sburris8 Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Guys, I have a 87 TSI that I really want to put LS in. I have been reading the treads on here to see how hard this swap will be. I am looking for your help to tell me how hard this swap is and is it worth it. I would like to know what the hardest part of getting a LS1 into our cars. Also, if you could tell me the link to a good build thread I would appreciate it. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbruneaux Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 amongst others http://www.starquestclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=92145&hl= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autotr8er2 Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 By far the best example. It has inspired my build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sburris8 Posted February 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 that build is amazing. I just really want to get the engine and trans in and enjoy it. Do you guys know of any builds like that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbruneaux Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 Spend time in the restoration area, go through the builds with the most pages or if it says V8 in the title. You will get a lot of information and inspiration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSQuest88 Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 (edited) It's worth it. I've never enjoyed my car as much as I have since I put the LS1 in. I worked with what the previous owner had already done though when he put an old small block chevy in. So I'm not sure exactly what all he did. The factory mounts were already gone so welding in new ones was pretty easy. I did hot rod power driving the car over 700 miles in a weekend (first long road trip after swap) and performed flawlessly. I averaged 25mpg on the highway and did not overheat sitting stopped for almost 3 hours. I can go to the track and almost lay down an 11 second pass with the motor being 95% stock. I still have stock dash and center console in my car. I performed the swap before becoming a member here so I didn't do a build thread or take many pictures of the process. The hardest part for you might be having an 87. With that being said you might would want to look in to swapping the rear diff and axles for the 88-89 6 bolt ones. It holds up to alot more hp. Also its always the little things that take the most time. Like figuring out radiator, radiator hoses, exhaust...etc. I used stock crossmember and went with manual rack and pinion steering. Little word of advice I'd look into an aftermarket wire harness which runs around $500, gets rid of the clutter everything is labeled and gets rid of junk you don't need. Also holley LS hot rod oil pan part #302-1 is worth every penny for clearance with stock crossmember. I used stock exhaust manifolds from a ls3 2010 camaro ss. They stay tucked up to the block and exit toward rear of engine. Use those or get some block hugger headers. Those few things made my swap a whole lot easier Edited February 24, 2015 by LSQuest88 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convette Posted February 24, 2015 Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 I just swapped to a ls3/tr6060 this month (need to update my thread).. but I have TONS of ls1 parts that I will be selling off very soon. I have the stand alone harness, plug and play all labled with a tuned pcm I'm selling for $600 shipped, also hae ls3 manifolds, intakes....etc. . PM me if are serious about purchasing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sburris8 Posted February 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2015 I will pm you convette Could you guys give me an idea on how much this swap will cost me? Keep in mind I am reusing as much as I can. Just really want to get a ls1 and 6 speed in the car. I know the 6 speed is expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSQuest88 Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 (edited) It's hard to tell you an accurate answer because it all depends on what kind of deal you come across on parts. But rough ballpark I'd say at least $5k if you can find the motor and trans close enough to pick it up in person. You could always look into the 5.3L or 6.0 iron blocks they usually go for cheaper. The 5.3s you can find dirt cheap and about in any junk yard Edited February 25, 2015 by LSQuest88 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sburris8 Posted February 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 What transmission should I be looking for? What is the tr6060? I deff want a manual. Do any fit in stock tran tunnel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convette Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 t56 is what you want with the ls1, from a camaro, the corvettes are transaxles. Its best if you find a full setup, would be cheaper than trying to piece it together like I did. I'm not sure how lsquest did his, but I didnt see anyway for the t56 to fit under the stock tunnel unless its really low and far fowrard. I cut out everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sburris8 Posted February 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 Will the t56 bolt up to a 6.0 if I find a deal on one of them? I have been told to look into truck ls motors and switch out things. Do you suggest that? What all would I need to swap on a truck motor if I find one? Is it worth it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSQuest88 Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 (edited) I believe all of the LS based motors have same bellhousing bolt pattern. Just make sure if it's a 6.0L you go with stay away from the late 90s to early 2000s they had a "long" crank more made for th350 and th400 transmissions so you'd have to do some modifying. If you go with later years than that then should bolt right up snd work. Not sure what all you'd want to change out. I think people put LS1 intakes and cams in the truck motors. I think sll the front accessories... (water pump, balancer, etc) are longer than car motors. I forgot to mention I have a 5 speed tremec tko 600 trans in my car. That may make a big difference in clearance in trans tunnel Edited February 25, 2015 by LSQuest88 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowquest Posted February 25, 2015 Report Share Posted February 25, 2015 I just swapped to a ls3/tr6060 this month (need to update my thread).. but I have TONS of ls1 parts that I will be selling off very soon. I have the stand alone harness, plug and play all labled with a tuned pcm I'm selling for $600 shipped, also hae ls3 manifolds, intakes....etc. . PM me if are serious about purchasing.Pm sent on pcm/harness, and ls3 exhaust manifolds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GINASQ Posted February 26, 2015 Report Share Posted February 26, 2015 So, the only way to fit the T-56 is to make an new tunnel and/or cut the firewall out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbruneaux Posted February 26, 2015 Report Share Posted February 26, 2015 (edited) If you have the room and the motivation buy a wreck for the driveline and sell off the rest. I have done that for my GTP on Craigslist as well as a Rover off Copart. Depending on where you live; http://ww2.copart.com/us/Lot/16451145?searchId=1834057374 Edited February 26, 2015 by mbruneaux Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autotr8er2 Posted March 1, 2015 Report Share Posted March 1, 2015 Convette, what are you using (computer/harness) with the LS3? -- don't give up on the dream. Save up for each stage of the process and get it started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Convette Posted March 23, 2015 Report Share Posted March 23, 2015 I'm using a custom stand alone harness from PSI Conversions and tuned ls3 computer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Menesing Drifter Posted April 11, 2015 Report Share Posted April 11, 2015 Im currently putting an LS1/T56 into my station right now. I did end up cutting the firewall and tunnel. I actually ended up cutting out the whole floor to better integrate the tunnel and my roll cage set up as it let me have much more ground clearance for exhaust and pluming. I got my engine and trans as a package off ebay. There are some good deals out there you just have to be patient and do your research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screemin eagle Posted April 18, 2015 Report Share Posted April 18, 2015 Are there any bolt in mounts that work with a lsx swap? I see a lot of you guys cut and weld the cross member and frame rails. Just wondering if there is anything around less permanent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
autotr8er2 Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 everything is custom. Not much chance of a "kit". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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