ATTENTION! All LS1 swapped 240sx owners!!!

[sicride]

If theres a shop in Richmond, VA area that will be willing to do this parts and labor for ~6000$ in about a year and a half, they will likely have my business. (parts and labor = engine/transmission inclusive, as long as it's alum block LS1)

[yelnatsch517]

If theres a shop in Richmond, VA area that will be willing to do this parts and labor for ~6000$ in about a year and a half, they will likely have my business. (parts and labor = engine/transmission inclusive, as long as it's alum block LS1)

Holy crap. $6k for everything? I'll be waiting then!! It would totally be worth the drive. Take a road trip down there during summer and get it done.

Only thing is quality though. I'm very picky on quality.

[XofXtimeX]

If theres a shop in Richmond, VA area that will be willing to do this parts and labor for ~6000$ in about a year and a half, they will likely have my business. (parts and labor = engine/transmission inclusive, as long as it's alum block LS1)

That is some extremely high hopes when it is costing most people to do it on there own with there own labor around $5-6,000 and to be clean. There are some cheaper ones done that don't look that good but done.

You have to remember a shop also has to make it look like an excellent swap which means if you find one for 6,000 including parts and labor...It's probably not going to be very impressive.

[yelnatsch517]

That is some extremely high hopes when it is costing most people to do it on there own with there own labor around $5-6,000 and to be clean. There are some cheaper ones done that don't look that good but done.

You have to remember a shop also has to make it look like an excellent swap which means if you find one for 6,000 including parts and labor...It's probably not going to be very impressive.

Which is what I'm worried about. Parts alone will probably come out to $6500. How much would a shop charge to do the complete swap around her; I don't know, but whatever it is, I'm guessing a complete swap would be around $10k for everything to look extremely clean (new car clean) which is what I expect when I get it done. Either that or, I do it myself with a couple friends. I'm hoping it's the latter because it would be an opportunity to learn, but the lack of a space and maybe time might prove it impossible.

[cnichols]

That is some extremely high hopes when it is costing most people to do it on there own with there own labor around $5-6,000 and to be clean. There are some cheaper ones done that don't look that good but done.

You have to remember a shop also has to make it look like an excellent swap which means if you find one for 6,000 including parts and labor...It's probably not going to be very impressive.

I agree. Do it yourself...do it right.

Now that I'm nearing the end of my swap, I can tell you right now that I wouldn't do this swap for anything less than $5,000 (labor only!). To make it truly clean, it takes TIME...tons of it. But, now that I've done it once, it would go a lot smoother.

[WDRacing]

I agree. Do it yourself...do it right.

Now that I'm nearing the end of my swap, I can tell you right now that I wouldn't do this swap for anything less than $5,000 (labor only!). To make it truly clean, it takes TIME...tons of it. But, now that I've done it once, it would go a lot smoother.

Agreed. Although if you had everything laid out for a bolt on affair it would be alot easier. But the price of that kit would offset the lack of intense labor, so either way you're probably looking at a big difference in quality.

[sicride]

You don't think they'll be able to make a bolt up swap kit (not including engine/trans) for 2,500-3,000?

[WDRacing]

I'm sure they could, I was referring to labor as well.

WD

[sicride]

I would only assume the swap other than that should not cost more than 1,500. Which at 2500 for the kit and 2500 for a engine/trans/ecu, would put me around 6500 right? I don't think it'd be too unreasonable if we had a company produce a reasonable bolt on kit.

[WDRacing]

Only time will tell, I'm all for an inexpensive conversion. But I'm not holding my breath.

[Blown240sx]

Well Im still making the mounts since I havnt had time to be home but I did find out where that mount came from. You can buy it from Jegs for $21.

[XofXtimeX]

Well Im still making the mounts since I havnt had time to be home but I did find out where that mount came from. You can buy it from Jegs for $21.

What mount are you refering too? Mind showing me the link also?

[cnichols]

I would only assume the swap other than that should not cost more than 1,500. Which at 2500 for the kit and 2500 for a engine/trans/ecu, would put me around 6500 right? I don't think it'd be too unreasonable if we had a company produce a reasonable bolt on kit.

$1500? If you want it to be half a$$, sure.

