Budget V8 Swap (under $10,000)

[wutsaiu]

There seems to be a lot of negativity on forums about engine swaps, even aside from the purists who hate them. Most people are critical if you show any sign of ignorance or desire to do things for 'cheaper'.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to post, not really interested in opening my self up to the BS negativity of people sitting behind a screen. At the same time I'm tired of seeing many posts about how difficult everything is. You don't need to be a professional to do an engine swap. Of course the quality of a professional build is amazing but at the end of the day the only person who has to be happy with the car is the owner. I did my swap for myself but I welcome any positive comments or suggestions.



In true DIY fashion, I picked up a GM aluminum 5.3L V8 in an FRS with passenger seat removed.

I decided I didn't want to buy out my leased 2014 FRS so I looked for a used 2013 to purchase. I wasn't pleased with how much people were asking so I decided to buy a brand new 2015.

I picked it up on a Saturday in May 2015, drove it home, and drove it once to a car meet.

The next Saturday with 277km on the odometer I took the FA20 out with the help of a friend.



To complete the engine I purchased various parts (used and new) as well as a donor iron 4.8L.

I made all the mounts myself with fairly cheap tools and some steel plates and tubing.

Tools: Angle grinder (with cutting discs), drill press, flux-core welder, and a vice



For transmission I took a chance on a used T56 off kijiji.

This was the most difficult part of the swap. You can fit all sorts of engines in the 86 engine bay, the transmission tunnel however isn't so large.

I had a flywheel and clutch left over from a previous Chevrolet project car so I reused those.

I also managed to get an aluminum radiator and DSS axles locally for cheap from someone parting out their build.

To control the engine I bought a GM ECU kit, it was a bit costly but was easy to use.

Unlike the race car builds I wanted stock gauges to work. I used an Arudino micro controller with Canbus module to accomplish this.



With this I managed to get the tach and power steering functioning and the CEL off. Traction control is off and airbag system light is on but those don't bother me. I would like to get ABS working eventually, I just haven't devoted the time yet.

I got the car running at the end of June and started daily driving it end of July. Currently I have over 4000km on it.

I still have lots of things I'd like to finish with the car but I'm a bit burned out for this year. Tired of working on it, low on money, and busy with other aspects of life. It is not by any means abandoned, I drive it everyday to work, every week to car meet and will continue to do so until winter unless something breaks.

As with any used parts I took a gamble. Both the engine and transmission 'work' but the transmission makes horrible noises and has trouble shifting certain gears and the engine has low oil pressure and burns oil. You win some and lose some. The last V8 I bought used had 0 issues and even survived many years of 15psi of boost, probably still be going strong with new owner.

2016 can be the year of improvements, the hard part is done.



For those wondering why there are no photos of the car, it still looks like a stock 2015 black FRS, nothing to see.

[ZOMFGAARON]

For some reason the only picture that's loading for me is the last one. But nice work!


Edit: They're working now on my computer maybe it was my phone.

[Luckrider]

What's the status of the FA20?

[Basket Case]

Very cool. Any videos of it running/driving?

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by Luckrider

What's the status of the FA20?

Sold the stock FA20, transmission, drive shaft, and radiator.
Really helped keep the final cost down.

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by Basket Case

Very cool. Any videos of it running/driving?

I have a GoPro I should take some videos and post them.

[dcfis]

big props!

[xkalelx]

This thread is so awesome. Go you! Any plans to track or auto-x? Or just keep as a 3 season daily?

[olsonpg]

How's she drive!?

[Manji]

You ruined it.

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by Manji

You ruined it.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCVsKsgVhBA"]"I really hate that man" - YouTube[/ame]

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by xkalelx

This thread is so awesome. Go you! Any plans to track or auto-x? Or just keep as a 3 season daily?

I went to one track event and that is when I noticed the low oil pressure, I should have pushed it anyways but I chickened out and took it easy. With good tires it's really fun to drive and with stock tires it's quite the drift machine.

[Dallen]

yeah, how does it drive?

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by olsonpg

How's she drive!?

I had to remove the front sway bar just like Vorshlag kit and of course there is a bit more weight in the front. I'm sure a few sensitive people would complain about the affect on handling but I noticed only a minor change. Compared to a heavy Mustang or Camaro I love it. I love the ability to power slide it on command even at low rpm, hope it doesn't get me into trouble one day. It burns a bit more fuel but I still managed to get 24.7mpg (9.5L/100km) on freeway. I run 87 octane (regular).