LS2 Build
05-16-2012, 02:30 PM
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LS2 Build
Hello friends!
It has been a while since anyone has posted on the original LsX v8 swap from Hinson Motorsports, hasnt it?
I continued working toward an attempt to send my car to their shop in Alabama, but as I am from Texas, young, and finally graduated from college, I was already facing a lot of issues. On top of that, no one has any idea what is going on with Hinson Motorsports internally, after all the legal issues that did whatever it did to their company... the point is, not a lot of people trust the company. I called and called and called for the last year (ever since my car died from overheating last summer), they always said they were working on the kit. I felt like they were always pushing it on the back-burner, nobody wanted to buy the kit from them (probably, I honestly don't know, just what im assuming). AND, they werent comfortable just dropping the kit on a shop, because they didn't want anything to go wrong with their parts; which prompted me to offer my car, and I finally got a quote. But that's pretty much where it stopped for me, and here's why, besides what's been said above.
One of the main reasons I never sent the car to Hinson is because of my financials. Again, I just graduated, I begin my employment next week, and it required a lot of cash just to get the car sent to Alabama, pretty much a grand (They had a car being shipped to Dallas, and would have had the truck swing by and pick up my 8). It would have worked had I waited four weeks to save just a little cash while they were finishing their car. Persistence has gotten the best of me again.
I spent all day Monday calling shops in the DFW area since I had nothing better to do. I literally google-searched all day, called some shops (most shops listened, said "said wow," then said "no, we wont," and then eventually called a friend at AWD Tuning in Lewisville. He referred me to a shop, which then referred me to another shop, and this is where it begins; you know you've found the right shop when this happens. I left a message because he was busy i guess when I called, but he called me back and, honestly he sounded like I did when I first imagined the idea (and potential) of a v8 rx8
Once they begin taking photos and are ready to present themselves to the forum, I will hopefully help the shop onto the forum so they can show you the build themselves. Basically, i found a shop that has done quite a few ls swaps on 240's and miata's, pretty much what I needed if I was going to find a shop with enough cojones to even consider this swap. It also meant they had one important ingredient that Hinson needed to allow someone other than themselves to indulge in this build: they are a parts distributor for Hinson in the area
. They use their swaps for some of their own builds even. Honestly, the owner may have never known that Hinson was working on a kit, The owner said he talked to Brian (the main guy I talked to at Hinson for when the "RX8 kid called") and they worked it out to where they could do it for me here in DFW. PRAISE BABY JESUS!!!
The plan is to make this my DD, meaning it will have power steering, AC, hopefully as much of the amenities that were originally on the car as possible. I had an option of a built ls1 (420 whp) or a stock Ls2 (350 whp). I decided to go with the LS2 because it was stock, I would rather learn how to drive my car on a stock LS2 at first; if I feel the urge for more hp/tq, the ls2 can go beyond any amount of horsepower I feel I would ever need in this car.
im sorry to the rotar lovers in most of you, I loved mine. But after the 2nd one popped after 10k miles, I quit on the motor. I understand this is a much larger expense starting out, but I feel this car has the potential to be the car I drive to work/the track/ wherever for a long, long time. If anything, I'm looking at it as buying a car out of college. People may think Im crazy, but, come one, u cant tell me an ls2 v8 doesnt make some of you wet yourself
For now, Ive posted a picture below of the car being towed to the shop. If it doesn't post ill try again in another post.
Stay tuned...
It has been a while since anyone has posted on the original LsX v8 swap from Hinson Motorsports, hasnt it?
I continued working toward an attempt to send my car to their shop in Alabama, but as I am from Texas, young, and finally graduated from college, I was already facing a lot of issues. On top of that, no one has any idea what is going on with Hinson Motorsports internally, after all the legal issues that did whatever it did to their company... the point is, not a lot of people trust the company. I called and called and called for the last year (ever since my car died from overheating last summer), they always said they were working on the kit. I felt like they were always pushing it on the back-burner, nobody wanted to buy the kit from them (probably, I honestly don't know, just what im assuming). AND, they werent comfortable just dropping the kit on a shop, because they didn't want anything to go wrong with their parts; which prompted me to offer my car, and I finally got a quote. But that's pretty much where it stopped for me, and here's why, besides what's been said above.