Fluids, new fuel lines, exhaust, new power steering lines, gauges, wiring, wire loom, fittings, fittings, fittings, etc., etc., etc. I've spent more on the little stuff than the big stuff trying to make the cleanest swap possible. If you're content to just have it running and look like that's all you cared about, you could do it for something close to your figure, but why do that?

[Blown240sx]

What mount are you refering too? Mind showing me the link also?

Well Mr Nichols provided a link for the motor mounts. Im talking about the transmission mount in the pics above. I found the bushing for it.

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs...81_-1

I cant find the other one but the engergy suspension is a good price. They make an LS1 specific one for the camaro but I cant see the mount beeing any different.

[datboibrad]

lol some of you guys like to make this swap alot harder than it needs to be...

everyone copy Chris!

[Blown240sx]

lol some of you guys like to make this swap alot harder than it needs to be...

everyone copy Chris!

?????

How are we making it harder?

[300hp owen]

its an awesome swap and the ONE component where you can save the most money is the motorset, no doubt! if you want to do this on the cheap you should spend your time searching for the most inclusive and least expensive LS1T56 setup you can find. try to find one with **** you wont use but can sell, like a driveshaft, clutch master, cat.convertors, radiator and fans, etc etc etc. if you have the time and space, you should buy a complete but wrecked Fbody and part out the stuff you dont need you can end up with a motorset for dirt cheap.

like whoa, that tubular/angle iron custom trans mount is SICK!

[tl1000sga]

Engine management is provided by a Painless Wiring Perfect Hi-RPM Standalone

Chris, Where did you purchase this? The only thing I can find similar includes a cam. Is that what you purchased?

Thanks

[migsk8]

That's from ls1tech, right? I saw that and *drool*.

what up peeps, i just got this great idea the other day.....i want an ls1 in my car :]

anyways, where can i get mounts like that made for a ls1 transmission?

[migsk8]

Making our own of course...



It's finished now and bolted in...I'll get more pics by the weekend. Notice there is a gap on the one side. I just got the aluminum spacers made, so I will take pics of everything.

Cost for the Transmission Crossmember = $0Cost of the polyurethane "mount" = $0 (leftover from engine mounts)Cost of new 10.9 bolts = ~$8

dude, where exactly is that mount located on the transmission, could you take a picture for further away so i can see

please please please

does it rattle at all or feel any stiffer than it should?

[Frostfang]

I found this in the raleigh area, I dont have the funds for it but I thought some of you might be interested. http://raleigh.craigslist.org/pts/503157809.htmlLT1 entire drivetrain $1300

[mv520]

Ive thought about mass producing mounts once i get my drawings to scale. If they bolt right up after I get the measurments down Ill have some copies made and sell them probably.

ill buy if its a straight bolt on

[heartofaskyline]

wow these last few post are full of fail . lt1's are a iron block, so its gonna be heavy. i hope you have fabricating expierence because ive looked into an ls1 swap, and its anything but easy

[eazye2000]

I have a virgin '95 S14 that's waiting in the parking lot next door for her LS1. I'm not even going to touch it until I get a motor/transmission for it. I'd rather sell it, than have ANOTHER half torn apart project laying around.. lolThe other project is a '78 Scout II.... Then the S13 KA-Turbo in the sig.

I skimmed though the thread, and I didn't see anything about oil pans.. From what I've read and understood, isn't it necessary to get a GTO oil pan for the S chassis swap?

[mv520]

yea you need to swap for a gto oil pan for clearance. I dont have any welding skills so im all up for buying some mounts

[98koukile]

I've never looked at the bottom of the 6.0L and the 7.0L but what would it take to add the external oil tank that the Z06 uses so there's no oil pan low on the car? This would be an awesome addition to the swap except the fuel is delivered differently also IIRC on the 7.0L

[l314ckhe4rt]

hi guys if i have an s13 what differentials should i use for ls1 swap? what are u guys using?

[AZhitman]

Bump - This thread was originally about getting a couple sites up and running, to feature the work you guys have done and make information more accessible to others.

Any takers?

We've had quite a few projects completed since then!

[Lev_96_240sx]

$5k for a complete swap is a bit too optimistic especially if you plan on dropping 3500 on the motor set. Here is a very useful list, might be the wrong section to post it in, but it is an lsx thread after all:

Quoted from http://www.silviav8.com:

I've been researching this swap for a while now... and there wasn't a good list of all the parts necessary to get everything done so I started this.

