Here in colorado I had to do the "treadmill" test for emissions and they also check readiness codes by obd2. I am not sure how emissions works here for swaps, or if they are allowed at all. I would much rather do a swap then building the VQ at this point I think, as long as emissions is possible and a/c can still be functional. I have seen people say they are going to splice the A/C lines to the compressor fittings which mechanically is not difficult, but it does not mention any functionality problems with the controls etc.

 

Anyone?

 

Look up your state laws on swaps. The common law is that it has to be an engine newer than the car and maintain all emission equipment, or know a guy who can fake your inspection.

 

cool thanks I'll have to check into it more. I have not found anything very definitive yet. Maybe I will just give them a call to find out. If it can pass emissions and a/c works 100% like oem that would make it very tempting to swap.

 

If I still had my 350Z, it would be breathing fire from 8 cylinders...

 

I will try this then.

Will report back if it will work or I fry my ECU.

 

me dos ... Research time again.

Is the tach still the aftermarket fit to the oem cluster?

Chris

 

Might get flamed for this but, I've been doing a lot of reading about the LS engines and swaps into the Z. Highly considering doing this instead of FI, as I love me a good V8.

Realistically, what power are you guys making with just bolt ons? I may have missed this already but I already read the first 5 or 6 pages and the last 3.

Really learned a lot through these post already, thanks for all the sharing.

 

Really, if you are looking for bolt on HP, pick which engine you want and type it into google with bolt ons dyno after it, the chassis doesn't matter at that point...

 

I figured as much. Which is what I was doing prior to posting, I should have mentioned that. But, was also curious.

Realistically, my goal would be 400 if I was doing a build like this, which I guess leaves me at looking at a LS3.

Thank you for answering!

 

a LS1/6 with bolt ons will get you over 400rwhp. A bolt ons LS3 will be closer to 500hp

 

my buddy with a cammed ls2 hit low 400's

 

I consider a cam on a LS a bolt on

 

Many LSX motors can due it if your in for a crate motor. A LS2 can easily do it with an aggresive cam and long tubes. An LS1 would do it with heads, cam and long tubes.

A bolt on LS3 with a streetable cam and long tubes usually nets you 460-500.

As for the ECU, use any off the shelf GM PCM that matches your motor or harness.

 

Thanks everyone, I was definitely including the cam when I said bolt ons. Still considering my options and doing more research. Still not even sure this is what I will be doing but am highly considering at this point.

I am going to follow up with some shops to see about prices for the labor (yes I know it's not cheap at all, but I am not competent enough to do the required work).

 

At the end of the day, the best advice I can give you is this:

how much power do you want?

What luxury aspects can you do without? (noise, A/C, stock tacho etc.) only about 5% or the current LS swaps have A/C and I think only 1 is using a stock tach.

Does what you want fit your budget?

I will say that I feel my LS swapped car is way more bulletproof than any FI'ed Z. My motor has went through utter hell that would likely have grenaded a VQ. Also my parts are cheap as hell. for example, I had to replace an 02 sensor, it cost me $37. A VQ denso sensor runs around $100. a cam on a LS motor is $300 to $500. you can search what Z cams cost. I can put **** gas in it if I'm in a pinch and don't have to blink an eye.

 

My goals for power would be between 400-450 (anywhere in that range I'd be happy).

Noise and stock tachometer do not really bother me. I've seen some custom ones in this thread that I liked the idea of. However, I would like to keep A/C in the car.

Budget I was hoping at spending

 

If I still had a Z, without a doubt I would have a LS in it.

 

You can keep your AC, people make it sound like it is voodoo magic to make it work, but the AC is a really simple system.

 

Its definitely not voodoo magic but for some reason most swaps do without it. Even those built by shops. Meanwhile I'm over here with my windows up in the summer saying its too hot outside.