V8 240sx FAQ - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

blu808 · 04-02-2006, 05:35 PM

Ok guys and gals. Post up any questions you have regarding a v8 motor swap into a 240sx,

Weights:
KA with Auto, Cat and accessories = 596 lbs.
LS1 w/ T56, headers, and accessories = 468 lbs

That's right folks. The iron block four cylinder is 128 pounds heavier than the aluminum LS1!

LT1: 300hp Iron block, aluminum head.

Ls1: 350hp/350tq All aluminum

Ls6: Corvette Zo6 engines. 2001 year ls6 385hp/tq

Ls6: Corvette Z06 engines. 2002 and up = 405hp/tq

Ls2: C6 corvette/Gto engine. 400hp/400tq Big difference in low end.

Ls7: C6 zo6 corvette engine. 500hp/tq dry sump oil system.

Trannys.

all L series motors can use the following.

T5 5 speed. (lighest of the bunch.) Only good to about 400hp.
T56 6 speed. Viper tranny. enough said. ls1, and lt1 t56 are different.
4l60e automatic. ehh.

ECU. All Lsx ecu modules are basically a stand alone, once you get the tuning software. ls1 edit, hp tuners, etc.

all this and it gets 30mpg on the fwy btw ftw imho lol

Anyways.
There is a ton of aftermarket parts for these motors, they are also easy to work on.
They also make a crap load of power. They are also really responsive to mods. Check it out.
a stock 2002 ls1 makes 350hp/350tq at the flywheel.
My motor only has:
Mild cam (thunder racing 224/224)
Comp cams dual valve springs. Required for any cam swap.
Comp racing titainium retainers. Recomended for high rpm shit.
Crom-moly pushrods. Recomended if using a big cam or high hp.
March underdrive (dampened) crank pulley
160 deg t stat (needed)
JTR Headers
Reflashed ecu
Aluminum belt tensioner
Aluminum ps pulley
Hinson cold air intake
Shock Drifting 3" exhaust

With only these minor mods the motor made.
444hp at the crank. and 444tq at the crank.

On the dyno i had over 320 rwtq at 2000rpm and that peaked to 388 rwtq around 6000rpm.
The power was also impressive. 212 rwhp at 1800 rpm. and 388 rwhp at 7200rpm.

Heres some pics.
Fresh off of craigs list.

Thats a shitload of aluminum

The intake manifolds are plastic for smoother runners, and virtually no heat transfer and heat soaking.

The cam is easy as hell to change.

T56 is about the size of a z32 tranny. 6 speeds. Uses atf instead of gear oil. hmm.

Headers.

The ls1 oiling system isnt the greatest for oil pickup. i reccomend a accusump oil system.

2 of the new valve springs, and ti retainers installed.

LS1 Into S14. as you can see it sits lower then the ka, an just as far back.

Tranny has same location.

ranisron · 04-03-2006, 08:54 AM

hey Luke... I hope these questions can be answered? Thank you!

1. Is there a possibility to list out vendors who produce swap kits for the 240SX crowd? (Other than the sponsor you have for the 7)

2. Also, some estimated swap costs information and breakdown will be appreciated!

3. For the rusty 240SX, what types of chassis strengthening modifications need to be done in order to handle the new power (well, the torque especially)?

haveblue · 04-03-2006, 08:58 AM

What does a drivetrain/wiring/ect setup cost?
How much did you spend after all the mods?
What did you do for oil pan and engine mounts?
Any modifications to the frame/firewall?

Neejay · 04-03-2006, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haveblue

What does a drivetrain/wiring/ect setup cost?
How much did you spend after all the mods?
What did you do for oil pan and engine mounts?
Any modifications to the frame/firewall?

Basically the same questions. Price for EVERYTHING, and the price for people who will probably have to pay someone to do everything. And is this any different in a s13? (smaller engine bay room to work with?)

i8yourfwd · 04-03-2006, 10:33 AM

Did Hinson ever figure out a way to keep the swap CA legal so you can at least BAR it first?

joshy240sxxx · 12-09-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i8yourfwd

Did Hinson ever figure out a way to keep the swap CA legal so you can at least BAR it first?

you can make it legal you just need all smog devices that came with that engine such as evap, air injection, cats ect....