This list isn't complete, I'm sure there are a few adapters and hoses here and there that I'm neglecting. but the eventual goal is to cover EVERYTHING you need to get the job done. If you know of things I missed, or even have links to good threads that offer more detail on a particular topic reply to this thread or PM me with the info and I'll add it Smile

Engine and Transmission Options:The Engine is what you really came here for right? The LS engines are all very similar in terms of their construction and how they fit in the car. Any of these options should be treated the same way when swapped into the car.

Engine OptionsLS Engine Specs-LS1, Found in: 97-04 Corvette, 98-02 Camaro, Firebird, Corvette C5, 04 GTO-LS2, Found in: 06-07 CTS-V, 05-07 Corvette, 05-06 SSR, 05-06 GTO-LS3, Found in: 08+ Corvette-LS6, Found in: 04-05 CTS-V, Corvette C5 Z06-LS7, Found in: 06-08 Corvette Z06

*Engines from the F-Body Cars (Camaro and Firebird) use a normal throttle while other cars on this list use drive by wire. Each has it's advantages so do your research, if you go DBW make sure your engine set includes the electronic gas pedal, the throttle actuator control module, and the small harness that connects the pedal to the module. The throttle body TAC module and pedal need to all be from the same year and model as there are differences between these and other GM vehicles with DBW.

When buying an engine it should include the following-Alternator-A/C Compressor (if you plan on hooking up AC)-MAF (mass airflow sensor)-Power Steering Pump-Complete uncut Wiring Harness-PCM (engine control module aka ECU)-Throttlebody-***Transmission. Not required but you're life will be easier if the transmission is already installed

In general you'll want a motor that will not need anything extra to get it running.

Transmission options-T5*, Found in: 97-02 Camaro, Firebird-T56*, Found in: 97-02 Camaro, Firebird-4L60E*, Found in: 97-02 Camaro, Firebird

When buying a transmission separate from the motor should include the following:-pilot bearing-Bellhousing-T56 torque arm mount and bolts-Shifter Assembly-** Pressure plate/Clutch (and all related bolts and clutch tool)-** Flywheel (only necessary of the motor was original mated to an automatic transmission)

If anything on these lists is missing you will need to buy them separate

*These transmissions can be found in other cars and model years as well however they differ in their setup depending on the application they were original intended for, you should seek transmissions designed to be paired to an LS motor and used in a Camaro or Firebird Chassis (even the GTO, Corvette and other GM applications are different). You can make the other version work but be sure to DO YOUR RESEARCH to determine the differences so you know what you're getting into.

**If the Transmission was purchased separate chances are you will have to buy a clutch and pressure plate before you can mate the two. The best cheap setup is to get a Z06 Clutch setup... you can get a new Exedy clutch pressure plate, and flywheel designed as a direct OEM Z06 replacement for around $350.

Mounting Options:Mounting an LS motor in your S-chassis is fairly straight forward, the engine bay is quite accommodating. In generally you're looking at engine mounts as well as a transmission mount and a transmission cross member.

The biggest problem is how the engine's oil pan fits around the 240sx's front sub fram (aka engine crossmember). You can either modify the sub frame to accommodate the oil pan or modify the oil pan to accommodate the sub frame.

In general you will not need to modify the firewall or transmission tunnel to fit the LS engine unless you are using a custom setup. Worst Case scenario is a minor amount of hammering at the front of the transmission tunnel with certain kits.

Mounting/Fitment Options:Daft Innovationshttp://www.daftinnovations.com/s13ls1/index.html--For S13 or S14---Uses GTO oil Pan (purchased separately)-Includes custom (CNCed) engine mounts-Includes modified Subframe (no core exchange necessary)-Includes custom (welded) transmission crossmember & mount w/ urethane cushion-Custom Swaybar Spacers (needed to work with rest of kit) (purchased separately)-Custom Driveshaft (Steel, aluminum available at extra charge)* (purchased separately)-Custom Long Tube Headers (purchased separately)-Requires transmission tunnel hammering

Hinson Supercarshttp://www.hinsonsupercars.com/--For S13 or S14---Uses GTO oil Pan (purchased separately)-Uses Corvette Engine mounts (purchased separately)-Includes Subframe Modification (core exchange, or buy the template and do it yourself)-Includes Subframe Spacers (needed to work with Corvette Engine mounts)-Transmission crossmember&mount (must be built custom)-Custom Driveshaft (purchased separately/must be built custom)*-Custom Long Tube Headers (purchased separately/must be built custom)-Requires transmission tunnel hammering

