zangiefisgod

Dan, Thanks for all the input! Do you have any regrets going the LT1 route? I'm shopping around for motors now and LT1's are so much cheaper!!!

Does anyone have any hard data? I've been pricing around, and it would be great to have a comparitable figure...

Thanks for the feedback! Couple other questions: 1. Do you plan on retaining the HVAC? I assumed both would need to be removed to clear the trans, but let me know if you guys find an alternative. 2. What are you guys planning on doing for the ECU / wiring harness? I've read that retaining the OEM guages is a challenge. Thanks for the help and keep it going!!

Fogged306, Glad to see more people doing this swap! I'm going for an LS1/t56 swap in my coupe and will be starting the teardown process here soon. Any hurdles to watch out for during the engine and under dash removal? Good luck! KC

Any have recommendations on the custom drive shaft? Can anyone provide measurements from theirs? I know it will be completely based off the engine placement, but what kinds of prices have you guys seen for a custom length?

By 'direct swap' I mean you don't have to mix & match transmission parts to swap the LS1/t56. Although firewall fabrication is required, it's free, and solves most (if not all) of the other fittament issues. The topic in question was if it's cheaper to achieve 500 whp with the LS1 or the RB26. From the responses so far, it seems the LS1 gives a better bang-for-your-buck.

Front mounts like OFI, Kentucky & APS may be difficult (if possible) with the limited room between the block and radiator; considering Aki's significantly rearward positioned LS1 swap: Compared to the OEM: I have no measurements, but the Z32 bay looks considerably more cramped. Thoughts???

OK... so the LS1 is apparently the better choice. What is the best way to achieve 500 whp? All motor is probably very pricey, mild build + nitrous is probably the cheapest, but a single turbo setup would be my personal preference... What do you guys think?

I wonder if this setup would fit... I like how you can spin the stock mani's around like that. Probably frees up some room around the side/rear near the steering shaft too.

That does say something! I guess I always thought of RB's (Skylines) as 'bullet-proof' and to have virtually limitless tuning possibilies... I guess that comes at a price! I do like the LS1 idea too - simply because the Z32 is a porker and I'd prefer to go forwards rather than backwards in terms of displacement... Did you guys see this by the way?? $42,000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TS RB26 2.8L Complete Base Engine Specifications Engine: RB26DETT N1,HKS 2.8L Kit Piston: HKS Step 2 (88mm) Con-rods: HKS H-shape Crankshaft: HKS Step 2 Studs: TOP SECRET Ported: Fully done by TOP SECRET Polished: Fully done by TOP SECRET Camshaft: HKS 272/272 Step 2 Valve Springs: TRUST Valve: Standard Valve Guide: Standard Oil Pump: TRUST Big Capacity Oil Sump: TRUST Big Capacity with baffled. Head Gasket: HKS t=1.2mm Power Rating: Engine capability is 800-850ps. Rev Limit: 8,500rpm

I've seen a lot of people on here use the Painless harness, but I'm not sure if everything is compatible. I have only seen one swap (BlackTrax) that has retained the factory gauge cluster... I'd like to know more about this as well... what's the easiest way??

What is the best way to fab up the mounts???? If anyone has prints, I would love to have a pair CNC machined. If not, any advice on stock mount fabrication would be appreciated!

Amorfin, It looks like you've studied the RB forums... how much would a 500 whp RB26 cost ya think? Say the long block was $2,500... Any LS1 folks care to join? Please chime in!

I am considering this as well. I figured to reach the 500 whp mark with the LS1, I would need a big cam, tune and 100 shot at a minimum... or turbo setup. This member actually fabbed up a really clean manifold that would also help with header clearance issues: http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=141520&highlight=turbo+ls1 I know the block is aluminum, but I would assume it would hold up 10 psi of boost without much trouble (still have to do more reading on LS1 builds...) This thread is definitely leaning towards the LS1, anyone wanna play RB-devil's advocate???

J, Really? With this under the hood?!