Angel · 04-03-2006, 02:20 PM

What has been figured out as far as header clearence goes? Specifically can you fit long tubes?

blu808 · 04-03-2006, 03:23 PM

S13 kit will be availible by the end of the week.
S14 is allready availible.

Headers: $985 for both Stainless 1 3/4" long tubes into 3" collectors.

S13/S14 complete mounting kit $1122.32 about a week turn around. Includes corvette engine mounts. Deduct $160 ifr they allready have vette mounts.

S13/S14 complete weld yourself kit is $80 less.

Steel drive shaft $275
Aluminum $420

This is for the Hinson supercars complete kit. Other then that there is no kit on the market for a lsx into a 240sx.

haveblue: You can find ls1/t56 complete engine packages on ebay, and craigslist for around 3000-4500

takk808 · 12-06-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blu808

S13 kit will be availible by the end of the week.
S14 is allready availible.

Headers: $985 for both Stainless 1 3/4" long tubes into 3" collectors.

S13/S14 complete mounting kit $1122.32 about a week turn around. Includes corvette engine mounts. Deduct $160 ifr they allready have vette mounts.

S13/S14 complete weld yourself kit is $80 less.

Steel drive shaft $275
Aluminum $420

This is for the Hinson supercars complete kit. Other then that there is no kit on the market for a lsx into a 240sx.

haveblue: You can find ls1/t56 complete engine packages on ebay, and craigslist for around 3000-4500

where are you located i want you to do my LS1 swap.

*!Zar!* · 04-03-2006, 02:55 PM

Luke: How has your ls1 kit with the c6 iirc headers come along so far?
Because once I install and align my car I'm going to bug you so you can help me source and install everything.

g6civcx · 04-03-2006, 06:43 PM

Can you comment on the wiring? Will the vendor be providing support to mate the engine to the chassis?

g6civcx · 09-03-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g6civcx

Can you comment on the wiring? Will the vendor be providing support to mate the engine to the chassis?

Why did somebody give me negative reps for this post? Luke specifically asked for questions in the opening post.

blu808 · 09-03-2006, 12:51 PM

Donno man. But thats kinda gay that someone would leave neg rep just for making that post.

Neejay · 09-03-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g6civcx

Why did somebody give me negative reps for this post? Luke specifically asked for questions in the opening post.

Bleh, yeah that sucks.

**ThatGuy** · 04-03-2006, 06:53 PM

S13Charlie -- Luke already listed prices for driveshafts, that would lead one to believe that the stock driveshaft won't work. I highly doubt a LS1 and T-56 is the EXACT same length as a KA and stock transmission. As far as the differential goes. Luke has been running a stock RX-7 rear end with a Weld Locd diff. I'm pretty sure it'd be about the same as the stock 240 rear.

g6civcx -- It is my understanding that it should only take around 5 wires to get the LS1 running in an S-Chassis. Everything after that is just figuring out wiring up you gauges and such.

Luke, jump in here and fill in the details I've missed.

g6civcx · 04-03-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

It is my understanding that it should only take around 5 wires to get the LS1 running in an S-Chassis. Everything after that is just figuring out wiring up you gauges and such.

Thanks for the response.

I'm simplifying my body and engine harnesses as much as possible to prepare for this swap. Good that the S13's accessories are very loosely coupled from the ECU. I think the only thing that may not work is the instrument cluster, but that's no big deal.

It is nice to have simple wiring so you can spend your time on other stuff.

Sean1978 · 04-03-2006, 07:02 PM

Questions:
Is there a "budget" engine that still weighs less than or equal to a KA?

-How about a ford 5.0 302 or a 4.6liter V8?

-How about a 5.7 Liter Chevy 350?

Thanks..

**ThatGuy** · 04-03-2006, 07:29 PM

The LS1 is all aluminum, that's why it weighs less. Not sure if they have an aluminum 4.6, 302, or basic 350. Id also stay away from carbuerators, personally. I have tuned a few four barrels before, and it can be great when tuned properly, but Fuel Injection is MUCH EASIER. The only down side to EFI is usually the wiring, which isn't a problem here.

blu808 · 04-03-2006, 07:46 PM

The wiring is easier than a sr swap.

