86 GT LSX Turbo Main Build Thread

[Cobraman]

a reasonably well matched combo should put down roughly (very roughly) 450. That's aftermarket heads, cam, intake, etc. I'm budgeting 2k for my build for the 69.

Keep updating your thread. I'd like to see what you end up with.
I'm probably looking at another $3k in turbo stuff.

[Cobraman]

I am glad you posted what it really cost. You have all these internet mechanics posting LSX swap and they don't realize that is cost the same if not more than a 351/302.

The key, imo, is to get a very complete setup. If I do this again, I want the complete donor car. There is too much nickel and dime stuff - I got a complete motor with harness, 02's, battery cables, etc and it is still nickel and diming me to death. $40 trans dipstick, $400 oil pan and dipstick, $150 in fittings, $100 in hose, $55 in radiator hoses, $150 in fluids, $150 trans crossmember. $300 kmember.


That's $1k+ in just fringe stuff

[Baron Von Crowder]

I'm not sure what it costs to build a 351 or what kind of power you can make. The ls will make good power and get great gas mileage, but it has been damn expensive. I'm a tad unhappy about having to run an auto, but at this point I don't care too much.

a reasonably well matched combo should put down roughly (very roughly) 450. That's aftermarket heads, cam, intake, etc. I'm budgeting 2k for my build for the 69.

[Cobraman]

So a 351 swap really is cheaper?

I'm not sure what it costs to build a 351 or what kind of power you can make. The ls will make good power and get great gas mileage, but it has been damn expensive. I'm a tad unhappy about having to run an auto, but at this point I don't care too much.

[mk5.0]

No kidding dude. I hope I can save some people from starting this big of a undertaking - or at least realize how much it really cost. Take your budget and triple it. I did spend some money in unnecessary areas- ie $800 on seats, $550 on a trans rebuild even though the trans may have been ok. I'll post up my cost breakdown after I get it going

I am glad you posted what it really cost. You have all these internet mechanics posting LSX swap and they don't realize that is cost the same if not more than a 351/302.

[Sleeper]

Thats not bad. Im going to end up around 12k in mine. All the little crap adds up.

Id really like to see the alinement specs on that car. Ive got the same stuff except mine are adj inch shorter arms. With the sn95 spindles and team z caster camber plates. The top of the coilover huts the strut tower before i can get to zero camber.

This is also with no motor etc just body weight but i cant see it changing much with strut type coilovers.

[Baron Von Crowder]

No kidding dude. I hope I can save some people from starting this big of a undertaking - or at least realize how much it really cost. Take your budget and triple it. I did spend some money in unnecessary areas- ie $800 on seats, $550 on a trans rebuild even though the trans may have been ok. I'll post up my cost breakdown after I get it going

So a 351 swap really is cheaper?

[Cobraman]

You mean you can't do a LSX swap for $800 ?

No kidding dude. I hope I can save some people from starting this big of a undertaking - or at least realize how much it really cost. Take your budget and triple it. I did spend some money in unnecessary areas- ie $800 on seats, $550 on a trans rebuild even though the trans may have been ok. I'll post up my cost breakdown after I get it going

[mk5.0]

looks like I'll come in around $9k. not terrible, but $3k more than expected.

You mean you can't do a LSX swap for $800 ?

[Cobraman]

Did you end up getting the truck intake to clear or stick a car intake on it?

Truck intake barely fits.

If you are planning on swapping yours let me know. I've got a running cost spreadsheet and we've learned a good bit along the way

[4EyedTurd]

Did you end up getting the truck intake to clear or stick a car intake on it?

[Cobraman]

Lmao. Glad to see it close to being done. Hopefully the 4l60 last for a while.

It is a fresh rebuild with 1yr warranty. Hopefully it does okay. I just need it to hold until I can afford a t56 or tko

[Sleeper]

Lmao. Glad to see it close to being done. Hopefully the 4l60 last for a while.

[BlueCoupeRedVert]

Kicks dude!

Let us know when it's for sale!

Shit... This car better never change hands again.o

[Cobraman]

looks like I'll come in around $9k. not terrible, but $3k more than expected.