LS7? Why not?

[Picolini]

Hey guys,before I disappoint you by going into this, I do not plan on putting an LS7 in a 240sx, at least any time soon.

Really, I'm just asking if this has ever been done before. It seems like everyone is using LS1's. I can understand why, with 400hp at the crank, why not. But the LS7 (Corvette C6 Z06 engine, 7.0L) has 505hp, and 470lb/tq, with PLENTY of room for improvement (turbo or super charging for example).

I'm not big on specs of the engines, so there might be size difference, but since they're both in the LSx family, my guess is they have similar base architecture. My guess as to why it hasn't been done yet is the price of the engine, which is in the $10,000-$15,000 range. But maybe you guys have some reasons that may have been brought up before... or maybe no one with the means to do this have thought of it. I'd definitely love to see one!

[cnichols]

I would LIKE to do it as I already have an LS1 in there. But yes, the high cost of the LS7 is the reason nobody has done it yet (to my knowledge). It is the same dimensions as the other LS series as far as I know.

It's over $10k for JUST the engine. Entire LS1 swaps (engine, transmission, harness, ECU, etc.) can be had for under $2500. See the reason now?

Aftermarkets heads, cam, intake, and bolts ons into an LS1 will put down more power than a stock LS7, so most people just go that route.

[Logan76]

the LS7 is an 11k crate motor, thats why no one does it my man. The transmission is also located in the back on the new vette's, so I dont know how that would work in a 240?

[Picolini]

Wow, $2500 for a full LS1 swap? Pretty nice...I'm really new here, so not too knowledgeable on costs of things.

Even at double that price, you're paying less than half for an LS7, so it makes sense.

@Logan, that's another good point. Not sure if you'd be able to do a different transmission set up. Paddle shifters in a 240 would be bad *** though!

[cnichols]

Pretty certain that the LS7 has the same bolt pattern as the other LSx motors so a T-56 from an F-body should work just fine.

[TheOne]

the ls7 should be the same as the ls1, just updated block and modified internals, but the t-56 out of a camaro should fit.

i wish i could do an ls7 swap, but price is way up there, i wish i could do ls1 swap, but currently paycheck dun allow it, maybe in a yr or 2.

[WDRacing]

For 11K the LS1 can be making WAY more then 505/490...

In fact it makes me horny just thinking about a LS1 with 9G's into it.

[OutToWinPAHC]

11000 is for a ong block only. a complete LS7 runs 15000-18000. Its smilial in size to thr LS2. The accessories are placed different on the LS7 making it appear a little wide but the block is the same physical size.

Its cheaper to bore and strock a LS1/6/2 to a 427 to get the same power or even more

[Picolini]

Yeah, you're right. After looking into to it you'd easily save $5K doing it yourself. I think an LS1 (or LS2, but that's still kinda expensive) would do for starters, then as it gets older rebuild it with a stroker kit, and maybe bore it out.

[Joe]

or just leave a ls2 stock internals and make that kind of power with heads and a cam.

[Picolini]

True, cams can release quite a bit of power. I'd mainly want to bore and/or stroke the ls1. 400hp from an LS2 would probably suit me for a while.

I don't think it'd be a good idea to start a new topic for this, and searching would take forever as the answers would be through out tons of topics, if they're even to be found. If you guys think I should, I will.

Basically, I'd like some info on whats needed for an LS1 swap to an S13 (FB, if that matters), what kind of work is involved, and how much things cost. Answers to anything would be very helpful!

This is what I've figured will be needed:

--Used LS1 motor & (auto) transmission ($1,500-2000? How many miles on average for an engine like this, 50k?)

--Customizing the engine bay (like what things? engine mounts I know, but what else? I know lots of people talk about the subframe. Also, how is the Hinson equipment package? I'd assume if alls good it's probably best to get the Premium package. I heard some people say the mounts are crap though)

--Custom headers and exhaust (why don't the stock headers work? I understand the exhaust, different set up. Any estimate on costs for this?)