The ecu even has a fan relay wire that you can connect your fan to, and it switches it on and off for you.

Other then that there is a rpm signal wire, speedo, temp, and even oil pressure leads coming out of the ecu. Super easy to hook up.

As for hinsons site. The site should be up later this week said brian hinson today.

i8yourfwd · 04-03-2006, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blu808

The wiring is easier than a sr swap.

The ecu even has a fan relay wire that you can connect your fan to, and it switches it on and off for you.

Other then that there is a rpm signal wire, speedo, temp, and even oil pressure leads coming out of the ecu. Super easy to hook up.

As for hinsons site. The site should be up later this week said brian hinson today.

So since they're custom headers, there's no way to have a CA street legal LS1?

zero.counter · 04-03-2006, 08:04 PM

I am looking into this option, but am wondering about details on the steering rack and what the $1200 kit will entail in its' entirety.

Let's keep this FAQ rolling!

i8yourfwd · 04-04-2006, 01:54 AM

What are the plans for making it CA legal? Any idea on how to keep the stock headers and clear the steering rack?

blu808 · 04-04-2006, 02:03 AM

C5 headers, with rotated adapter plates for the o2 sensors. The rest is a secret.
lol

g6civcx · 04-04-2006, 10:47 AM

Any plans for a big block, or are we just limited to the LS-series?

blu808 · 04-04-2006, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g6civcx

Any plans for a big block, or are we just limited to the LS-series?

Not at the moment. you can get over 1000hp with a lsx motor if worst comes to worst

leftyteck: i would reccomend upgraded axles.

The diff should be able to hold just fine, but i would gusset the subframe, and do subframe solid bushings.

leftyteck · 04-04-2006, 12:51 PM

i'd like to hear more about what kind of axles are being used... also.. can the rear end handle hard launches w/ all this torque (drag racing)

cubanbob · 04-04-2006, 05:41 PM

They do make aluminum 5.3's they were put in the older SSR's. The T56 will bolt up to 4.8's, 5.3's, and 6.0's from 01 and up. The 6.0 is the cheapest option as the LS1 style heads bolt pattern and you get the big displacement. The iron block isn't always a bad thing it can handle a bunch of boost. A lot of F-body guys are putting 6.0 blocks in their cars.

zeek · 04-04-2006, 06:55 PM

Total cost is around 10k if you D.I.Y. with all of hinsons provisions. Or so my estimates have came close too.

240heat · 04-04-2006, 09:37 PM

My question is how did you manage to set the motor in the engine bay with the oil pan being a rear sump and the rack belocated behind the cros member? is there enough clearence and do you think a 1st gen chevy would fit?

blu808 · 04-04-2006, 09:45 PM

We use the Gto oil pan and pickup.

Clearance is fine. No issues.

And as you can see there is room for a magnacharger with the ls1 sitting so low in the 240 chassis.

