PDA

View Full Version : LSx Drift's LS S15 Conversion - FULL BUILD


LSx Drift
02-23-2012, 07:14 AM
http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Carla-1.jpg

Hi all, been a while in the making and getting the time to sit down and do a blog of the build process for our new drift car....after many late nights, early mornings and even longer days we finished it off.
Sit back and take a look at the project and love to hear your thoughts!!

Specs:
JDM Import Shell
Complete strip to bare metal
Inch welded chassis
Full Cams Approved Cage

Engine:
LS1
Valvetrain upgrade
Texas Speed Camshaft
Complete strip and rebuild
Upgraded Oil Pump
Fueled Racing/LSx Drift Custom Oil Sump with baffles
LS1 Manifold - soon to be replaced with LS2 Manifold and F.A.S.T throttle body

Drivetrain:
T56
Exedy Clutch
Exedy lightened flywheel
Aluminum Tailshaft
R32 GTR diff in S15 Craddle
R32 Half Shafts

Suspension:
K-Sport coilovers
Driftworks catalogue for everything else

Brakes:
370Z Fronts
Dual Caliper GTR rear setup
K-Sport Hydraulic Handbrake
Pedal Box twin master cylinder

Interior:
Cobra Seats
RPM harnesses
Custom center console facia
ARK Design Digital Dash
Momo Drifting Steering Wheel

Exterior:
ARK design Wheels 18x9.5
Origin Body Kit



What we started with:

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-1.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-2.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-3.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-4.jpg

After a morning of rip tear and bust car is back to a shell!

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-6.jpg

Advantage of having overhead cranes at work

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-7.jpg

Rotisserie time and bath to clean off all the Japanese dirt/fungus

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-8.jpg

Time to start with the wire brush....and many a metal splinter

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-9.jpg

Followed by lots of welding and burns

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-11.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-12.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-14.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-16.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-17.jpg


Bit of etch primer to seal the surface because it was time for a holiday and come back to it in a month......

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-20.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-19.jpg

Time for tubs...

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-21.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-22.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-23.jpg


Fresh coat of jam on the roof

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-25.jpg

Top of roll cage started and dropped through the floor to weld....after I had finished the cage I actually had to redo the top bars for some more head room!!!

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-26.jpg

Lifted back up and started rear bar work

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-27.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-28.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-29.jpg

After the cage was finished it was time to give the underside some love

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-30.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-31.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-32.jpg

Finally the start of the end, the point where you can see all the hard work coming together!

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-33.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-34.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-35.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-36.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-38.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-39.jpg

Rear parcel shelf dealt with in case of fuel cell - Didnt just want the usual piece of floppy tinwork

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-40.jpg

Exterior goodness

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-41.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-42.jpg

Suspension time-Entire driftworks catalogue nearly..

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-44.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-45.jpg

All the bolt on goodies painted and ready for assembly

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-46.jpg

Coming off the rotisserie after a couple of long months

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-47.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-48.jpg

Test fit of the kit, can just make out the light at the end of the tunnel

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-49.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-50.jpg

Steering mod for the LS1 conversion

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-51.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-52.jpg

Shipment of goodies from the states....air freight can get costly!!

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-53.jpg

Engine rebuild time

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-54.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-55.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-56.jpg

LSx Drift
02-23-2012, 07:15 AM
The all important sump....BUILT FOR DRIFT

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-57.jpg

First run of the engine fitment

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-60.jpg

Required notch for fitment of headers to starter motor and steering shaft

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-83.jpg

Gearbox ready for fitment

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-84.jpg

Engine and Box combo

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-86.jpg

Looked like a good way to install it

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-87.jpg

Even better way

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-88.jpg

Tailshaft and mufflers in

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-90.jpg

New dash and fuse cluster

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-92.jpg

New MFD screen for engine vitals

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-93.jpg

Shifter location.....perfect

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-94.jpg

Seats

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-95.jpg

Interior complete

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-97.jpg

Pedal Box Assembly

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-98.jpg

Rear end complete and installed

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-99.jpg

370Z brakes setup-355mm

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-100.jpg

Engine bay finished

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-101.jpg

Pedal Box Setup

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-102.jpg

Finally finished and extremely happy with how it turned out

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-103.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-104.jpg

http://www.lsxdrift.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/S15-Build-105.jpg

Here is a video link of the car, not a heap of footage available for us as its only made the one event(ADGP)....plenty more to come in the near future!