PX Racinghttp://shop.pxracing.com/main.sc--For S14 only---Uses GTO oil Pan (purchased separately)-Includes custom (welded) Engine mounts-Includes Subframe Modification (Core exchange)-Includes custom (welded) transmission cross member & mount w/urethane cushion-Custom Driveshaft (purchased separately/must be built custom)*-Custom Long Tube Headers (not offered/must be built custom)-Requires transmission tunnel hammering

Sikkyhttp://www.sikky.com/products/...240sx--For S14 only---Includes custom (welded) Oil Pan W/Oil Filter Relocation kit-Includes custom (CNCed) Engine Mounts (solid or with urethane cushion)-Includes custom (stamped) transmission cross member & mount w/urethane cushion-Includes Custom Driveshaft (Steel, aluminum available at extra charge)*-Custom Long Tube Headers (must be purchased separately/must be built custom)-Requires minor transmission tunnel hammering

Completely Custom-Use of GTO oil pan recommended or build custom-Expect to modify cross member or oil pan for proper fitment-Use of Corvette Engine mounts with spacers or built custom-Built custom Transmission cross member and mount-Order Custom Driveshaft from a Drive shaft shop (do not order from kit makers, it may be wrong length for your application)*-May require transmission tunnel hammering or cutting depending on placement

*Keep in mind that the factory vLSD requires a driveshaft that is .75" shorter than a Factory Open-Diff. Also if using alternative drop-in options such as a Kaaz or J30 diff the required drive shaft size may be different. I've heard that the size difference is typically inconsequential however if you're ordering a custom shaft anyway, it's something to keep in mind.

Automatic to Manual ConversionIf you're converting your Automatic S-Chassis to a Stick shift at the same time you do your engine swap you will need the following parts-240sx Brake pedal assembly (from 5-speed car)**-240sx clutch pedal assembly*-240sx Shifter Trim (plastic interior surround-240sx Shifter Boot (leather or vinyl to mate shifter to trim)-240sx transmission boot/rubber seal (seals the interior from the exterior)

Your best bet is to find these in a junk yard, on ebay or a forum BST. Failing that these parts can be purchased new from:http://heavythrottle.comhttp://courtesyparts.com

*S13 clutch pedal can be used on an S14 but it needs spacers on the mounting bolts to sit properly, s14 clutch pedal cannot be used on S13 because the spacers are welded in place from the factory.

**if you can't find a brake pedal assembly or maybe you just want to save some cash, you can take a hack-saw and cut off part of the pedal to make room for the clutch. cutting it and placing a factory rubber pedal cover from a 5-speed it will look and feel like a 5-speed pedal.

Clutch Parts:you will need to replace the clutch master on your 240 with something stronger and you need to make sure it works with the T-5 or T-56 transmission.

"Custom Kit-Wilwood 0.750 in Master Cylinder (260-1304) [$50]----- Summit Racing-48in long GM to -4AN hose----- Summit Racing-Reducer: -4AN to -3AN----- Summit Racing-Elbow: -4AN to -4AN 90*----- Summit Racing

Daft Innovations Clutch Kit [$165-$195]-CMC 3/4 bore-daft Innovations CMC adapter plate [$45]-1/8 pipe to -3 or -4 male- -3 or -4 steel braided clutch/brake hose- -3 or -4 gm hydraulic clutch slave fitting with seal and roll pin.

Hinson Clutch Kit-Wilwood .875 Master Cylinder (modified)-Adapter Plate-Stainless Conversion line***this kit is reported to have fitment issues

Fuel System:An LS1 requires better fuel delivery than the factory system can handle There are two good options available. This is one area where you should buy everything new, don't worry though, it's rather inexpensive

"Custom Fuel Kit"-Aftermarket Fuel Pump for 240sx----- Walbro, or similar brand [$100 New]-Fuel Filter/Presure Regulator from 98+ corvette with fittings----Purse Choice Motorsports----- an all in one unit [$54 New]-Adapter and hose to hook up Nissan -6AN lines to the LS1 3/8" fuel rail-----Adapter: http://www.purechoicemotorsports.com [$12 New]-----Hose: (Jegs/Summit/wherever)

Daft Innovations Fuel Kit [$275]-Gm fuel filter with built in fuel pressure regulator-Single -6 steel braided feed line from fuel filter to LS1 Fuel rail.-**Walbro fule pump required but sold separately [$100 New]

Hinson Fuel Kit [?]- Walbro fuel pump- High flow Fuel Filter- Pressure Regulator- Stainless Fuel Lines- Replacement Fuel Rail for LS1

Power Steering:Your Engine should have come with a power steering pump, this is adequate to run the power steering system in your car you simply need to adapt it with some conversion lines.

