What are the line item costs for converting a FD to LS engine?

BATMAN · #1 05-08-2009, 11:37 AM

If I sell the NSX (most likely), I like to weigh the option of a LS-FD or a C6 Z06.

Both cars are sexy.

The FD's handling advantage will be lighter weight where the C6 Z06 advantage will be lower center of gravity, wider chassis that allows wider wheels/tires (thanks to the flared out fenders).

Help me decide, since I'm on the fence about this.

Alex-7 · #2 05-08-2009, 11:48 AM

Would you do the conversion on the FD? Or pay someone...?

Seems like at the end of the day a ZO6 would be worth more and be easier to sell than an rx7 with a v8 swap....

Ever think about buying a finished LSFD? Let someone else take the project "hit"

BATMAN · #3 05-08-2009, 12:55 PM

I would not do the conversion.

I guess I'll go for the C6 Z06.

no_more_rice · #4 05-08-2009, 06:36 PM

Problem with the FD is finding a roller in good shape, but then again, with a car this old, you can plan on replacing essentially everything on the car capable of wearing out, including ALL the bushings. Word is jimlab was selling his '95 rolling chassis, which is pristine, you should try to get in touch with him.

As good as the C6 Z06 is, it can be a real handful, and you won't really stand out from the high end cars in CA. Why are you giving up on the NSX? Ever considered a 996 Turbo? That'll probably be my next garage queen. They are selling in the 40s and you can easily make 600+ hp, with all wheel drive. Bye bye Z06, Goat, and just about anything else.

Alex-7 · #5 05-09-2009, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_more_rice

Bye bye Z06, Goat, and just about anything else.

Except for a ZX10R right?? LOL...

The last way to stand out in a crowd of high end sports cars (if that's what you're trying to do) is buy a 911.....

Teh Noob · #6 05-09-2009, 02:47 AM

I don't know that the c6 vette and the ls1 rx-7 can be put in the same category. The C6 is a LOT more expensive.

Alex-7 · #7 05-10-2009, 01:57 AM

^probably not a lot more if you're buying a mint roller (which is had to find so maybe a mint driver) and paying someone to complete an "all bugs worked out" Lsx swap....I can see that really adding up.

What's a used C6 ZO6 going for?

no_more_rice · #8 05-10-2009, 02:43 AM

Buddy of mine just picked up a mint Z51 wih 4k miles for $34k. You could spend that much on an LS1 FD if you went through everything, paid Hinson $12k for the conversion, repaint, etc.

The conversion takes some out of the fun of owning a 7 imo, since V-8s know their own tune, and smoking Mustangs and F bodies with a rotary is huge fun. With the onset of AI and water injection (and better tuners), there is absolutely no reason you cannot make 400-420 rwhp very reliably with a single turbo FD, and have a power to weight ratio that rivals a Z06.

sonofabelch · #9 05-10-2009, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_more_rice

Buddy of mine just picked up a mint Z51 wih 4k miles for $34k. You could spend that much on an LS1 FD if you went through everything, paid Hinson $12k for the conversion, repaint, etc.

The conversion takes some out of the fun of owning a 7 imo, since V-8s know their own tune, and smoking Mustangs and F bodies with a rotary is huge fun. With the onset of AI and water injection (and better tuners), there is absolutely no reason you cannot make 400-420 rwhp very reliably with a single turbo FD, and have a power to weight ratio that rivals a Z06.

Hi Mark. how you been?

rtryb2200 · #10 05-10-2009, 08:23 PM

My Buddy is working on a LS7 swap from a GTO and should be done by Memorial Day weekend.

wotnartd · #11 05-11-2009, 03:57 AM

I think I might have to go to EC around Memorial Day weekend, you know... for the win.

BATMAN · #12 05-11-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teh Noob

I don't know that the c6 vette and the ls1 rx-7 can be put in the same category. The C6 is a LOT more expensive.

thanks to the economy I've seen a 50k miles C6 Z06 going for $35k

BATMAN · #13 05-11-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_more_rice

......As good as the C6 Z06 is, it can be a real handful, and you won't really stand out from the high end cars in CA. Why are you giving up on the NSX? Ever considered a 996 Turbo? That'll probably be my next garage queen. They are selling in the 40s and you can easily make 600+ hp, with all wheel drive. Bye bye Z06, Goat, and just about anything else.

I can make a C6 Z06 stand out with wider wheels/tires that are powder coated yellow, lowered, exhaust and huge CF yellow spoiler.

On the other hand I can do a Lovefab turbo NSX. Youtube the video of the one making 900~HP and 600TQ~.

But with the government taking over smog in 2012, I have to factor the smog nazis into the equation. The C6 Z06 have cam/head and blower options that are smog legal.

I'm not ready for a 911TT since the cost of ownership on a modded one is pretty high from talking to a few owners.

no_more_rice · #14 05-11-2009, 11:24 AM

Hmmm, if that's highway miles it could be good. Link?

BATMAN · #15 05-11-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_more_rice

Buddy of mine just picked up a mint Z51 wih 4k miles for $34k. You could spend that much on an LS1 FD if you went through everything, paid Hinson $12k for the conversion, repaint, etc.

The conversion takes some out of the fun of owning a 7 imo, since V-8s know their own tune, and smoking Mustangs and F bodies with a rotary is huge fun. With the onset of AI and water injection (and better tuners), there is absolutely no reason you cannot make 400-420 rwhp very reliably with a single turbo FD, and have a power to weight ratio that rivals a Z06.

Good points.

Most likely I'll be raising the Z06 power to 600rwhp for the streets.

Single turbo FDs are not smog legal here and the cops are starting to grow brains around here. Few of my GTO colleagues have received $1000+ tickets for modified emission or missing emission parts.