LSX DRIFT ADGP 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQTidFp1Lhk)

LSX DRIFT ADGP 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQTidFp1Lhk)

For now that was the build, glad its over, ready to build another one but what next????

scottie
02-23-2012, 07:25 AM
Someone needs to post this video in the "Off Topic - There is hope for women" thread. Amazing car and amazing driver skills. Thank you for sharing!!

LSx Drift
02-23-2012, 07:29 AM
Thanks mate, Spewing we dont have any more footage of her in the car because she can drive!! Our track has been closed here for renovations so hopefully some more vid to come soon!! Hanging to get back out there!

Silvia352
02-23-2012, 07:55 AM
sub'd for nice build

tamiya_s2000
02-23-2012, 07:58 AM
awesome build mate

ILoveMyRHS13
02-23-2012, 08:05 AM
Wow, absolutely brilliant work!

blueshark123
02-23-2012, 08:06 AM
What shifter is that?

jefferz
02-23-2012, 08:12 AM
yup jizzed all over my pants.

scottie
02-23-2012, 08:38 AM
What shifter is that?

I would like to know as well.

tuktuk23
02-23-2012, 08:51 AM
well guys dont mind me off in my corner :wackit:

SICK.

da_crew10
02-23-2012, 09:04 AM
Amazing work im amazed!

ryandriftingfat
02-23-2012, 10:05 AM
Wow.

http://www.meh.ro/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/meh.ro8693.jpg

Pinggg
02-23-2012, 10:07 AM
Wow, that's some good work!

BryanS14
02-23-2012, 10:26 AM
Beautiful!

vehicle336
02-23-2012, 10:37 AM
Do Aussies just hate Japanese people? You keep calling them Japs and then you state "clean off all the Japanese dirt/scum".

See, my grandfather called the Japanese 'japs' in a derogatory fashion because he hated their country after serving in WW2.

I keep hearing Aussies call them 'japs' and it just reminds me of that older racial epithet.

Either way, the car looks really nice. Very simple, very reliable. You'll get a bunch of hate though for the LSX swap. Meh, just the nature of Zilvia.

tricky_ab
02-23-2012, 11:40 AM
I like the detail of work that went into your build (especially the cage).

I'm still not on the LSx side of the fence...

diddykong
02-23-2012, 12:45 PM
sweet jesus

Big Zee
02-23-2012, 01:07 PM
^ isn't the LSX a big block ?

great build, love the cage. Gads how nice it would be to own a S15, cupholders!! and a nice interior :)

looking forward to more vids.

future
02-23-2012, 01:41 PM
Video doesnt work ):

S13k's
02-23-2012, 01:56 PM
Very clean, Nice looking car, What rear bumper was used?

Crondy
02-23-2012, 02:25 PM
subbed for vids. i dont see how people even care that others put v8's in their car, its not their fucking car. if you dont want one in a nissan dont put one in? bandwagon bs, theyre good engines, good rev and good power.

Darren
02-23-2012, 02:39 PM
Video doesnt work ):

Click the 2nd link

outtamyway
02-23-2012, 03:14 PM
wow! great build!

LSx Drift
02-23-2012, 03:42 PM
Sorry about the "JAP" remark, not meant to offend anyone, just Aussie slang.

The shifter is a B&M 04 GTO one I think in the end, had an MGW and that went in the bin without even moving the car because it was causing grinding in the box. Even did a G/Box swap at 3 in the morning and had the same issue. B&M went in at 8.30 that morning and fixed all dramas......GRRR to have that time back.

LSx originally covered the whole LS family, but yes GM Performance also calls it there LS version of the cast iron 454. And yes i do have one sitting here....too use or not too use....maybe for one weekend :o

The rear bumper is an Origin Streamline but filled the rear number plate hole, bit more strength and something different.

Thanks all for the comments, really appreciate it!

