USA LS1 to V6 swap

[dezldave961]

Hello all. I've been around the U.S. 3800 Series 2/3 (ecotec) world for ~20yrs now, and finally decided on a RWD project. Originally, I was going to get a Firebird, but decided to get a little unique. I've always loved how the Holdens actually got a decent aftermarket going for their V6 models, while most of our V6 F-body crowd trend towards silly highschool kids or swapped LS V8's.
This summer, I bought a 2004 GTO LS1 M6 with the intent of swapping one of my big 3800 project engines into it. For now, that'll be my MP112-swapped Series III 3800 with some significant upgrades:
- Intense Stg4 cam ~0.600/0.601" and 235/238 duration
- Tischler heads with 1.90/1.58 valves and T&D rockers
...and all sorts of silliness to support that.

(don't mind the LS4 Grand Prix GXP that's getting sold after some fresh tires and a wash)

(compressed image of rough mock-up assembly, in front of my turbo Buick and spare 2007 Series 3 S/C engine)

I was able to find inexpensive stainless 1999-04 Mustang 3.8 headers that bolt-up and may fit the GTO chassis, but I will most likely require a few parts sourced from AUS as I get closer to install (oil pan, motor mounts, taller valve covers, etc.). Depending on how much I try to fabricate, I may already have what I need by using mostly Camaro/Firebird 3800 accessories.

I invite any insights by you lucky folks who got to start with this platform. This isn't going to be rushed, as I'm still chasing an elusive 10-sec 1/4mi run with my Buick for the coming season, and will be practicing my "spirited" manual shifting with the LS1 until I add more power with the V6 swap (that's gonna be fun to say at meet-ups).

- Dave

 

[figjam]

Geez .......... that is different. V8 to V6 conversion.
I suppose that you know that Australia had a supercharged 3800 V6 version of the Monaro ?
It sold 3/5 of 5/8 of stuff-all in comparison to the V8 sales, and was dropped from production early.

 

[dezldave961]

Geez .......... that is different. V8 to V6 conversion.
I suppose that you know that Australia had a supercharged 3800 V6 version of the Monaro ?
It sold 3/5 of 5/8 of stuff-all in comparison to the V8 sales, and was dropped from production early.

Ya, the CV6 wasn't big, and neither were the 3800 F-body cars here. That's due to easier HP gains in the early years for an LS over a 3800 and support for modding a V8 over a V6. LS's enjoy an inherited aftermarket from LT/SBC world, and do great as a successor (especially the GenIV, which wasn't in the GTO).

It took a decade of pushing before we had 9-8-7sec 3800 cars, and Average Joe's like me could bolt together 500-600whp builds on stock block engines, so we could have 12-11-10sec street cars.

Bottom line: I'm dropping in a set-up that will be on par with a heads/cam LS1 build, for less investment (only because I already have the inventory). The LS would have more potential, obviously, but how much has to be overhauled to reliability go past 6-750hp on a stock Gen3 block? Either way, I'd be mothballing the stock 5.7 in favor of a 5.3-6.0 newer truck engine build, and that path has been beaten down by more guys than a Vegas hooker. I hope to have fun trying something different, and hopefully get a taste of what a few successful Aussies have done with their 3800 builds (it'll be turbo in a few years).

 

[Immortality]

Hmmmm, I really want the Alloy intake from that L32. We never got those here down under. I think a banana's style intake manifold with a forward facing TB would look really cool in a Commodore.

Going to watch this little project with interest.

 

[dezldave961]

You'd be able to get L26 (Series III N/A) intake manifolds from USA ebay, and have something that'd look like an aluminum mini LS/Hemi-looking intake manifold. I bought a couple Holden L36 N/A intakes via Australian ebay over the years, and the Buick will be getting it back on for next year. Just need to confirm ebay shipping arrangement with seller beforehand.