FrankieD Posted May 12, 2013 Share Posted May 12, 2013 The shop that's been working on my 71Z is hot to put an all aluminum Chevy LS something into it. I rode in a V8 powered Z once and it was fast but didn't handle the same or "feel" the same. They are saying that the aluminum V8 is lighter than the stock Z engine & will not change the handling. Any feedback will be appreciated. I'm also concerned about the Z suspension and R200 rear handling the extra power. Let me know what you think. Thanks, Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domzs Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 LS ( aluminum ) motors are lighter than Z motors . I had to lowered my 83 ZX to stock ride height after conversion . Going to do the same with my 78 Z . LS is the new Chevy small block . Easy to upgrade and work on . Love them . Think your post is in the wrong section . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RB26powered74zcar Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Please read through the drive train forum about R200 strength, and this forum for the said motor info http://forums.hybridz.org/forum/74-gen-iii-iv-chevy-v8z-tech-board/ Thank You! Moved to Gen III & IV Chevy V8Z Tech Board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankieD Posted May 13, 2013 Author Share Posted May 13, 2013 Thanks for the quick response Domz. I'm new here, where would be better to post this? Also, why did the LS engine cause you the raise the ride height? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domzs Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 Thanks for the quick response Domz. I'm new here, where would be better to post this? Also, why did the LS engine cause you the raise the ride height? This section is for GEN I and II . Need to post it in GEN III and IV . LS1 is lighter . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 (edited) FrankieD, There is a lot of good info here, so be patient and check those links out when you get the chance. Here's some basic info though. The LS based motors are approximately 100 pounds LIGHTER than the traditional steel based Gen1/2 Chevy V8 which I have in my car now (Aluminum heads/intake/waterpump). A well built Chevy Gen 1/2 can be built to be within about 35# of an L6 motor. Also DomZ LOWERED his car's ride height do to the weight reduction. Also, as mentioned by others, The R200 is more than capable. I went with the Q45 rear conversion and wish I hadn't. It's more complex, heavier, and more expensive. I plan to eventually go with something else as we develop the car, but heed the warning and stick with the R200. Convert to CV axles, but retain the R200. Do a lot of research and reading, and plan out your build. Jegs and Summit both were blowing out all their LS1 crate motors over the winter. You might be able to get a complete crate motor for less than $3500. Give them a ring. Mike Edited May 13, 2013 by Mikelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattd428 Posted May 14, 2013 Share Posted May 14, 2013 Take the independant rear end and drop it off a cliff.......if you use a 6 speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domzs Posted May 14, 2013 Share Posted May 14, 2013 Take the independant rear end and drop it off a cliff.......if you use a 6 speed. Ha ha ha . Funny man . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattd428 Posted May 14, 2013 Share Posted May 14, 2013 Ha ha ha . Funny man . lol truth hurts man. Guess that guy didnt want these z31 axles havent heard from him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankieD Posted May 14, 2013 Author Share Posted May 14, 2013 (edited) Thanks for all the info guys. I;m a long way from being ready to do this but I've learned that the r200 rear is O.K. so I'm guessing the LS engine & tranny will mate through the drive shaft to the r200. What I'm really interested in is how the car "feels" after. If the only difference is the extra power...I'm all for it. On the other hand I'm not looking to make a drag car out of it. I like the quick respone & the way it goes around corners. I have some other problems to clear up also. I just discovered that my rear wheels are not "even". That is the drivers side wheel is further out (from the center) than the passenger side. I get some contact on hard right turns. I will get into that next week. Anyway Thanks again for all the feedback and any other feelings you may have....I'd like to hear about it. P.S. The independent rear stays !! Edited May 14, 2013 by FrankieD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted May 14, 2013 Share Posted May 14, 2013 There is no down-side, except that you have to be careful with this loaded gun. Corners that you used to exit flat-footed, you now will need to baby. Not, because the car handles badly, but rather because you will have the power to get into trouble. First autocross after the LS swap was a spinfest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 With this, or any high HP upgrade, you're going to have to focus more on the set up of the suspension. You will want the car to be more neutral to slight oversteer and you'll want to be able to catch the car. No "fast break away understeer". Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rags Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 With this, or any high HP upgrade, you're going to have to focus more on the set up of the suspension. You will want the car to be more neutral to slight oversteer and you'll want to be able to catch the car. No "fast break away understeer". Mike Don't you have that backwards Mike? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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