After much research, I am going to throw this out there... What's a better swap for the Z32, the RB26dett or LS1??? Both will require custom mounts, costs about the same (used motor), weigh about the same & both have a strong aftermarket following. RB26dett +: - Little-to-no firewall fabriation required - Retention of Z32 trans (with RB25 bell housing), OEM gauges, HVAC LS1 +: - 2x+ the displacement, 6 speed trans - Cheaper in the long run (debatable?) - More of a direct swap (#'s match, all OEM, etc) Goals for the car: - Sub $5,000 swap (not including labor) - 500 whp+ What do you guys think?

Great question, I am wondering this as well. Especially when it comes to the vacuum lines that surround the firewall (since it will be cut out)... Does anyone have a STEP BY STEP LS1 prep list???

Yeah, we're not doing too bad right now... Weather for Baltimore, MD Thu 81°F | 61°F Fri 83°F | 65°F

Not too shabby! I wonder if dtsZ took any measurements... Those cuts look very close to Aki's from BlackTrax's LS1 swap: http://www.blacktrax.net/projects/Aki300zx.html I emailed BlackTrax's tech and he said, "We didn't build the car with HVAC in mind... I know the factory blower unit will need to be replaced and ducting rerouted..." I say just leave the hole and you have AC 24/7! ON TO THE MOUNT QUESTION.... What is the best way to mock up motor/trans mounts with this motor placement (firewall cut)??? Let's keep this thread going! KC

Now the pics work! Sorry about that, probably just my work computer... I'm OK with loosing the HVAC in the car (as it will be only driven in mild weather), but I do want to be cautious about the chassis rigidity, maintaining proper vacuum pressure, etc. Can anyone help me to create a checklist of what can be removed vs. what should not (for the aforementioned reasons)? Secondly, what are my options regarding mounts?? Thanks guys, KC

BRAAP, I don't know about anyone else, but all the pictures come up as are RED X's... any links that I can check out? I would love to see pics under the dash! MEINDAPARISH, Looking forward to seeing the pics of your swap! It'll be good to see pics of the T5 vs the T56 around the tunnel/firewall entrance. Any tips on the best way to make a clean cut on the firewall would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys, KC

Eric, Thanks for joining this thread, it would be great to see some photos of your swap. I am particularly interested in where you impacted the firewall for clearance and the oil pan/hood fittament. 1. You mentioned the T5 may be fit without major reconstruction; have you tried to fit one prior to the automatic? I have heard of guys using them for Z32 swaps, but have yet to see any photos of the fittament. 2. If you weren't using a stand-alone ECU, how much clearancing would have been needed for the sensors? Any chance of relocation? 3. What did you use for motor/transmission mounts? For my swap, I am not as concerned with fabbing the firewall as I am the hood, rack, oil pan, etc. It will not be a daily-driver, so as long as the structural rigidity isn't affected & the dash fits, I'll be good to go. Obviously heat and AC would be nice, but if it's a deal-breaker when cutting the firewall, I can live without it. I was thinking about the turbo route as well- have you started the header project? May want to check out this thread if you haven't already... http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=141520&highlight=turbo+LS1 Thanks again, KC

Alright, alright... so it looks like cutting the firewall is the easiest, cheapest & darn-near only option for a successful LSx swap in the Z32. Can we switch gears to discuss what's required in cutting the firewall and what luxuries will be lost?? I know there are a few out there that have done this... please chime in!!!

1. The first link says, "ALL G.M. LS MOTORS (EXCEPT CORVETTE)" How would the Corvette LS1 differ from the Camaro/Trans-Am? 2. Does anyone know the dimensions of the McLeod bell? I am interested exactly how much room you can buy for $400+ bucks.

The only fabrication needed for the S13/S14 application is banging a few 1" dents into sections of the trans tunnel to clear the bell housing. I am not sure how much larger or smaller the Z32 clearances will be in comparison, but I am guessing no cutting will be required (or why buy the $1,700 kit right?!) BRAAP, Do you think you will be done with your swap before this kit gets released? Maybe launch a competitive unit?????