One of the main reasons I never sent the car to Hinson is because of my financials. Again, I just graduated, I begin my employment next week, and it required a lot of cash just to get the car sent to Alabama, pretty much a grand (They had a car being shipped to Dallas, and would have had the truck swing by and pick up my 8). It would have worked had I waited four weeks to save just a little cash while they were finishing their car. Persistence has gotten the best of me again.
I spent all day Monday calling shops in the DFW area since I had nothing better to do. I literally google-searched all day, called some shops (most shops listened, said "said wow," then said "no, we wont," and then eventually called a friend at AWD Tuning in Lewisville. He referred me to a shop, which then referred me to another shop, and this is where it begins; you know you've found the right shop when this happens. I left a message because he was busy i guess when I called, but he called me back and, honestly he sounded like I did when I first imagined the idea (and potential) of a v8 rx8
Once they begin taking photos and are ready to present themselves to the forum, I will hopefully help the shop onto the forum so they can show you the build themselves. Basically, i found a shop that has done quite a few ls swaps on 240's and miata's, pretty much what I needed if I was going to find a shop with enough cojones to even consider this swap. It also meant they had one important ingredient that Hinson needed to allow someone other than themselves to indulge in this build: they are a parts distributor for Hinson in the area
. They use their swaps for some of their own builds even. Honestly, the owner may have never known that Hinson was working on a kit, The owner said he talked to Brian (the main guy I talked to at Hinson for when the "RX8 kid called") and they worked it out to where they could do it for me here in DFW. PRAISE BABY JESUS!!!The plan is to make this my DD, meaning it will have power steering, AC, hopefully as much of the amenities that were originally on the car as possible. I had an option of a built ls1 (420 whp) or a stock Ls2 (350 whp). I decided to go with the LS2 because it was stock, I would rather learn how to drive my car on a stock LS2 at first; if I feel the urge for more hp/tq, the ls2 can go beyond any amount of horsepower I feel I would ever need in this car.
im sorry to the rotar lovers in most of you, I loved mine. But after the 2nd one popped after 10k miles, I quit on the motor. I understand this is a much larger expense starting out, but I feel this car has the potential to be the car I drive to work/the track/ wherever for a long, long time. If anything, I'm looking at it as buying a car out of college. People may think Im crazy, but, come one, u cant tell me an ls2 v8 doesnt make some of you wet yourself
For now, Ive posted a picture below of the car being towed to the shop. If it doesn't post ill try again in another post.
Stay tuned...
05-16-2012, 03:02 PM
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good question, i thought I left you guys on the ropes after i posted.
Firstly, loans are easier to get when you have a pay stub to prove to the bank how much money you make. With my credit, I can pay for roughly half the build on credit, if needed. I also begin salary pay next week, so I make a guaranteed amount each week, and I can begin budgeting for the rest of the build as soon as the income starts flowing. I also receive a starting bonus after I finish my training for my company, it will also knock out another large chunk of the total cost.
Secondly, they only need a certain amount to begin. The reason the car was dropped off before I even had money to do much else was to give them a chance to measure and begin taking everything out. The owner understands how dedicated I am to this car, he isn't worried about getting paid, he knows Ill pay. I can continue paying while it's being built.
Thirdly, you cannot rush a build like this. Like I said, he knows I will pay. If it takes me longer to present him the full funds, it gives him time to slow down on the build and 'perfect it' so to say. I dont plan to just drop out and stop talking to the shop when it's done either. I would I assume I turn to them again when I need something fixed or I'm ready to add-on.
Lastly, I am living with my parents currently (my future roommates are still in their own leases, it's not a choice.) , meaning I literally pay for the expenses of my current car, which is a POS cavalier (it does get me 32 mpg though, hehe), food, and fun and that's basically it. I dont begin paying bills for student loans for another 6 months since I just graduated, and plan to have this paid for fully within the next 3-4 months anyways, and that estimate is extrmely conservative, hopefully.
Firstly, loans are easier to get when you have a pay stub to prove to the bank how much money you make. With my credit, I can pay for roughly half the build on credit, if needed. I also begin salary pay next week, so I make a guaranteed amount each week, and I can begin budgeting for the rest of the build as soon as the income starts flowing. I also receive a starting bonus after I finish my training for my company, it will also knock out another large chunk of the total cost.
Secondly, they only need a certain amount to begin. The reason the car was dropped off before I even had money to do much else was to give them a chance to measure and begin taking everything out. The owner understands how dedicated I am to this car, he isn't worried about getting paid, he knows Ill pay. I can continue paying while it's being built.
