Rwd 1.4t + t5

[mja]

Ok, the cart comes supplied with mounts for a Cobalt drivetrain, that makes sense why you'd want to use it. I won't get into Suzuki or Honda motor reliability or how fun they'd be for a lightweight race cart, I mean this is a Chevy forum

Jesus I'm pretty sure that LS swap will be cheaper than the Family 0 or an Ecotec in the long run, it's a lot lighter and smaller than the Ford DOHC's here's some eye candy:
my 5.3 lsx swapped mustang gt - Forums at Modded Mustangs
just another junkyard 5.3 ls with a th400 in a 04 mustang build - Yellow Bullet Forums
How To Do a 5.3 Swap on a Budget - LSX Magazine
Those guys are using 3 speed autos that can be picked up for around 600-750$ fully built ready to race, and a carb intake manifold would be a cool budget build, mpg would be crap. For the same cost as the 1.4 or another ecotec that'd get 33 mpg frwy in a 3400lb rwd 5-speed car you could go with a 4.8-5.3 LS* & T56 with 0.50 dbl overdrive and factory ECU and net 30 mpg on the freeway. I've worked on a lot of these V8 swaps, you'd be surprised what a humble LS can do in mpg and power.

 

[zomby woof]

You just can't beat an LS motor. What GM did with the small block, they're doing all over again with the LS.

I have some experience with the bigger eco (Honda and lot's of Suzuki motors as well) and the eco's have all been positive. I don't think they get the credit they deserve.

 

[mja]

No doubt, they're stout, cheap, engine management is top notch with so many aftermarket options. I'd go with an LS motor all day over a small block...it took me a few small block builds to put that in my stubborn head, a huge fan of oldskool.

Now if there's an olds 455 at the same price range as the LS that's another story :banana:

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

Jesus ... LS swap ...

Blasphemy! I doubt I'll find an LS around here in a junkyard. Also when you mean factory ECU, you mean for an LS right? Because I've heard very complicated things about dropping in an engine not meant for a '96+ Mustang into it. Specifically about it not wanting to start because the key is mated to the engine and needs something or something. I don't remember too well.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

But I'll start looking. Still trying to find a shop to install forged pistons in my Sonic. I contacted the shop that seemed the most experienced and they basically said to piss off. That they only work on V8's and diesels but I know the bastards are lying because I saw a GTR on their instagram. They did say they'd dyno my car though.

 

[mja]

But it'll be fuuuun factory ECU from the LS, with the engine harness. If you use the stock LS transmission, can put the truck gauges in your dash, I'm sure the Ford guys have this all worked out. I don't think it's as complicated as you're thinking, could be wrong. You'll have to splice the ign from the Ford harness and the starter solenoid from the Ford switched 12v source, or make it easier and just run both of these to your dash on switches.

I mean if you're worried about ECU just run a carb intake, they make stand-alone computers and ign kits for LS ignition. Zomby is right, they're the new SBC, can buy anything for them at a reasonable price.

 

[JesusTheAgnostic]

I'd probably have to find a completely totalled camaro or firebird. Could probably buy the whole thing for like 2k around here if I'm lucky. And if I'm really lucky a gto from '06. The tragic part is that gas is still pretty cheap so people still think it's a good idea to daily a v8. I remember seeing several gtos for sale for less than 7k with low miles and in near perfect condition back when gas was over three dollars for 86.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[mja]

Ya but for that price just buy and drive the GTO right.

Okay lets say how low can it go right? LS swap headers & mounts my guess is 300$ give or take some if factory manifolds fit or u wana go with new exhaust vs stock. LS 5.3 (a stroked 4.8) motor half price day junkyard pull from a chevy/gmc/buick/isuzu/saab 400$, used but built th350 or th400 + linkage - 750$, spacer/flexplate/converter - 400$, driveshaft - 100$, intake manifold + 650-750 carb 500$, fuel lines/fluids/hoses/wiring etc 400$, ignition controller/plugs/sensors/ etc - 250$, oil pan maybe? 150$.

I'm thinking less than 3000$ for the entire bare bones swap, find a friend with an engine hoist. Given enough time, ingenuity, and skillset, it could be done under 2k$.

Keep the 1 wheel peel in the mustang and the rear end won't need any work. Ur lookin at 3-5k$ if you want to keep factory ecu/harness and 6 speed. Ill bet thatd be the same $ as sonic 1.4 + t5.

 

[Papasonic]

Whew! after reading some of these posts: Makes me appreciate my 2004 GTO all the more. It has the 350 hp LS1 with a Tremec T56. Fun without all of the extra work acquiring and assembling components. Not overly powerful, but can still get my attention when wound up. Remember the song; Little GTO by Ronnie And The Daytonas? Part of the lyrics went: "Turn it on, wind it up, blow it out GTO."

I still miss my 1967 GTO that I owned when I was 19, it had a 335 hp, 400 ci, 4 barrel, 4 speed.

Sorry for the off-topic post, but memories started bouncing around in my head when I read GTO.

< Photos of my 2004 GTO in my garage link at left.

 

[mja]

lol not sure about the artist but as a kid they still played it on the radio.

Used ls1 GTO's a few years ago were the best bang for your buck performance car to buy. If you look past the SAAB 9-7x aero.. before the community caught on and drove prices up. Maybe the older Charger or Magnum R/T are the only cheap performance machines to find a deal on now.

 

[Llia]

Looks like fun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zfYzZ0RWGQ

 

[Tormach]

Yes it does, heres another one that is more recent. :banana::banana:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-skXI5D4cnQ