Best Car for LS7 engine transplant?

[TEKNOPUG]

TBH, if you are determined to use an LS7, you really want a car that has a ready supply of proven performance parts. So for example, a Supra, RX7, Porsche, TVR etc.

Putting the engine into an older, non-performance car for amusement is completely valid. However, I suspect that it would be a considerable waste of the engine/performance potential. Unless you just enjoy smoking the tyres/killing yourself.

350bhp+ is plenty for a light old 70/80s car that was only intended to run half of that. In which case, just fit a far cheaper and plentiful LS1 derivative.

[CrisW]

Things I'd put a LS into

996 - ideally a Carrera 2/4 left of OEM looking as possible. GT3 beating power with (stealthy) suspension/braking mods would make for an amusing track day car. I'd also enjoy the idea of the v8 thump coming from the 911s exhaust pipes. Of course you'd probably be strung up if you ever took it to Germany.

RX8 - perhaps my perfect real world car. 4 seats and vaguely reasonable economy with lots of power and (hopefully) a sub-1400kg weight.

Cerbera - if you're bothered about the AJP v8 then just convert one of the Speed Six cars...

Lotus Elan Plus 2 - find a basket case and talk to Spyder engineering about a bespoke chassis and how to shoehorn the engine it.

200SX

[Rob in Oz]

Maybe I missed it, but I'm surprised nobody suggested the Porsche 944. It has been done:

https://www.cantrellmotorsport.com/index.php/servi...

[Don1]

A TVR Tamora..... Strange, I happen to have an LS2 Tamora for sale.... :whistles:

[gareth_r]

Rob in Oz said:

Maybe I missed it, but I'm surprised nobody suggested the Porsche 944. It has been done:

https://www.cantrellmotorsport.com/index.php/servi...

You have to consider the complexity/cost equation, though.

RX7 and BMW 3-Series (and MX-5?) conversions are relatively common, so there should be a reasonably cost-effective path.

Something less common like a Supra shouldn't be too much trouble. The chassis was designed to take a Toyota/Lexus UZ V8, which is bigger than an LS, no problem fitting the gearbox into the shell, the diff will take the punishment, and the electrics are not very complicated.

A 944, on the other hand... First question would be whether the transaxle would take twice the torque it was designed for, because it would be a lot of work to fit a more suitable gearbox and rear suspension/diff assembly.

Edited by gareth_r on Wednesday 28th January 13:35

[Palmers]

Never heard of the Volvette??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFrPjMVhP04

[urquattroGus]

Don1 said:

A TVR Tamora..... Strange, I happen to have an LS2 Tamora for sale.... :whistles:

Interesting, Is it advertised here?

So maybe buy a Volvo with moss growing on it and install an LS

Porsche 944 wise, there have been a couple of Audi I5 engines fitted, I think that suits the car quite well

[Claudia Skies]

It's never obvious to me why anyone would want to get hold of a Corvette engine and build a worse car with it.

[TEKNOPUG]

gareth_r said:

ou have to consider the complexity/cost equation, though.

RX7 and BMW 3-Series (and MX-5?) conversions are relatively common, so there should be a reasonably cost-effective path.

Something less common like a Supra shouldn't be too much trouble. The chassis was designed to take a Toyota/Lexus UZ V8, which is bigger than an LS, no problem fitting the gearbox into the shell, the diff will take the punishment, and the electrics are not very complicated.

A 944, on the other hand... First question would be whether the transaxle would take twice the torque it was designed for, because it would be a lot of work to fit a more suitable gearbox and rear suspension/diff assembly.

Edited by gareth_r on Wednesday 28th January 13:35

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/944/LS-1/LS-1.html

I think that axle/gearbox issue is going to apply to 95% of the cars suggested here.

[Don1]

urquattroGus said:

Interesting, Is it advertised here?

