aviatorx
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Posts posted by aviatorx
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You can also try http://www.accessiblesystems.com as a resource. Tey are located in TN and manufacture several types of lifts. They are priced from $600.00 and up
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January's issue of Hot Rod has a 383 stroker build up dyno'd at 421 peak HP at 402 #'s tq for under $2K! ....of course they are using pick-a-part and swap meet pricing for the block, intake and carb; but even at retail pricing you have some serious power for ~$2500 and keep $1500 in your pocket - not a bad deal and very buildable for the average garage mechanic. Part #'s and sources are also available in the article or from their website ....
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DON'T take the T-56 from an LS1 as it has a different bolt pattern than LT-1's and older SBC's. You should be OK with T56's from 93-97 model years bolting up to your engine.
When in doubt, make a pattern off the back of your block and take it with you......could same you from a $$$ mistake.
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....I'm far from feeling flamed!
I do appreciate all the efforts everyone has put into their rides, and there is more wisdom in the collective intelligence here than I can claim as an individual. I'm happy to document my experience with this conversion, and I've set up a preliminary site on picturetrail.com to accomodate the photographic detail - but right now all you will see is my stripped '76 280Z in my garage!
I really don't see the LS1/T56 as a huge challenge since the sbc installation is well documented, as is the T56, and there is nothing really unique to the LS1 that should change that scenario other than wiring the computer and acessories, clutch and brake upgrades, suspension mods......OK, there is plenty of work ahead!
This isn't the bleeding edge that others here have demonstrated - just something different. To that end, if any of you find a complete LS1/T56 package,at a reasonable price, LET US KNOW!!!!!
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No offense taken, because in the end it's all about personal choice.
The challenge here, as I see it, is to do a conversion that no one seems to have done before. I'm not seeking to build a drag car, or even a weekend racer, but a very streetable/reliable/efficient machine with good handling qualities and torque, but most defineately a sleeper...
The choice of an LS1/T56 for a powertrain is based on my desire to have a unique build that serves the above named goals, and admittedly, has some curb appeal.
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Well guys, I hate to rant but feel the need.....
If I really wanted a cheap V8 upgrade I certainly wouldn't be looking at an LS1 OR an LT1...I'd grab a rat 350 out of whatever Ford/Chevy I could find in a salvage yard....but that isn't the point is it?
Sure, the LS1 has a !wow! factor -a big WOW factor - but isn't that what all of us seek in whatever modifications we choose to pursue? OK, so I have some cash to throw at a good new technology motor, so what? Do I really care that it has coil packs on the valve covers?....NO.....do I care that the all aluminum block and heads will provide weight savings...YES......Am I really all that concerned that I will undoubtedly spend $1-$2K more on this setup than on an iron sbc?...obviously not.
The point is, I want a reliable power train for a hand built Z that has gut wrenching power AND reliability. It will not be a daily driver - at most it 's a cruiser on day trips thru the midwest. And mostly, It's my car, and my money.
If I wanted a vanilla Z, I'd keep the L28 ...If I wanted a vanilla V8...well, I wouldn't do it.
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For what it's worth, there have been a few LS1 bottom ends for sale on e-bay....one guy in Michigan (going by the tag 'Michiganmotors') and another on MO (who's name I don't remember.......)so if you are willing to build up your own the blocks are available. Heads are there too..T56 tranny's, on the otherhand, seem to be scarce on e-bay, and I'd hesitate to buy one sight unseen for exactly the reason everyone is posting here..there are bolt pattern differences depending on the source.
The best solution is to find a mated pair from a local yard.
In my conversations with HP Salvage, they seem to be able to get ahold of whatever you need - for a steep price - but you get the ENTIRE package: engine, computer, accessories, wiring harness, etc - all which make a bolt in possible. In my salvage yard searches in Chicago, I can find a block...or maybe a tranny, but nothing as complete as what HP offers....and I think that is where he may have a lock in a niche market. $5800 bucks is alot for an engine/tranny combo - but in the end it may be worth the price as you don't have to piecemeal a drivetrain and engine management system for your project....
...And good luck getting a yard to guarantee your motor past 30 days! .....In my example, these are going to be the last parts I purchase/install due to any warranty clicking away at the time of purchase ...
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Well, I'd agree that $3K for the pair is a good price, especialy if local, but all I've come accross are with auto trany's... Performance Salvage in TX is asking over $5k for the comeplete package!
If you hear of anything, PLEASE let us know!!!!!!!
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Well, you've stumbled onto the same project that I have underway! I'm using a '76 280, but have the same goals in mind - Stable kit with an LS1 mated to a T56 tranny....
The v-8 conversion is well documented here, and there is no particular trick to the LS1 as far as mounting it provided you are using the JTR mounts and have ALL the accessories for the LS1 (computer, starter, alt., etc)
I would assume that you are also looking at using an aftermarket wiring kit? Painless makes serveral variations- I'm going with the 18 lead kit...
At present I've got a stripped chasis awaiting some minor floor/frame work (only because I'm picky about what is to be done) and then I will strip off all the paint while the air is dry in the winter, prime and prepare for mounting the body in the spring. The more difficult part is locating an engine/transmission that is reasonably priced. In Chicago, the wrecking yards get over $3K for the pair, but I've seen partials on e-bay if you are willing to buy pieces and reassemble...frankly- I want a drop-in right now...
Please share your experiences with us here in the forum...feel free to contact me so we can share our progress!
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I have an LS1 project underway using a '76 280 as the transplant, so perhaps I can share some information.
the differences between the frames are minimal to non-existant. The 240 frame is lighter, yet not as well buttressed as the 280 (and thus heavier) frame....there are mounting adapter issues for that particular aluminum block - but nothing that money can't overcome! The T56 transmission has some fittment issues as well, but they are well documented here in threads and in some of the links where others have done that conversions, so check them out.
This is not a conversion for the timid - the all aluminum block is much lighter than its iron cousins and has great HP potential, but for god's sake don't strip out a bolt hole by overtorque!
I hope to get the motor installed this spring so I don't have much to show for effort right now other than a stripped chassis, but this will make for a nice thread if we can share info/problems/insights during our builds should you go this way.
Keep us informed!
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Very cool Dan! ....you are giving me more motivation to spped up my pursuit of completing my '76 280Z with an LS1 and T56 transplant!
Are you going to post any pics of the finished installation on your webpage?.....I'm VERY interested to see how you did it
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There are a few versions out there that you should consider if you are serious about a glass body .....http://www.thunderranch.com is one......Stable Auto make a model as well, but may be out of business as the owner passed away last November.....last I heard the business was up for sale.
In any event, it's a great looking conversion whether topless or coupe!
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I'm looking for past experience advice on the pro's and con's of swapping my L28 for a late model LS1 with a Borg Warner T56 transmission. I have bought and read the JTR manual....just looking for real world testamony from someone who's either done it or seen it done.
The chasis is a '76 280Z ex Texas.....I also have thoughts about a glass body conversion - but that's another topic!
Rotisserie Questions
in Body Kits & Paint
Posted
You can also try http://www.accessiblesystems.com as a resource. They are located in TN and manufacture several types of lifts. They are priced from $600.00 and up