $8-$10k for the rebuild.

What does the average shop over in the US charge for the conversion? Obviously prices will vary but a rough estimate? Over here your looking at $30k and that includes the 7L Stroker LS1 engine & a 6-10week roll in, roll out policy...

Il join the V8RX7 forum tmrw when im not half asleep considering that its now 3:23m here...

Keep the info coming peeps
Old 12-08-07, 10:45 PM
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There are two companies in the states that I know of that do the conversions and sell kits. The first one is Granny's Speed shop. I have their kit for the LT1 V8 with the T56 transmission. Then there is Hinson Super Cars. The have kits as well as performing the complete turn key conversion. They have prices listed on their websites. Good luck. P.S. The v8 will not dissapoint. Even in stock form.
Old 12-08-07, 11:33 PM
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I've done a ton of research on this, so I can help a bit.

You can pick up an LS1 with harness, oil pan, throttle body, transmission, and ECU for $4K, give or take (my friend got one for $2700!). You can find an LS2 with all the same things for about $8000-9000. LS7s, however, are more difficult. Since they are only used in Z06's, they are still rare. Every couple months you can find one on eBay, and it will be about $13,000 for the engine, accessories, harness, ECU, and oil system (may not have this, even). These are hard to find and very high demand for these, so you're very lucky if you get a package with all of that. They will never come with a transmission because the Z06 uses a rear-mounted tranny, so you'll have to add a transmission, an extra ~$2K. So a VERy rare, best-case scenario, you're looking at $15K. Then you'll have to get the newer dynotested kit, as it's the only one that fits the LS7 pan. You'll also most likely have to buy a few extra parts for the dry sump oil system. You'll also have to have some mounts made for the tank. If you get the LS7 as a crate motor, which is the most viable option if you want your engine within the next 6 months, good luck. It's $13,000 for the engine, another $860 for the accessories, $2K for the tranny, $1600 for the ECU/harness. Then there's a couple sensors left to buy, I believe. Then for the fuel system, you're going to spend some cash. Easy way out is eliminate the dry sump system with an LS2 oil pan. Otherwise you can either spend $2500-$3000 for a good dry sump system, or pay dealership prices (not sure the total) and get the stock dry sump system.

LS2 is the best bet, LS1 if your budget is a little tighter.
Old 12-09-07, 12:13 AM
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I know this is coming from a fantasy world, but In my opinion I think the most badass (best) v8 conversion possible would be:

The 720bhp twin turbo 2.9L v8 from the ferrari F40 LM.

If nothing else just to say 'Yeah, Ive got a ferrari engine.'

Of course if us rx7 owners had enough money to do this, we'd probally just keep it in the F40... I would.

But to contribute something useful, Ive heard the Edelbrock crate motors are a good deal, with a good warranty. Im not too big an Edelbrock fan myself, but probally worth checking out.
Old 12-09-07, 12:44 AM
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sometimes it's easier and cheaper to buy a whole camaro....i see LT-1s on ebay with all accessories, ECU, harness, and tranny for around 2k.....now you're stuck having to guess if you really have everything. locally i can get mid 90's Z28 all day for like $2500...for the whole car!!! so you know you have everything and you can also know the engine actually runs good. sometimes, with a quality engine swap, it's better to have a donor car, unless you go carb, then you really don't have to worry about all the injection wiring and ecu......so my guess is if ya want cheap power with tons of aftermarket support, then go with an LT-1 engine and set it up for carb.
Old 12-09-07, 07:10 AM
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Thanks guys! Great usefull info there! Just having a look at Hinsons & Granny's now...

If you guys were going all out on the motor, what would you do? Maximum hp and still retain everyday driveability...? Would you go LS7? What else can you add to the "shopping list" to give it more power and torque?
Old 12-09-07, 07:46 AM
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Twin turbo on a v8 in an rx7 has been done before and monsterous to say the least. Im sure at least someones on the forum with this set up.

Heres what I would do, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJcjHnzWDk if I were going all out. Id love to drive it every day, as long as I had no right turns on my commute
Old 12-09-07, 08:45 AM
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Nice monstrosity! Not sure its really relevant though...WTF!! LOL Mad B@stard!
Old 12-09-07, 10:00 AM
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I gather you mean for the FD, engine wise LX7 IMHO would be the ultimate as it is 505 hp stock, which means the reliability is high, gets 26 mpg and is just an awesome engine package. Of course it costs more and the hp can be reached via modifications to a LS1 or 2 fairly easily, so you application also matters, what willyou do with it?
Old 12-09-07, 05:35 PM
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If you're asking us what can be done to an LS1 for more power, you're just being lazy. Do your own research.
Old 12-09-07, 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Rixio_Scon
Thanks guys! Great usefull info there! Just having a look at Hinsons & Granny's now...

If you guys were going all out on the motor, what would you do? Maximum hp and still retain everyday driveability...? Would you go LS7? What else can you add to the "shopping list" to give it more power and torque?
IMO you should do the ls1. Upgrade the heads, intake, cam, and a tune. You'll have well over 500 horsepower. And be able to drive it whenever.
Old 12-10-07, 08:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Troux
If you're asking us what can be done to an LS1 for more power, you're just being lazy. Do your own research.
No im not being lazy. A forum is there to ask questions and a great source for others to share information. If i just did my own search then how would i know what other peoples oppinions were...

I dont have a clue about V8's just like the average American wont know anything about the RB26 for eg. simply because you've had no experience with them.

As i said before, in the entire country only 3 people run V8 FD's so cut me some slack!

And in response to your post. I didnt ask what can be done to the LS1 for more power. I asked if you were doing a V8 conversion which variation would you go for...i appreciated your comments earlier it was very informative so please dont take this the wrong way

Rixio

Last edited by Rixio_Scon; 12-10-07 at 08:49 AM.
Old 12-10-07, 05:57 PM
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As someone has already posted, get into browsing LS1tech.com. Contrary to what the name implies, it covers all LS engines and a few others from GM.
Old 12-11-07, 11:59 PM
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For best performance-lsx
for best bang-for-buck- ford 5.0 with some upgraded heads
Old 12-12-07, 09:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Troux
As someone has already posted, get into browsing LS1tech.com. Contrary to what the name implies, it covers all LS engines and a few others from GM.
I usually keep my mouth shut, but seriously Troux, if you don't have something constructive to say and just want to be a dick, than don't reply to a thread. I am so sick of people like you who are just overall negative and arrogant. Cut the guy some slack. The forum is for everyone that has a ? no matter how many times it has been asked. I sure you yourself has asked a ? that has been explored/ asked before on the forum. How but just trying to be a nice guy and helping a brother out!
Old 12-13-07, 06:03 PM
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sounded like the guy was being pretty helpful to me :shrug:
Old 12-14-07, 07:09 AM
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Thanks for the info dudes (or dudets you never know on forums) was a great help!

As i said i have no intention of doing a conversion but was just interested in the concept because a friend is having one done. I think more than likely if i do end up spending that kind of money it will probably go into a 20B that i'l build myself.

Thanks again!
Old 12-15-07, 02:14 AM
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^So why the 20B and not the LS swap? The numbers are certainly in favor of the pistons.
Originally Posted by frankadelic
I usually keep my mouth shut, but seriously Troux, if you don't have something constructive to say and just want to be a dick, than don't reply to a thread. I am so sick of people like you who are just overall negative and arrogant. Cut the guy some slack. The forum is for everyone that has a ? no matter how many times it has been asked. I sure you yourself has asked a ? that has been explored/ asked before on the forum. How but just trying to be a nice guy and helping a brother out!
.....Come again?
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