Daft Innovations PS Conversion lines-Power Steering conversion lines [$120]

PX Racing PS Conversion lines-Power Steering conversion lines [$100]

Custom (find someone who can make conversion lines-http://silviav8forums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=791 [??]

Radiator:-Any Radiator for 240sx (Koyo/other) [$300+ New]-Electric Fans (from 93-97 Altima or Tarus w/Shroud)* [$150+ New]-Radiator Piping (click for info) [~$40]

*The LS1 computer is capable of controlling electric fans so you'll either want to have the computer programmed for this and wire it up or you'll want to setup a stand-alone temperature probe and relay to control the fan, or go uber ghetto and just have the fan run 100% of the time while the car is running

Intake:-LS6 Intake or other/Custom [??]

Exhaust:-headers----- (Custom) [??]----- Daft Innovations Long Tube Headers [$650]----- Hinson Long Tube Headers [$835]-Y-pipe (custom) [??]-Cat(s) (Catco/Magnaflow/etc.) [$60/piece New]-Catback (custom/other) [$400+ New]

Air Conditioning:-Conversion Lines (PX Racing/Hinson/custom) [$450 New]

Electronics:-Speed converter for speedo/odo (Dakota Digital/other)* [$80 New]----Dakota Digital-Wiring harness modification for dashboard compatibility [$250 or DIY]-ECU reflash (removes unneeded variables/tunes to new tire size, transmission, etc.)

*Tach conversion is not necessary if your car is equipped with a DOHC (KA24DE or SR20DET) gauge cluster

Recommended maintenance before installing-new Timing chain (LS2)-new Gaskets (headers, intake manifold, etc)-new serpentine belts-Sparkplugs (NGK TR55, TR55ix iridium)-Oil Pump (LS6)-Head Gasket (if applicable)-Change all fluids (transmission, oil, etc.)

Recommended upgrades before installing:-rod bolts (ARP) (especially if you're using a 1998 motor)-oil system improvements (ACCUSUMP/dry sump/other)-Valve springs/retainers/seals (Patriot gold dual springs/other)-more aggressive cams-Z06 Clutch-Underdrive Pullies (ATI super damper, ASP)

[twistedsymphony]

hey Lev...

I don't mind you re-posting my threads but I would appreciate it if you gave me credit... it takes a lot of work to put these things together.

That post he quoted is a general overview I put together when researching my swap...direct link is here: http://www.silviav8forums.com/...t=723though they require you to be a member of silviav8 to view their topics.

I've been writing detailed how-tos on some of the aspects of this swap and hope to have a complete set of tutorials once I'm done.

here's one I put together recently on the clutch hydraulics: http://tech.240sxone.com/186/lsx-clutch-hydraulics/

and another one on piecing together an intake: http://tech.240sxone.com/81/lsx-intake/ (I have more pictures I plan on adding to this one)

today I was doing the wiring for my swap taking pictures and drawing up pinouts and diagrams for a wiring tutorial... I decided to do this next because it's the least well documented aspect of the swap.

in addition to wiring other topics I have planned are:-prepping the engine bay for the swap, what needs to be removed what stays, how and where to hammer the tunnel, etc.-prepping the motor and transmission for the swap, what need to be changed, what needs to be removed, what needs to stay-piecing together fuel lines-piecing together power steering lines-a more detailed mount kit comparison and recommendations for building your own kit.-installing headers (it's tricky, it needs it's own guide)-piecing together a custom exhaust

^most of those have been started but I need to finish organizing my pictures and going over them before they get posted.

if anyone has suggestions for aspects of this swap they'd like a detailed overview of I'd be happy to take requests.

I research and document EVERYTHING I plan on doing before I do it, so guide writing for me is just a matter of snapping a few photos and organizing my notes.
Modified by twistedsymphony at 9:10 PM 10/11/2009