brilliantblackrx8

You have to give it time, these things don't get moving very fast, especially with other projects in front of you. I think as long as Blackbriar2189 supplies the finances for this, it will get done, I get first dibs on a ride!

YaXMaN

I'm in Austin. I'd like to see this project when it's done. Good luck with the build.

I've had my GTO since it was new, and therefore I'm no stranger to modded LS2's. I've either owned, driven or ridden in just about every setup... turbo'd, twin turbo'd, cammed, heads/cam, blown, sprayed

Post up what you're thinking... the number of "tried and true" setups out there is utterly staggering for this motor. I'm of the opinion there's absolutely no reason to go off the beaten path when modding it. At the end of the day, you can make great power without sacrificing too much driveability by researching and choosing a proven setup.

Blackbriar2189

Hehehehe.... We know. Its why I was talked into it so easily. And CHEAP to begin. Let me leave you a surprise for when the swap is completed

jay_tibo

I know you're going with the Hinson mounts but maybe you can save a couple bucks check this out:

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ373198944

Cheers

brilliantblackrx8

^ good find, STS turbo rear mount system with an LSX motor would be a total monster and would be sweet because of the weight transfer, but you need to work on just getting one in there to begin with first LOL.

BH-Factory

nice find jay tibo. im looking to have something done a lot nicer and cleaner then that kit tho. price doesnt beat quality and i want something that will last and still be to the standards for sanctioned events like scca, formula d and other major racing organizations. we produce quality here not cheapest way out or corner cutting.

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

just in case you want to look at other option BH, most people when they think of an engine swap--they think the existing engine bay is the space they have to work with. I get the impression from you that you think in more dimentions.
One of the main problems that others have faced in doing this swap is the steering. That big ole front pulley/balancer on the front of the LS engine just gets in the way. yes that can be solved--no doubt--but as you already know--start messing around with the steering geometry and things can go wrong.
Now--heres an idea---the firewall in this car has a LOT of room to give. I have had the entire interior out and in the areas I think you may need--you have a good bit of room.
Then there is the LS4 engine with its short front snout
Now wouldnt that be sweet

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

It would a monster all right, a monster cluster **** to drive.

YaXMaN

Don't get all skeered, 9k... 600rwhp isn't that big a deal.

fuztupnz

iTrader: (4)

This thread needs some of this

image removed, please make it small 'if' you must use it.
ASH8

BH-Factory

Why do you have to convert to a gm PS set up. What if there is a way to keep the Mazda electric steering. Cutting into a firewall takes away from the structural integrity of the car. I have never done an ls swap that required a major amount of firewall modification. I understand your angle tho but let's not settle for the norm that everyone thinks you have to sacrifice in order to have a v8.

G_ man

iTrader: (2)

BH I like the way you think a little out side the box,instead of doing the norm or what is presumed the norm.
Never just settle,as the builder you want to give your client the best of your abilities, but also your client will have to pay to get said abilities

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

who said something about a GM power steering set up? I didnt see that post??
No way...
Now BH already knows this stuff but for others that may be reading this-- the oem steering rack doesnt clear the harmonic balancer/pully when you just drop the LS engine into position so something has to be done. Options that I am aware off:
1-Either move the engine further backward --ie cut the firewall for more space ( course you have to wield it up again} dont worry too much about the chassis the rx8 has one of the most stiffest chassis on the road and a little firewall work wont upset it.
2- modify the subframe--that can change the geometry etc
3- use a different steering rack ( others have done this and its my less favorite)

The ls4 engine has a shorter front snout ( about 2-3 inches I think) and it accepts all the other great LS parts. It may be a better choice due to that?
Lets see get 2 -3 inches at the firewall--get 2 inches using the ls 4--so that is 4-5 inches. meaning maybe it could clear without having to touch the steering?
Looking forward to an experts solution though...... I am far from the expertise BH obviously has.

BH-Factory

sorry i miss read thinking you were talking about the ps pulley because that thing is huge too. if we can keep the factory rack and maybe switch to a underdrive pulley or even maybe space out the rack. whichever it is we will figure that out when the time comes.

Im fitting an ls2 in a miata with out cutting the firewall so im sure i can fit the ls in a rx8 with no problems.

im willing to sacrifice nickle and diming him for these swaps to be done successful. to me if these swaps get done then ill make my lost r and d up in the quantity of the kits instead of nickle and dimming one person.

ASH8

MX-5 hydraulic assist Steering Rack is a lot smaller than the electric RX-8 unit...

BH-Factory

just got the motor in today for the build. its an ls2 out of an 07 corvette! supper excited and this car comes in after the miata. the status on the miata is 3/4 of the way done. check out the shops fb for photos of the miata!

http://www.facebook.com/bailys.hyperformance

SubliminalPollution

Ughhh.. I'd love to check out that link but I don't have Facebook.

BH-Factory

i didnt think you needed fb to view it

BH-Factory

http://s841.photobucket.com/albums/zz334/bh_factory/

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

but you do need a password to view a private album, buzzkill

brilliantblackrx8

^ that link is private, can you paste it here so we can see it on RX8club? Quit being a tease LOL

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

if i can offer a little suggestion. Put in the 09 ( or later model) fuel pump. Its a MUCH better design and it has been proven to be reliable. It is almost a drop in. I can give you the details of the swap if you want. It will give you all the gas you need for 450hp or so. You are staying with a returnless system right?
I hope the owner is not going over 450hp.

BH-Factory

sorry the miata album is now public. i will upgrade the fuel pump on the rx8 to walboro and it will be a return set up with a corvette fuel filter

olddragger

iTrader: (3)

ok then--there are some here that have converted to a return system--with our twin tank balancing system maybe you can gather some tips from them? Less blind alleys the better --right? Thanks for unlocking the thread.

Mr_Pieper

Has anyone ever considered the alternative option to an LSx swap?

You know, putting nifty rear doors on a Camaro.