Thirdly, you cannot rush a build like this. Like I said, he knows I will pay. If it takes me longer to present him the full funds, it gives him time to slow down on the build and 'perfect it' so to say. I dont plan to just drop out and stop talking to the shop when it's done either. I would I assume I turn to them again when I need something fixed or I'm ready to add-on.
Lastly, I am living with my parents currently (my future roommates are still in their own leases, it's not a choice.) , meaning I literally pay for the expenses of my current car, which is a POS cavalier (it does get me 32 mpg though, hehe), food, and fun and that's basically it. I dont begin paying bills for student loans for another 6 months since I just graduated, and plan to have this paid for fully within the next 3-4 months anyways, and that estimate is extrmely conservative, hopefully.
05-16-2012, 03:39 PM
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05-16-2012, 03:51 PM
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No, but Ive read his posts. It doesn't necessarily mean I know what you're trying to imply by that though. Maybe he's attempted a swap or something.
I know i dont post a lot on this thread, but it doesnt mean i havent been around.
In the years during college, I was never really able to afford to do more to the car beyond maintain it. I did more listening than interjecting myself into conversations. Ive think ive talked to SARX before... a looong time ago, and Charles for the BHR coils (I never bought them either, still too frugal with money at the time)
I know, I know, this build is unconventional, confusing, but it will be until someone breaks through and gives everyone the chance to see how it was done. This is why the car is at a shop, not in my buddy's garage. Im not attempting to undermine anyone doing swaps on their own, but I can admit I do not have the tools or the patience or the understanding to do something like this on my own.
But I can sign checks. You cant tell me it hasnt been done, youtube has videos of it. Im not trying saying you are, im just assuming this is where it's going.
Itll be easier to understand what problems will occur once the car is gutted and we begin ordering the conversion.
-Robert
I know i dont post a lot on this thread, but it doesnt mean i havent been around.
In the years during college, I was never really able to afford to do more to the car beyond maintain it. I did more listening than interjecting myself into conversations. Ive think ive talked to SARX before... a looong time ago, and Charles for the BHR coils (I never bought them either, still too frugal with money at the time)
I know, I know, this build is unconventional, confusing, but it will be until someone breaks through and gives everyone the chance to see how it was done. This is why the car is at a shop, not in my buddy's garage. Im not attempting to undermine anyone doing swaps on their own, but I can admit I do not have the tools or the patience or the understanding to do something like this on my own.
But I can sign checks. You cant tell me it hasnt been done, youtube has videos of it. Im not trying saying you are, im just assuming this is where it's going.
Itll be easier to understand what problems will occur once the car is gutted and we begin ordering the conversion.
-Robert
05-16-2012, 03:51 PM
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That's pretty quick. Don't take offense to our skepticism, there have been many threads similar to this and all of them remain unfinished. Personally I can't wait for one of these to be done but every time I get excited about one of these builds I am let down. And yes there are 8's with various engine swap but in most of them something major does not work (gauges, power steering, traction control, abs, etc.)
Good Luck man, when you finish I'll drive up and we can drag race
05-16-2012, 03:53 PM
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That's pretty quick. Don't take offense to our skepticism, there have been many threads similar to this and all of them remain unfinished. Personally I can't wait for one of these to be done but every time I get excited about one of these builds I am let down.
Good Luck man, when you finish I'll drive up and we can drag race
Good Luck man, when you finish I'll drive up and we can drag race
05-16-2012, 03:56 PM
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I wish you luck with the build. Would make for a great driving car.
Unfortunately the precedent for builds with no up front budget is failure. This subforum is full of them. Either you can afford to do this now or you cant. Big builds, especially conversions always, always, ALWAYS cost more than you planned for. Having a shop do the work for you guarantees setbacks and cost overruns. Every time you go to or call the shop you'll either find nothing has progressed or they ran into an issue(adding to the bill).
Not trying to rain on your parade, but step back and consider if you truely understand what you are in for.
Unfortunately the precedent for builds with no up front budget is failure. This subforum is full of them. Either you can afford to do this now or you cant. Big builds, especially conversions always, always, ALWAYS cost more than you planned for. Having a shop do the work for you guarantees setbacks and cost overruns. Every time you go to or call the shop you'll either find nothing has progressed or they ran into an issue(adding to the bill).