So maybe buy a Volvo with moss growing on it and install an LS

Porsche 944 wise, there have been a couple of Audi I5 engines fitted, I think that suits the car quite well

It was - expired advert. It's now SORN'd and I'm wondering how much to put into it for sale.
Looks like this with an LS2


(When all the stickers are taken off)

[V8RX7]

robsco said:

then buy a Corvette rather than bastardise a Cerbera.

I didn't - I wanted everything else to work too so used an RX7

[V8RX7]

TEKNOPUG said:

TBH, if you are determined to use an LS7, you really want a car that has a ready supply of proven performance parts. So for example, a Supra, RX7, Porsche, TVR etc.

^^^This

I was thinking of building a V8 Chevette - but when you look at the build it makes so much more sense to start with a better car with aftermarket support

[Storer]

gareth_r said:

ou have to consider the complexity/cost equation, though.

RX7 and BMW 3-Series (and MX-5?) conversions are relatively common, so there should be a reasonably cost-effective path.

Something less common like a Supra shouldn't be too much trouble. The chassis was designed to take a Toyota/Lexus UZ V8, which is bigger than an LS, no problem fitting the gearbox into the shell, the diff will take the punishment, and the electrics are not very complicated.

A 944, on the other hand... First question would be whether the transaxle would take twice the torque it was designed for, because it would be a lot of work to fit a more suitable gearbox and rear suspension/diff assembly.


For the 944 could you not use a 928 transaxle. That should handle the grunt. I think some were manual.

Paul

Edited by gareth_r on Wednesday 28th January 13:35

[jamieduff1981]

V8RX7 said:

robsco said:

then buy a Corvette rather than bastardise a Cerbera.

I didn't - I wanted everything else to work too so used an RX7

Please do not comment on the reliability of AJP8s then, because you are perpetuating pub-myths which those with actual experience know to be bull st.

[robsco]

V8RX7 said:

robsco said:

then buy a Corvette rather than bastardise a Cerbera.

I didn't - I wanted everything else to work too so used an RX7

Good for you, that's one Cerbera more for the enthusiasts to enjoy.

[anonymous-user]

I think the LS7 is overpriced and a bit weedy these days. An LSX454 makes 620HP whilst the supercharged LSA and LS9 variants will make 700HP without breaking a sweat. The killer is the LSX376 which is built for boost and with a pair of turbos is good for 1000HP or more. Yours as a crate engine for £6k.

[R8VXF]

wormus said:

I think the LS7 is overpriced and a bit weedy these days. An LSX454 makes 620HP whilst the supercharged LSA and LS9 variants will make 700HP without breaking a sweat. The killer is the LSX376 which is built for boost and with a pair of turbos is good for 1000HP or more. Yours as a crate engine for £6k.

This. LSA with only intake and cam mods, no exhaust side mods, make 760 BHP after only 1k miles on the clock (Sarge 4x4 got his done by Walky UK), looking good for 800 plus once the new headers and exhaust are released.

[V8RX7]

jamieduff1981 said:

V8RX7 said:

robsco said:

then buy a Corvette rather than bastardise a Cerbera.

I didn't - I wanted everything else to work too so used an RX7

Please do not comment on the reliability of AJP8s then, because you are perpetuating pub-myths which those with actual experience know to be bull st.

I said I didn't convert one - I've owned many TVRs ALL have been unreliable.

I know several specialists and can read ads - many of which have had HUGE bills and rebuilds and many are sold requiring engines.

The only thing less reliable is a Speed 6 !

[Wadeski]

Probably not worth an LS7, but there are kits to put LS engines into the X308 Jag XJR...400bhp, 400tq and a MANUAL GEARBOX would be an excellent little barge.

[Mr Tidy]

I might have said MkII Escort but I think someone on here has already done that!
So although I know it isn't really in keeping, I am sure I would have enjoyed an LS7 in one of my Capri Injections, but it would need a rear-end upgrade! Mine put teeth through the diff. cover with a standard 2.8i (I was younger then)!
Or for a sleeper, how about a MkII Granada?