--Shop installation. Assuming I can find a shop that can take these types of custom jobs (I'm thinking of a few local custom hotrod shops that may be able to handle the job) how much do you think it'd cost? I'm guessing with the Hinson kit, like $2000? Does that sound about right?

--Tires. Probably wider rims right? What's the biggest size I can get? Prices I can just look up after I get sizes.

-----------------So did I miss anything there? Please tell me what, if I did! As you can see I won't be able to do the work by myself, so I'll need to be paying a shop to do it for me (don't have the resources, tools, time, or knowledge to do it myself sadly). With all of that, plus the cost of the car (again, an S13 FB), I was hoping $10,000 would cover everything, and some. Does that sound realistic?
Modified by Picolini at 9:33 PM 7/17/2007

[Joe]

im just gonna red my answersQuote »True, cams can release quite a bit of power. I'd mainly want to bore and/or stroke the ls1. 400hp from an LS2 would probably suit me for a while. no need to bore even with a ls1! ill be at 400whp with a cam and stock heads.

I don't think it'd be a good idea to start a new topic for this, and searching would take forever as the answers would be through out tons of topics, if they're even to be found. If you guys think I should, I will.

Basically, I'd like some info on whats needed for an LS1 swap to an S13 (FB, if that matters), what kind of work is involved, lots and how much things cost.lots more Answers to anything would be very helpful!

This is what I've figured will be needed:

--Used LS1 block ($1,500-2000. How many miles on average for an engine like this, 50k?) just like any other car in this country, expect 10-12k a year worth of miles. mine has 80k on it and its a 2000

--Customizing the engine bay (like what things? engine mounts I know, but what else? I know lots of people talk about the subframe. Also, how is the Hinson equipment package? I'd assume if alls good it's probably best to get the Premium package. I heard some people say the mounts are crap though)the subframe has to be notched VERY severely. basically everything between the steering rack mounts is cut out except for the back verticle plate and 2 inches on the bottom

--Custom headers and exhaust (why don't the stock headers work? I understand the exhaust, different set up. Any estimate on costs for this?) [stock headers dont work because they point directly at the steering shaft. nobody has found a cheap alternative yet other than custom longtubes, or cutting up a 98 corvette aftermarket manifold (the collector is between the 2 middle cylinders instead of pointing at the rear)

--Shop installation. Assuming I can find a shop that can take these types of custom jobs (I'm thinking of a few local custom hotrod shops that may be able to handle the job) how much do you think it'd cost? I'm guessing with the Hinson kit, like $2000? Does that sound about right?

--Tires. Probably wider rims right? What's the biggest size I can get? Prices I can just look up after I get sizes.

-----------------So did I miss anything there? Please tell me what, if I did! As you can see I won't be able to do the work by myself, so I'll need to be paying a shop to do it for me (don't have the resources, tools, time, or knowledge to do it myself sadly).With all of that, plus the cost of the car (again, an S13 FB), I was hoping $10,000 would cover everything, and some. Does that sound realistic?

Modified by Picolini at 9:49 AM 7/17/2007[/quote]hope that helps a little.

[Picolini]

Thank Kamin, glad you could help!I was watching your S14 LS1 project here and over at Ls1tech and it looks like it's going great so far and that you know what you're doing, so I'm happy you could help with some tips here!

If a cam itself can bump the ls1 to 400whp itself, then I'm for sure going with that.

[Joe]

haha i wish i felt like i knew what i was doing. its been a ton of head scratching and saying "hmm how should i do this" lol

its a cam and supporting items. valvesprings, pushrods, intake manifold (LS6), headers, intake, exhaust and a tune.

400hp is just starting to open these things up. you could do 500whp if you wanted to get crazy with heads and stuff hehe.

