LS1/2 engine conversion

[HERONVY]

Hi guys, in the future (2 years time) im looking to do an engine conversion to my vy.
Just wondering if anyone can give me any pointers as to:

a) how much it will cost?
b) what i need to look out for?
c) ultimately, is it worth it?
d) should i just turf my car that i have now and start fresh with a vy/vz ss s1/s2?
e) what am i looking at from an engineering point of view? will i need to get approval from every mob in the state just so i can get a v8 dumped into her?
f) legality issues?

My car at the moment is in really really really good nick, very well presented, has all new suspension components, drives like a dream, the gearbox is good, diff is getting a ratio swap soon, is mechanically A+++ interior is where i want it to be and im just stoked with how neat it is compared to other vy's i see getting round.

The problem is, i want to keep the car because of all this as i dont want to spent thousands getting a bog stock vy ss to the same standard of neatness/interior mods etc. because most that i see for sale do not come anywhere near the standard my car's in at the moment and have all been thrashed something fierce.
However, they do have a better resale value than my little eco s....

Im happy with where the car is now and what ive done to it performance wise, but when i get my full license (september next year) i want to feel the power and grunt of an 8 under my right foot as i dont think the 6 will suffice.

My plan is to buy a gen 3 ls1 / or ls2 motor from a wrecked ss/clubby + wiring loom+computer+ gearbox to match, have the engine on a stand in my shed and slowly build it up to make crazy amounts of power by means of stroking it + super/turbocharging it
what kind of costs am i looking at to do all of this? How will i go insurance wise etc?

Sorry if this seems like a monster of a post, but im keen on the idea after seeing djim's LS3 SS, that thing was off its head and i want to build something to that sort of standard.

Should i do it?

Cheers, Al

[thatbrynguy]

I'm in the same boat as you. Have a VY S that's in immaculate condition so I was thinking of doing this too (without the heavy modification). Personally I found the cost of just doing the conversion itself a little too high to bother with. It was cheaper just to get the real deal and then modify from there. In addition to the engine itself you may find other parts of the car need to be considered. If you just get an actual SS you'll get the LSD, harder front springs for the extra engine weight for example. Also your dash cluster may have to be reprogrammed to suit a V8 (I've been told things like DTE won't function correctly otherwise, not a huge issue but it would bug me) you may also need a new cooling system for the V8.

If you're keen to spend the money and do the work I'm sure it could be a really rewarding job. But bottom line its going to be cheaper to sell up and get an SS. I'd do your homework before throwing too much cash at it.

[Surfwagon]

I agree with thatbrynguy in that you are far better off financially starting with a car already fitted with a V8
Having done plenty of engine swaps myself, mainly because the paricular engine I wanted didn't come in the car or body shape I wanted at the time, I can sympatise with you about wanting to keep your current car and change the engine when the times right, but because the VY comes out with LS engines as an option in all body style it not worth the hassles.
You will have a lot of paper work with rego and insurance to get it all right.
My advice sell and start again, also in 2 years time things might be very different (petrol price wise) than it is now.

[HERONVY]

Hmmmm all good points there, youve got me thinking

Al

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