E30-LS1 KITS now available!

[Zesty Bonanza]

If the LS1 engine was modified to have a dry sump would the engine still fit into the bay (and not be too low)? If I was to use an accusump instead of a dry sump, would it still fit?

[Fooshe]

I read through the thread and it sounds interesting.

Have you ever given thought to building one and selling the basic assembly done? That way, the new owner could handle the body, paint, interior, etc. himself.

I would love one of these, but I don't have the mechanical skills to do it. However, I would be interested in buying one done, or close to done.

[garretvs]

Does the LS ECU hook up to the gauge cluster perfectly or are the revs off a little? My tach and water gauges stopped working so I was wondering if I should fix that first before swapping or if it is pointless and I should get a separate tach and gauges.

The GM PCM (ECU to BMW guys) is easily re-programmed to provide a tach signal to the cluster. The only things that do not work are the SI lights (just fluff anyway) and the mpg-related displays that the old ECU controlled.

The temp guage, oil pressure & coolant temps work, as does the cruise control and A/C. You have an OBD2 socket and a MIL light that work -- necessary for dyno work (if you want to; not really necessary) after the swap.......

[Zesty Bonanza]

Does the LS ECU hook up to the gauge cluster perfectly or are the revs off a little? My tach and water gauges stopped working so I was wondering if I should fix that first before swapping or if it is pointless and I should get a separate tach and gauges.

[slaterd]

no but it seems the majority of the finances in this swap come from the tranny and engine. On craigslist I'm finding some motors+tranny for 16-1900. That with the kit, plus ad on say...1500 extra for other parts needed? Looking at about 4600-5k? Idk I'm just guessing though.

[lonestar22]

I'm finding some as low as 3-4k.

plus everything you need

[slaterd]

I'm finding some as low as 3-4k.

[e30Rooster]

Ls1/t56 are around 4.5-5k now so your looking at 8-9k for a proper swap.

-Alex

[slaterd]

So about 5-6k. Is your kit interchangeable with the 350sbc

[garretvs]

Didn't see this but how much is the total swap costing? How much would you expect someone to spend from junkyard engine, rebuilding, and then adding what it needs and then your kit? I'm very curious about this swap but I've heard it'll run upwards of 10k!!!!

Do searches on eBay for engine prices. Look specifically for the aluminum-block engines (LS1, LS3, etc) and T56 trannys. We got ours in 2006 from LKQ in Portland OR. 50K miles on each one; $4000 shipped to Seattle.

We spent another $4000 on developing the swap -- we needed lots of tools (engine hoist, MIG welder, chop saw, hand tools, etc) and we bought all-new lowered suspension, all-new brakes & hubs, all-new steering rack & control arms, driveshaft mods, misc swap parts, A/C lines, new condenser & evaporator, power steering lines, HydroBoost, & "stuff".

If you spend the same for your engine & tranny, and do all of the work yourself, you'll spend about 2500 more for our kit & needed stuff. This assumes no other suspension & brake mods, etc.

You might of heard "10k!!!" from people who are just guessing. Only a few E30-LSx swaps in existence anywhere -- be the first in your local 250,000 square miles to have one!

[slaterd]

Didn't see this but how much is the total swap costing? How much would you expect someone to spend from junkyard engine, rebuilding, and then adding what it needs and then your kit? I'm very curious about this swap but I've heard it'll run upwards of 10k!!!!

[garretvs]

Are the parts in the kit made from steel or aluminum? If power steering is removed from the car then does that mean I don't need the hydroboost bracket?

All parts are either steel tube or laser-cut 10ga and 12ga steel. You still need the HydroBoost because the vacuum booster & master cylinder on the firewall are in the way. email E30LS1@gmail for new pics of the complete kit.

[Zesty Bonanza]

Are the parts in the kit made from steel or aluminum? If power steering is removed from the car then does that mean I don't need the hydroboost bracket?

[carlb]

Did they finish? Are they using your kit?

See this thread

[garretvs]

Did they finish? Are they using your kit?

Yes, they finished last summer. They went their own way on some of the things -- own intake design, etc. Search "LS3" and you'll find the owners thread.