04-02-2006, 05:35 PM	#1
blu808 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Campbell, Ca Age: 38 Posts: 5,010 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	V8 240sx FAQ Ok guys and gals. Post up any questions you have regarding a v8 motor swap into a 240sx, Weights: KA with Auto, Cat and accessories = 596 lbs. LS1 w/ T56, headers, and accessories = 468 lbs That's right folks. The iron block four cylinder is 128 pounds heavier than the aluminum LS1! LT1: 300hp Iron block, aluminum head. Ls1: 350hp/350tq All aluminum Ls6: Corvette Zo6 engines. 2001 year ls6 385hp/tq Ls6: Corvette Z06 engines. 2002 and up = 405hp/tq Ls2: C6 corvette/Gto engine. 400hp/400tq Big difference in low end. Ls7: C6 zo6 corvette engine. 500hp/tq dry sump oil system. Trannys. all L series motors can use the following. T5 5 speed. (lighest of the bunch.) Only good to about 400hp. T56 6 speed. Viper tranny. enough said. ls1, and lt1 t56 are different. 4l60e automatic. ehh. ECU. All Lsx ecu modules are basically a stand alone, once you get the tuning software. ls1 edit, hp tuners, etc. all this and it gets 30mpg on the fwy btw ftw imho lol Anyways. There is a ton of aftermarket parts for these motors, they are also easy to work on. They also make a crap load of power. They are also really responsive to mods. Check it out. a stock 2002 ls1 makes 350hp/350tq at the flywheel. My motor only has: Mild cam (thunder racing 224/224) Comp cams dual valve springs. Required for any cam swap. Comp racing titainium retainers. Recomended for high rpm shit. Crom-moly pushrods. Recomended if using a big cam or high hp. March underdrive (dampened) crank pulley 160 deg t stat (needed) JTR Headers Reflashed ecu Aluminum belt tensioner Aluminum ps pulley Hinson cold air intake Shock Drifting 3" exhaust With only these minor mods the motor made. 444hp at the crank. and 444tq at the crank. On the dyno i had over 320 rwtq at 2000rpm and that peaked to 388 rwtq around 6000rpm. The power was also impressive. 212 rwhp at 1800 rpm. and 388 rwhp at 7200rpm. Heres some pics. Fresh off of craigs list. Thats a shitload of aluminum The intake manifolds are plastic for smoother runners, and virtually no heat transfer and heat soaking. The cam is easy as hell to change. T56 is about the size of a z32 tranny. 6 speeds. Uses atf instead of gear oil. hmm. Headers. The ls1 oiling system isnt the greatest for oil pickup. i reccomend a accusump oil system. 2 of the new valve springs, and ti retainers installed. LS1 Into S14. as you can see it sits lower then the ka, an just as far back. Tranny has same location. __________________ Last edited by blu808; 04-03-2006 at 12:55 AM..

04-03-2006, 08:54 AM	#2
ranisron Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bloomington, IN Age: 39 Posts: 766 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	hey Luke... I hope these questions can be answered? Thank you! 1. Is there a possibility to list out vendors who produce swap kits for the 240SX crowd? (Other than the sponsor you have for the 7) 2. Also, some estimated swap costs information and breakdown will be appreciated! 3. For the rusty 240SX, what types of chassis strengthening modifications need to be done in order to handle the new power (well, the torque especially)? __________________ U13 and S13 zilvia members are friendly

04-03-2006, 02:20 PM	#7
Angel Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orlando Posts: 319 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What has been figured out as far as header clearence goes? Specifically can you fit long tubes? __________________ S13 redtop 2871R.64 377 rwhp 322 rwtq 11.5 @ 117

04-03-2006, 03:23 PM	#8
blu808 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Campbell, Ca Age: 38 Posts: 5,010 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	S13 kit will be availible by the end of the week. S14 is allready availible. Headers: $985 for both Stainless 1 3/4" long tubes into 3" collectors. S13/S14 complete mounting kit $1122.32 about a week turn around. Includes corvette engine mounts. Deduct $160 ifr they allready have vette mounts. S13/S14 complete weld yourself kit is $80 less. Steel drive shaft $275 Aluminum $420 This is for the Hinson supercars complete kit. Other then that there is no kit on the market for a lsx into a 240sx. haveblue: You can find ls1/t56 complete engine packages on ebay, and craigslist for around 3000-4500 __________________

04-03-2006, 02:55 PM	#10
!Zar! Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,576 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	Luke: How has your ls1 kit with the c6 iirc headers come along so far? Because once I install and align my car I'm going to bug you so you can help me source and install everything. __________________

04-03-2006, 08:58 AM	#3
haveblue Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Age: 40 Posts: 30 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What does a drivetrain/wiring/ect setup cost? How much did you spend after all the mods? What did you do for oil pan and engine mounts? Any modifications to the frame/firewall?

04-03-2006, 06:43 PM	#11
g6civcx Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 5,764 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Can you comment on the wiring? Will the vendor be providing support to mate the engine to the chassis?

