Why do people do wild swaps(RB, LS1), when u can just buy a Porsche, Ferrari, etc?

[civicdrivr]

Originally Posted by DoctorNick

I thought motor swaps were legal in Cali as long as the motor was from the same MY as the car or newer and maintained all the emission controls (cats, charcoal canister, tune).

That's what I thought as well, though it's been a while since I read up on CA registration laws.

[Darnold]

A lot of times a swap can be more reliable and equally expensive as FI.

I know my current supercharger build is in excess of 12K right now and expecting it to reach about 15K before being done (no motor work just a lot of cooling).

A LSX swap was around the same price to bolt in and go. Would have made more torque, just wouldn't have passed NH emissions.

[Darnold]

Originally Posted by Yui-Chan

I wish a high quality company had a package to rebuild the FA for high output NA spec with better cams, valve train, headwork, pistons, bore/stroke, tune, etc for maybe 260-290hp - the whole nine said and done for 1 price ($8k would be reasonable for a full rebuild package and worth it especially if it'll be 280ish NA hp). Maybe like an S, GTS, Type R, GT3, etc model/rebuild. Then we don't need to worry about a slow/weak engine anymore nor doing a swap with all the custom mounting and engineering. Just get the engine rebuilt, and bolt right in

270-290whp is all you really need to propel this very little 2775lb car and make it easily on par with Porsches, M series, Vettes, Lotus, etc. at the track. While still retaining the factory cog and overall balance and handling characteristics as well

I think you're asking for WAY too much. Js racing offered a drop in F22 and it was 18k... Netted 305-310 WHP (about 100 gained)

Local shop can build a motor for me at a fraction of the cost, you really just need a good quality machine shop and a mechanic you trust.

[Black86]

I thought about going ls1 swap but after seeing what's involved and talking to people that have beat on their turbo frs for thousands of miles on the street/track, it just seems better to go boosted fa20. My goals in this car would be no more than 450whp.

[Reaper]

We still need to find a transmission option for the fa20

[BadBRZ]

Originally Posted by Reaper

We still need to find a transmission option for the fa20

http://www.jackstransmissions.com


problem solved

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Yui-Chan

I wish a high quality company had a package to rebuild the FA for high output NA spec with better cams, valve train, headwork, pistons, bore/stroke, tune, etc for maybe 260-290hp - the whole nine said and done for 1 price ($8k would be reasonable for a full rebuild package and worth it especially if it'll be 280ish NA hp). Maybe like an S, GTS, Type R, GT3, etc model/rebuild. Then we don't need to worry about a slow/weak engine anymore nor doing a swap with all the custom mounting and engineering. Just get the engine rebuilt, and bolt right in

270-290whp is all you really need to propel this very little 2775lb car and make it easily on par with Porsches, M series, Vettes, Lotus, etc. at the track. While still retaining the factory cog and overall balance and handling characteristics as well

Because taking it to that level of outout and reliability would take it to the more expensive car's level of price.

A GT3 engine costs about 45k.

If you can make a 260hp 2.0L engine for 8k, you'd be a very, very wealthy person.

[sofrsnsokleen]

I personally can see why someone would want to, the fr-s is the best handling, drivers car i've ever driven, but I could see how someone would want a more powerful engine in this car with natural N/A power instead of slapping on a turbo kit or supercharger.

[Captain Insano]

It's only a matter of time now. I believe LS swaps are going to become very popular on this car (similar to miatas, 240s, rx7s, etc). You can't expect tons of people to be doing a big motor build on cars that are relatively still new. Costs to much for 99.99% of the people out there to buy a car for 20-27K, then turn around and drop 15K+ into an engine build without simplified swap kits out there (soon).


BUT, in the next 1-3 years, when you can get this car for 15K or less for a working car (or under 10K for car with dead engine you plan to swap anyway) and the simplified swap kits become available...


Swaps aren't for everybody, but once the cost of entry on this car cheapens up and simplified swap kits are available, I think it will be pretty common and people are going to be surprised what LSx powered GT86 chassis can do on the street, road course, and drag strip.


At some point I might put an LSx engine in my car. I really am just driving it now until the warranty runs out (I bought new). And I actually think the 2.0L OEM engine with light NA (complete exhaust, tune) mods is not bad in this chassis. At some point when the warranty is over and IF I want a lot more power, LSx swap will be the option I look at first and most seriously.

[Black86]

Jacks transmissions is working on a built tranny for us! That will be awesome considering we have the 8.8 rear swap available too!

[Mars2]

If I wanted a track car I would buy one second hand KTM X-bow:
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat...=EXPORT&noec=1

http://www.ktm.com/x-bow.html#.VATeJig5z4c

850 Kg (1880 lbs) with good frame and that VW engine is easy to get lot power from!