Not trying to rain on your parade, but step back and consider if you truely understand what you are in for.
Last edited by Mawnee; 05-16-2012 at 04:08 PM.
05-16-2012, 04:56 PM
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I wish you luck with the build. Would make for a great driving car.
Unfortunately the precedent for builds with no up front budget is failure. This subforum is full of them. Either you can afford to do this now or you cant. Big builds, especially conversions always, always, ALWAYS cost more than you planned for. Having a shop do the work for you guarantees setbacks and cost overruns. Every time you go to or call the shop you'll either find nothing has progressed or they ran into an issue(adding to the bill).
Not trying to rain on your parade, but step back and consider if you truely understand what you are in for.
Unfortunately the precedent for builds with no up front budget is failure. This subforum is full of them. Either you can afford to do this now or you cant. Big builds, especially conversions always, always, ALWAYS cost more than you planned for. Having a shop do the work for you guarantees setbacks and cost overruns. Every time you go to or call the shop you'll either find nothing has progressed or they ran into an issue(adding to the bill).
Not trying to rain on your parade, but step back and consider if you truely understand what you are in for.
Like I said, me and the builder are working together to work out the funds. This is another chance for me to build my credit further before I move out of my parents house. Honestly I do feel a lot of people may find my methods immature and irresponsible.
-Robert
Last edited by Blackbriar2189; 07-28-2012 at 10:53 AM. Reason: cuz
05-16-2012, 05:43 PM
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is there something wrong with getting a loan to pay for a car? Im pretty sure most people do...
what in the hell is wrong with roommates?
what in the hell is wrong with living at home to save money? Im in no rush to move out, and thats smart, say what you want dude.
what in the hell is wrong with roommates?
what in the hell is wrong with living at home to save money? Im in no rush to move out, and thats smart, say what you want dude.
Last edited by Blackbriar2189; 07-28-2012 at 10:54 AM.
05-16-2012, 05:57 PM
#22
Sorry man . It's just that those of us that have been around a while know exactly how this is likely to turn out .
*Low mechanical understanding
*very difficult platform to do a transplant on
*Borrowing some of the money AND doing it piecemeal for the rest
*1 off Shop install
*Don't care how long it takes
*Don't care how much it costs
*Giving the shop unlimited time
All the ingredients for a disaster . FFS only about 1 out of every 10 turbo installs ends up well and that is simpler and cheaper than what you are attempting .
I really do hope that it all goes great and you get an awesome build at a fair price but reading what you have said so far I would rate your chances at about 1 out of 10 . I will be one of the first to give you huge credit if you do actually manage to pull it off though .
*Low mechanical understanding
*very difficult platform to do a transplant on
*Borrowing some of the money AND doing it piecemeal for the rest
*1 off Shop install
*Don't care how long it takes
*Don't care how much it costs
*Giving the shop unlimited time
All the ingredients for a disaster . FFS only about 1 out of every 10 turbo installs ends up well and that is simpler and cheaper than what you are attempting .
I really do hope that it all goes great and you get an awesome build at a fair price but reading what you have said so far I would rate your chances at about 1 out of 10 . I will be one of the first to give you huge credit if you do actually manage to pull it off though .
Last edited by Brettus; 05-16-2012 at 06:00 PM.
05-16-2012, 06:04 PM
#23
is there something wrong with getting a loan to pay for a car? Im pretty sure most people do...
what in the hell is wrong with roommates?
what in the hell is wrong with living at home to save money? Im in no rush to move out, and thats smart, say what you want dude.
The bank needs a statement of your income in order to approve you for a loan. That's just how it works here.
what in the hell is wrong with roommates?
what in the hell is wrong with living at home to save money? Im in no rush to move out, and thats smart, say what you want dude.
The bank needs a statement of your income in order to approve you for a loan. That's just how it works here.
2. probably not the best idea just coming out of college...unless your parents payed for everything
3. also not the best investment if know absolutely nothing about this car, or cars in general, leaving things like this up to a shop can really f*ck you over.
4. living at home to "save", saving is out of the question unless youre spoiled rotten, things like this are gonna cost you time, and money. if youre trying to save looks like you already dont have the time and money.
5. IF you really do make that much money, why on an rx8? buy a ******* corvette. buy a house, do some REAL investments. builds like this are usually for people that are already set for life (you still live at home), or have absolutely nothing else in life to worry about.