LQ4 6.0L V8 swap (LS3 rebuild)

[nmctacticz]

Im making another post regarding my engine swap. My old post is out dated and since most of my questions have been answered Im starting a new post. Lets move on to the fun stuff. As some of you may already know I picked up an LQ4 V8 and having my mechanic do a rebuild from the bottom up.
LS3 heads (ported) LS3 camshaft & LS3 Intake. We officially got the ball rolling on this project so fingers crossed and lets hope for the best!!!

[nmctacticz]

Heres the engine with the heads and intake removed. I will update more pictures once its put back together with new parts

[BlueLine]

Looks kinda rough, you going to do a total tear down and rebuild, paint etc or is it going to be functionality of looks at first?

[D_Thissen]

Sub'd

[DustinS]

In for the ride. Good luck with the swap!

[ILLSMOQ]

Cool! Can't wait to see some of these swaps running!

[nmctacticz]

Originally Posted by BlueLine

Looks kinda rough, you going to do a total tear down and rebuild, paint etc or is it going to be functionality of looks at first?

Its a decent tear down and rebuild. Changing piston rings, rod bolts, camshaft, pushrods, new complete heads with valve train (new valve springs & seals) etc... and yes im cleaning it up and maybe painting the valve covers thats about it

[B T]

That's going to be a heavy front end with that iron block, can't wait to see how it turns out though.

[NOHOME]

Originally Posted by B T

That's going to be a heavy front end with that iron block, can't wait to see how it turns out though.

Regardless of the engine weight, would you not agree that it will be split between the front and rear wheels?

Since most engine swaps tend to more the engine rearwards compared to the Subaru boxer, it might be that the car ends up with a better front/rear balance.

But I agree that the car is going to gain 200 lbs overall. Small penalty to pay for the torque gain; you know, getting rid of that pesky torque dip at 3000 rpm that we all hate.

[Helios]

Originally Posted by NOHOME

Regardless of the engine weight, would you not agree that it will be split between the front and rear wheels?

Since most engine swaps tend to more the engine rearwards compared to the Subaru boxer, it might be that the car ends up with a better front/rear balance.

But I agree that the car is going to gain 200 lbs overall. Small penalty to pay for the torque gain; you know, getting rid of that pesky torque dip at 3000 rpm that we all hate.

Nevermind the naysayers. I'm doing a similar swap in my Saturn Sky. I used an LQ9 block and had the cylinders bored and balanced to LS3 spec. Then had it built from the bottom up with LS3 parts or better aftermarket parts (too many to list). I keep having to tell folks that the iron block is only approx. 100 lbs. heavier. So, not worth an extra $2-3k, IMO in comparison to an aluminum block. There are inexpensive aluminum blocks out there, but not as readily available in my experience. There are also other ways to shed the added weight as to not take on the entire weight penalty up front; battery relocation being of of the easiest without compromising structural integrity of the frame or body components.
Your swap should be a fun toy after it's all said and done regardless of the added weight.

[NOHOME]

Originally Posted by Helios

...Your swap should be a fun toy after it's all said and done regardless of the added weight.

Yup...fully agree. That is why I have stuffed this:



Into this Miata: (Trust me it IS a Miata, I can prove it)



This thing has killed a bunch of automotive sacred cows, but I have had a lot of fun building it and that is what matters.

Apologies to the OP for derailing the thread.

[nmctacticz]

Originally Posted by NOHOME

Yup...fully agree. That is why I have stuffed this:



Into this Miata: (Trust me it IS a Miata, I can prove it)



This thing has killed a bunch of automotive sacred cows, but I have had a lot of fun building it and that is what matters.

Apologies to the OP for derailing the thread.

Good job on the swap, it looks good. You can totally jack this post haha.

I ran into some personal problems with my mechanic and things went south with the V8 swap. The good news is I still have the engine and still have intentions in doing the swap down the road, just not right now.

[nmctacticz]

Unfortunately things didn't work out as planned between me and my mechanic so everything has been put on hold until things start looking a little better on my end


The good news is I still have the engine and the car so its only a matter of time. Here are some photos I never got to post