Imarvin240
02-23-2012, 03:44 PM
awesome cage work! great job on the overall build.

ryandriftingfat
02-23-2012, 03:53 PM
Sorry about the "JAP" remark, not meant to offend anyone, just Aussie slang.

Don't be. There are several companies in the UK that have "Jap" in their name. (Japspeed is all I can think of off the top of my head). The fact that he thought that says more about him than you.

S13_ADDICT
02-23-2012, 03:54 PM
http://forum.encyclopediadramatica.ch/attachments/131700090789-mother-of-god-super-jpg.1955/
Superb.

Hoffman5982
02-23-2012, 03:58 PM
subbed for vids. i dont see how people even care that others put v8's in their car, its not their fucking car. if you dont want one in a nissan dont put one in? bandwagon bs, theyre good engines, good rev and good power.

I think you need to calm down.


This car is amazing, and the driving is even better. Good shit!

boyou2
02-23-2012, 04:31 PM
What shifter is that?

look like a b&m one.

tougestyle
02-23-2012, 06:32 PM
great job ! nice build !

blueshark123
02-23-2012, 06:36 PM
wanna sell the mgw shifter if you still have it?

LSx Drift
02-24-2012, 06:52 AM
The shifter is kicking around somewhere in a box of dead parts but im in OZ mate, probably not worth the shipping to the states.

Royal_T
02-25-2012, 10:05 AM
Wow so sick bro.. Love the color scheme on the cage and interior. kind of reminds me of what I am trying to achieve.. We need more vids..

vehicle336
02-25-2012, 03:17 PM
Don't be. There are several companies in the UK that have "Jap" in their name. (Japspeed is all I can think of off the top of my head). The fact that he thought that says more about him than you.


I'm pretty sure I explained why I thought that way. Cultural differences I guess.

Little Jason
02-25-2012, 04:21 PM
clean as hell.
only thing to complain about is the song in the video :/

s13 loverr
02-25-2012, 04:26 PM
I really like your cage and interior! I also like the pedal box assembly. How does it work for you? Are there any down sides? I basically want a review, they seem to really clean up the bay. Thanks!

LSx Drift
02-27-2012, 03:12 AM
The pedal box assembly is by Fueled Racing and was a great fitment, still havent had enough seat time to work out the feel of the brakes....we are just waiting on some mustang rotors to setup the rear dual calipers to take the handbrake out of the circuit to give true feel. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks should have that done!!

P.S. Fueled has a new pedal box setup that is all CNC machined base instead of the weded brackets.

[USMC]DavidK562
12-13-2012, 11:08 PM
is that a s15 cluster? im currently doing an ls swap into my s14 and wanted to know if i can do a s15 cluster swap at the same time...

LSx Drift
12-14-2012, 01:13 AM
Everything you see in there is S15!! Your talking about the guage cluster?

bc.
12-14-2012, 07:05 AM
Wow, I am glad somebody bumped this so I could see it, good work.

Q: Why did you stitch weld the whole chasis like that if you were just gonna put in an awesome cage anyway?

Quail
12-14-2012, 07:55 AM
Wow, awesome build. Nice to see the MFD on a high-end build; I love mine!

LSx Drift
12-14-2012, 07:47 PM
was already at the point of been just a shell. Took a day to go along and throw some weld over it, the stiffer it is the better. If I hadnt of done it I probably would of been "what if" now also.

fatduece
12-14-2012, 08:44 PM
V8 in a s15? :down:

thizzen4
12-14-2012, 08:46 PM
damn minttt im super curious to how much money went into this //?////?????????

bc.
12-15-2012, 09:00 AM
good point, and i guess it wouldn't take as long as i thought with that rotisserie.

[USMC]DavidK562
12-15-2012, 01:59 PM
yes the gauge cluster

Slippin'eight-nine
12-15-2012, 07:19 PM
Don't be. There are several companies in the UK that have "Jap" in their name. (Japspeed is all I can think of off the top of my head). The fact that he thought that says more about him than you.

Ummm that doesnt make it okay.. "Jap" is a derogatory term my friend
Maybe he brought it up cause he is of Japanese descent ever think of that?
/rant nice S15 you "Dirty British Exile" hahaha joke