09-03-2006, 12:51 PM	#13
blu808 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Campbell, Ca Age: 38 Posts: 5,010 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	Donno man. But thats kinda gay that someone would leave neg rep just for making that post. __________________

04-03-2006, 06:53 PM	#15
ThatGuy Admin Asshole Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Retired Age: 41 Posts: 20,394 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: ThatGuy Feedback Score: 0 reviews	S13Charlie -- Luke already listed prices for driveshafts, that would lead one to believe that the stock driveshaft won't work. I highly doubt a LS1 and T-56 is the EXACT same length as a KA and stock transmission. As far as the differential goes. Luke has been running a stock RX-7 rear end with a Weld Locd diff. I'm pretty sure it'd be about the same as the stock 240 rear. g6civcx -- It is my understanding that it should only take around 5 wires to get the LS1 running in an S-Chassis. Everything after that is just figuring out wiring up you gauges and such. Luke, jump in here and fill in the details I've missed. __________________ "Speak softly,..." -Pres. Teddy Roosevelt "Be polite, be professional, ..." -Gen. James Mattis

04-03-2006, 07:02 PM	#17
Sean1978 Zilvia Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Havelock / Chery Point N.C. Age: 42 Posts: 190 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Questions: Is there a "budget" engine that still weighs less than or equal to a KA? -How about a ford 5.0 302 or a 4.6liter V8? -How about a 5.7 Liter Chevy 350? Thanks.. __________________ My Datsun 510 Wagon

04-03-2006, 07:29 PM	#18
ThatGuy Admin Asshole Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Retired Age: 41 Posts: 20,394 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: ThatGuy Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The LS1 is all aluminum, that's why it weighs less. Not sure if they have an aluminum 4.6, 302, or basic 350. Id also stay away from carbuerators, personally. I have tuned a few four barrels before, and it can be great when tuned properly, but Fuel Injection is MUCH EASIER. The only down side to EFI is usually the wiring, which isn't a problem here. __________________ "Speak softly,..." -Pres. Teddy Roosevelt "Be polite, be professional, ..." -Gen. James Mattis

04-03-2006, 07:46 PM	#19
blu808 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Campbell, Ca Age: 38 Posts: 5,010 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	The wiring is easier than a sr swap. The ecu even has a fan relay wire that you can connect your fan to, and it switches it on and off for you. Other then that there is a rpm signal wire, speedo, temp, and even oil pressure leads coming out of the ecu. Super easy to hook up. As for hinsons site. The site should be up later this week said brian hinson today. __________________

04-03-2006, 08:04 PM	#21
zero.counter Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: At work Posts: 2,003 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I am looking into this option, but am wondering about details on the steering rack and what the $1200 kit will entail in its' entirety. Let's keep this FAQ rolling!

04-04-2006, 02:03 AM	#23
blu808 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Campbell, Ca Age: 38 Posts: 5,010 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	C5 headers, with rotated adapter plates for the o2 sensors. The rest is a secret. lol __________________

04-04-2006, 10:47 AM	#24
g6civcx Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 5,764 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Any plans for a big block, or are we just limited to the LS-series?

04-04-2006, 12:51 PM	#26
leftyteck Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: So Cal Posts: 206 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i'd like to hear more about what kind of axles are being used... also.. can the rear end handle hard launches w/ all this torque (drag racing)

04-04-2006, 05:41 PM	#27
cubanbob Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 2 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	They do make aluminum 5.3's they were put in the older SSR's. The T56 will bolt up to 4.8's, 5.3's, and 6.0's from 01 and up. The 6.0 is the cheapest option as the LS1 style heads bolt pattern and you get the big displacement. The iron block isn't always a bad thing it can handle a bunch of boost. A lot of F-body guys are putting 6.0 blocks in their cars.

04-04-2006, 06:55 PM	#28
zeek Zilvia Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 261 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Total cost is around 10k if you D.I.Y. with all of hinsons provisions. Or so my estimates have came close too.

04-04-2006, 09:37 PM	#29
240heat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 11 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My question is how did you manage to set the motor in the engine bay with the oil pan being a rear sump and the rack belocated behind the cros member? is there enough clearence and do you think a 1st gen chevy would fit?

04-04-2006, 09:45 PM	#30
blu808 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Campbell, Ca Age: 38 Posts: 5,010 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	We use the Gto oil pan and pickup. Clearance is fine. No issues. And as you can see there is room for a magnacharger with the ls1 sitting so low in the 240 chassis. __________________

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