real cost of DIY 5.3 V8 swap
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
real cost of DIY 5.3 V8 swap
Ok if I buy a conversion kit for my na and don't do any other upgrades (yes leaving the 5.3 stock also) what is the real cost of the conversion? What needs modified, in a nutshell. Assume I already have the engine. My car is an 87 na if that makes any difference.
#2
Three Wheelin'
I would not recommend just "buying a kit". The large majority of the parts are junk. I know because I bought an entire kit and sold or re-manufactured every single piece. Do some research on the 951 forum, lots of information there.
Cost is directly related to your fabrication, mechanical and resource skills. Lots of parts can be utilized from a variety of platforms. You may be able to accomplish a budget build with proper research up front as low as 5k. You had better have some decent brakes and suspension to start, a V8 is going to show all the flaws in the drive train, suspension and brakes.
Cost is directly related to your fabrication, mechanical and resource skills. Lots of parts can be utilized from a variety of platforms. You may be able to accomplish a budget build with proper research up front as low as 5k. You had better have some decent brakes and suspension to start, a V8 is going to show all the flaws in the drive train, suspension and brakes.
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
I already have konis and big sways installed, and new springs and torsion bars are planned soon. As far as breaks, upgraded pads and rotors are where I'm at. This car will probably never see track use, it's purely a toy for my enjoyment so I'm not all that concerned about it.
#5
+1 on the brakes. I would go for at least Big blacks from the 928S4 (also on 951S and 1989 951). Even better would be Big Reds.
As disasterman noted, there isn't really anything "plug and play" about an engine swap.
disasterman - where are your brake master cylinders? Move them behind the firewall? Where the fusebox used to be? Are those Moton adjustable shocks? Looking VERY nice. Well done!
All have a great holiday!
Take care!
#6
Three Wheelin'
The master cylinders can be seen in the photo next to the p.s. pump reservoir. The two masters are attached to the fender via a custom fabricated block. They are actuated via a strengthened pedal and a micro adjustable rod. Reservoirs are located under the aluminum cover where the fuse box used to reside.
No original wiring remains. The harness is a common LS conversion harness with a Delphi MEFI 4 B ECM that resides under the passenger side air bag cover. It is about the size of two packs of cigarettes.
They are Moton Club sports. The underside is all Racers Edge bushings, camber plates and A arms. The sway bars, rear suspension carrier, shifter and trans mount are Kokeln.
The only things still stock are the chassis, spindles, rear suspension arms, p.s. rack, and gas tank.
No original wiring remains. The harness is a common LS conversion harness with a Delphi MEFI 4 B ECM that resides under the passenger side air bag cover. It is about the size of two packs of cigarettes.
They are Moton Club sports. The underside is all Racers Edge bushings, camber plates and A arms. The sway bars, rear suspension carrier, shifter and trans mount are Kokeln.
The only things still stock are the chassis, spindles, rear suspension arms, p.s. rack, and gas tank.
#7
I had to redesign all my own parts as the Grenade Hybrids kit was just crap. The 5.3l engine is almost the same power as the LS1. Install a Fidanza Flywheel and Z06 cam and it is right there with LS1 power. The blocks and rotating assembly are bullet-proof as well, arguably better than the LS1. I will be installing a Procharger this winter on the stock block to get me in the reliable 500rwhp range.