Ok, I helped a buddy swap an LS3 into an FD. I just drove it Friday. What a car! It's a stock LS3 with headers, aluminum flywheel and aluminum d-shaft. That thing spins soo freely I couldn't match-rev to save my life.
Anyway, I have the itch now. I want to do an LS swap, or something similar. So, what would you do? If I did this, I'd be selling two cars to fund it. I'm going to guess I'd want to keep it under 5K. I can do the work myself. I would have to hire out exhaust work and I think that's about it.
I wanted to do a 5.0 in to either an FC or a miata but man, that LS was sweet. So, here are the swappable projects that pop to mind (keep in mind, I don't know how much these would cost, just think they would be doable??)
944. could I keep the transaxle and shafts??
miata (5.0)
FC
E36
What do you folks know about these swaps? Would a 5.0 or LS (keeping money in mind) in any of those cars be preferable for any reason besides raw power? Any other cars that are just begging for a V8? Keep in mind, I'm not Jesse James or Chip Foose. While I can fab some stuff up, I'd like the option of having pieces or kits available, as well as a strong web community.
Let the bench-racing begin!
LSx in an FC. Strong support, lots of hotrod suspension/brake parts, much less expensive than an FD and every bit as fast when done. Plus you can get a convertible version if you so desire.
I'm not helping to talk you down, am I? 
I vote 944 - someone here has one and can discuss more but it's a proven, well-supported swap.
I vote E36... a big thumping V8 in a euro sports coupe is just so wrong it is right
Joshua
HalfDork
9/5/11 8:44 p.m.
I vote e36 as well. As much as I hate it, it's still awesome.
Merkur XR4Ti
Kidding, kidding...a little...maybe...
The Bimmer swaps I've seen are all nice.
Wow.........all good choices and I have had the bug for a while too. I have actually been considering doing a LS swap into my Cherokee XJ.
FC! Proven path, and if you shop around it can be done for half of your 5k budget.... 4.8's are CHEAP! and low compression...... 
Dunno how hard it would be to drop a T5 behind it but, the T56 is bolt on, and you have a solid choice of automatics if you so choose.
I like the E36 idea, but am leaning toward the FC. So, would you guys do a 5.0 or an LS swap????
The_Jed wrote:
Merkur XR4Ti
Kidding, kidding...a little...maybe...
Why kid... someone's already done it: http://rezmoto.com/magazine/2011/v3-1/rezmoto-01-2.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8fqFHNfEBM
Building is fun, but buying is much quicker. Lots of FCs out there with LS swaps.
Here's a nice looking example for $8k. More than your stated budget, but you could probably get it for less than $8k.
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=6604.0
JamesMcD wrote:
HC 929
Why didn't i think of this?!?!?!?!
Toyota Cressida/Crown could be interesting, too!
How about a Porsche 928?
on the "talk me down" side of things: I kept dreaming up project concepts that would be great with the LSwhatever engines. Then I kind of stepped back and said, "but the factory actually made a few cars with these engines, too..."
However, the urge to have a non-chebby with the awesome engine is mostly overwhelming.
Clem
Javelin
SuperDork
9/6/11 11:52 a.m.
I think the only reason my 944's 2.5 hasn't blown up yet is because it knows I'd make it a coffee table and shove an LS1 into the car to replace it.
BTW, if I ever win the lotto (fat chance, i don't even play!), I would buy an LS FD about 30 seconds after buying some random Ferrari.
DrBoost
SuperDork
9/6/11 12:10 p.m.
You are in interesting lot......
I have 5.0 Volvo, a 5.0 FB Lemons/Chumpcar and recently sold a 5.0 Miata and and am just starting on building a LS1 FB.
I like the 5.0 mainly because its cheap, parts are everywhere and its small enough to fit anywhere. It is not a particularly smooth motor but can make decent (300 hp) with some junkyard Explorer heads, a cam and exhaust.
Having driven a couple LSX powered vehicles I can say the motor is much smoother plus the weight benefit. You can make close to 400hp with a cam and exhaust. More than that and you can make silly hp. They come with a T-56 and can get you good mpg's.
The LS1 FB will also be a budget build as much as any LSX build can be. I plan on a 2nd gen front subframe with T2 brakes and putting 5 lug axles in the stock GSL-SE. With the sale of the rebuilt 13B, trans and Megasquirt I am only $350 in the LS1/T56 combo and it came with everything from the donor car. I should be able to zero it out selling off some other parts from the RX-7 and Camaro and expect to spend another $1000 or so getting it in the car and running. I'm sure the last 10% like getting the exhaust right, the gauges and AC working etc will end up costing a few hundred more.
A second gen LSX swap is easier and very well documented. You might be able to eeek it out for around $5k.
A 5.0 first gen swap is stupid easy and well documented. I think the motor and trans mount kit is less than $200 from Grannys Speed Shop. You should be able to build or buy a nice one for $5000.
dyintorace wrote:
Building is fun, but buying is much quicker. Lots of FCs out there with LS swaps.
Here's a nice looking example for $8k. More than your stated budget, but you could probably get it for less than $8k.
http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=6604.0
The longer this guy stays in CA the more that price will drop. He won't be able to smog, drive or sell this to someone in CA.
