Quote:
Originally Posted by jeepmor
I prefer less than the LS3 being it's just a modern low rev 383 torquezilla. I'd prefer an LS that can spin to the 7400 redline as I've become accustomed to the top end of the FA20 with the SC attached. I'd prefer a smaller displacement engine 7-8k redline capability. Or that on the LS3, but that's too much. I have to keep reminding myself it's really just my commuter.
On the flip side, I'm pretty limited putting an IAG block in and returning to the HKS SC unit in regards to power. Like the shop said, you'll get what you being it lacks the adjustability of a turbo.
I can add the E85 injectors and fuel pump, plop a tune in and run 300whp, which admittedly is quite good for this car as a commuter and weekend canyon carver type. But if I go back to pump gas, I have to change my tune again on my current setup. And don't want to play the switch game if I don't have to. I'd go with a flex fuel sensor and custom Ecuteck tune that adjusts on the fly. Shop stated some new EPA regs are changing things and getting more invasive. Sounded messy, details developing.
All this is why I started looking at a V8 option. A chunk of change is getting peeled off regardless of the path, may as well understand the numbers. If I go with my wanna budget, I'm buying a used Cayman S or new Supra being they finally put an MT in it, and ditching my 86. I'm not there yet, those cars are heavier, and Porsche or BMW, much more expensive on the cost of ownership as well.
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Personally, if you have the money for a Cayman or Supra and are interested in those cars then you should go drive them first because doing so will either make you quickly forget doing a swap, or it will reinforce doing a swap. You would be best knowing and not assuming before taking on such a huge project, assuming you have never driven one of these vehicles.
Your options for reliability is either a built FA20 or a used FA24, as both would have more overhead, and you really need E85 and a flex-fuel setup to run boost reliably on this platform. If you think you wouldn't like the LS3, just rent a Camaro for a day and a Mustang and compare the two motors (higher displacement vs high revving). The cost to rent is super cheap compared to making a bad decision. Your 86 will feel identical in a straight line, except for weighing less, so being faster and sitting lower in a smaller car, but it should feel the same in terms of how it revs and how the power comes on. If you don't like the sound and feel of either then you have some decisions to make. This is really the best advice.
The most straight forward motors to swap in this chassis with an engine/transmission and support would be the LS, Coyote and VQ, as they are sold in America with plenty of aftermarket support and with RWD transmissions stuck to them, so you don't need to worry about adapters, big flywheels, etc. The VQ is only 3.7L, so power would be similar to a supercharged FA20/24. The 60 degree engine sits taller than the 90 degree V8s. The Coyote is huge compared to the LS, which is why the LS is a far better choice. The Coyote is a few grand cheaper on eBay, but it is down 1.2L on the LS, and it has less support for swaps. Overall, I see the LS as being cheaper and easier with better support. I go back to just renting a Camaro and Mustang to see for yourself if the power delivery and rpms matters.
You could do a K24 swap, but it is more race car than a daily, IMO having done this swap, and it would be negligible compared to a built FA20 or FA24 swap in terms of price (the motor is just cheaper to replace if you blew it again and again).
Personally, I would test drive all four cars I mentioned, and then I would figure out what feels best. I wouldn't guess or assume what you might like. While I like my K24 setup, in hindsight, I loved my Harrop FA20 setup. I will probably buy a Harrop SC and drop it on the FA24 when Harrop releases it and not look back, but I will also be test driving a 911 and Cayman 4.0 beforehand, so we will see if my mind is changed.
Pictured below is the 5.0L Coyote x 2 compared to the LS in the last pics x2. The LS is significantly smaller.