Gm lfx
MFz Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 60
From: Oakville, Ct
I have done an LS-1 swap and will be starting my LS Exocet when the frame hit my garage floor, don't think I am an expert by any sense of the word but here is my $.02
If you are thinking of pulling the good, running, fun little engine out of your pride and joy... feel free. Whatever you budget for time or money, triple it and then be prepared to add to that.
Start with a good quality kit that has been tested by others and do A LOT of research. Then start gathering parts and pieces. Once you have everything together, begin the tear down and take a ton of pictures. I had my car apart so far that to take anything else off I would have to split welds. Your memory is not good enough to do this without help.
Be patient and plan to upgrade EVERY system of the car.... cooling, brakes, exhaust, safety, charging, fuel, steering, electrical... it all needs attention or you will have a car that could potentially kill you.
My car "Nadine" got built with the best of everything I could afford. The entire Boss Frog catalog went into this thing. I was rewarded with a fun yet safe car that has gone many miles trouble free. I did have to fabricate some things because I didn't follow the "Script" and used a oversized radiator. That meant moving it forward 3" and down 1.5". I wanted to keep the Mazda PS pump so I had to make my own brackets for the Alternator/PS pump/belt idler and then modified the tensioner to line everything up properly.
I also didn't use the T-bird IRS and then had to modify the diff mount. That turned out cool as BF now offers my design for the Cobra Aluminum diff.
All said and done the swap will be worth it but you have to understand that going off the grid and doing a swap that hasn't been worked out yet is going to be costly, eat a lot of time, and keep you from enjoying your car for a while.... that could lead to the unthinkable....an unfinished car being sold for pennies on the dollar!
P.S. .... If you are going to o it, do it BIG! Get the most for your swap dollar and do the LSx.... it will bring the biggest return in the end
If you are thinking of pulling the good, running, fun little engine out of your pride and joy... feel free. Whatever you budget for time or money, triple it and then be prepared to add to that.
Start with a good quality kit that has been tested by others and do A LOT of research. Then start gathering parts and pieces. Once you have everything together, begin the tear down and take a ton of pictures. I had my car apart so far that to take anything else off I would have to split welds. Your memory is not good enough to do this without help.
Be patient and plan to upgrade EVERY system of the car.... cooling, brakes, exhaust, safety, charging, fuel, steering, electrical... it all needs attention or you will have a car that could potentially kill you.
My car "Nadine" got built with the best of everything I could afford. The entire Boss Frog catalog went into this thing. I was rewarded with a fun yet safe car that has gone many miles trouble free. I did have to fabricate some things because I didn't follow the "Script" and used a oversized radiator. That meant moving it forward 3" and down 1.5". I wanted to keep the Mazda PS pump so I had to make my own brackets for the Alternator/PS pump/belt idler and then modified the tensioner to line everything up properly.
I also didn't use the T-bird IRS and then had to modify the diff mount. That turned out cool as BF now offers my design for the Cobra Aluminum diff.
All said and done the swap will be worth it but you have to understand that going off the grid and doing a swap that hasn't been worked out yet is going to be costly, eat a lot of time, and keep you from enjoying your car for a while.... that could lead to the unthinkable....an unfinished car being sold for pennies on the dollar!
P.S. .... If you are going to o it, do it BIG! Get the most for your swap dollar and do the LSx.... it will bring the biggest return in the end
Thread Starter
MFz Regular
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 117
From: Union Creek, OR
Once I am ready to start, I would upgrade the wheels, tires and brakes first. It is wise to be able to stop quickly before you start going fast. After that would be the suspension upgrade and then the driveline. Never add more ponies than you can control. Less bent sheet metal and more smiles that way.
So I am researching my power options at this time.
So I am researching my power options at this time.
MFz Regular
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 60
From: Oakville, Ct
Might I suggest that you add a good shock package to that also. It sounds like you will be doing this in stages. Nothing wrong with that at all. I have been thinking of building the Exocet with stock drivetrain first so I can save to give me time for the 6 piston Wilwoods and a few other items I am short on right now.
I have the LS-1/T-56 and Getrag in the garage but funds are limited right now. I thought I could do the car for what I sold Nadine for but I got so many one time deals on that car it is going to be hard to duplicate!
I have the LS-1/T-56 and Getrag in the garage but funds are limited right now. I thought I could do the car for what I sold Nadine for but I got so many one time deals on that car it is going to be hard to duplicate!