[Picolini]

Well I'm sure I'd be doing a lot more head scratching than you, hahah.Walk in my garage, see the engine there, car there. /scratches head... runs to a custom car shop, lol. That's the way it'd go for me

I got you on the other stuff to go with the cams, thats what I was thinking. Those mods aren't that bad either, while putting in the cams it shouldn't be much more work to do the other stuff.

500whp? I'd **** myself, lol. 400whp should be enough for me

[cnichols]

LSx engines are single cam.

[p1rat3]

This is the swap i want to do in my s13, and i was wondering where you found a ls1 and the other parts for 2500?

Sorry about asking a question in your thread man but it just seemed to be getting answered here a lot and this thread has helped me, But if you want ill delete this post.

[cnichols]

I just got lucky. A motorset didn't sell on Ebay and I e-mailed the guy.

[nismofly]

LS7's are dry sump

thats beneficial if you want to take the time and spend the money to get it right, but it adds even more necessary cost to simply getting the engine running in an s chassis

[p1rat3]

Is it harder to fit a ls1 in a s13 rather than a s14

[nismofly]

i think both require enough custom work that neither one would really prove easier...and its been done plenty of times in both

[cnichols]

Is it harder to fit a ls1 in a s13 rather than a s14

Pretty much what he said...The S13 and S14 are so similar that there's really no major difference that I'm aware of.

[p1rat3]

Alright sweet.

How much work is needed on the stock engine in order to turbo is and run it on a decent amount of boost?

I'm thinking of just going all out and turbo the bisch

[cnichols]

Stock LSx motors have a fairly high compression for boost so you'll probably be limited to a low number for safety. I would recommend getting it in and running first. That will be enough to keep you busy for a few months. Once everything is together and been tested, then think about going with Forced Induction.

[JustinStrife]

Alright sweet.

How much work is needed on the stock engine in order to turbo is and run it on a decent amount of boost?

I'm thinking of just going all out and turbo the bisch

I don't know about fitment with turbos for an LS powered 240sx, but I do know with RX-7's, there are single turbo kits already for an LS1 powered FD(though you lose A/C if it's a somewhat daily).

A stock LS1 is good for about 8psi give or take. Once you start crossing that, or 550-600rwhp, better look at going forged. There are Twin Turbo Corvettes/Camaros/Firebirds running around on stock motors pushing 500-600rwhp, but the higher you get to that 600, the less long-term she's going to hang together. I'm keeping my setup at 485rwhp for reliability and longevity sake.

[p1rat3]

Yeah I dont really care about a/c. Mine doesn't work now anyways. Windows down ftw.

What do you have done to yours to reach 485 whp?

My goal was 500whp for now.

[JustinStrife]

Yeah I dont really care about a/c. Mine doesn't work now anyways. Windows down ftw.

What do you have done to yours to reach 485 whp?

My goal was 500whp for now.

Centrifical Supercharger and Headers. The motor is bone stock. I had to get injectors and a fuel pump too, but you always need fuel systems when you start going up anyway.

With LS6 intake, and ported TB I'd be at 500rwhp easy and still have my conservative tune.

It's mega easy to get power out of these motors. Hence why I want an Ls powered FD as my weekend toy.

[Blown240sx]

One last comment on the LS7 before it dies. The price isnt just the killer you think of all the crap you have to buy like sensors, harness, ECU and transmission and add that to the already 10-13K price tag.

Lastly if you want big power just buy a short block from Liginfelter (sp) fully built for 2500 and boost the hell out of it.

[Joe]

katech > LPE

[tl1000sga]

Its cheaper to bore and strock a LS1/6/2 to a 427 to get the same power or even more

Aluminum LSx's are not safe past a 4" bore from what I've seen. So your looking at a 383 at the most. Unless you want to spend $3500 plus on sleeving the block.

The guys that stroke them to 400 plus cubes (Ive seen a 454 ) use the iron block LSx's. Which supposedly only weigh 90 more pounds.