Topic: WERKSracing Kappa/LSx V8 Conversion DIY Installation kit official release!!!!!

[werks]

After 5 years in development we are proud to release the world's first WERKSracing Kappa/LSx V8 Conversion DIY Installation kit!!!!!



The WERKSracing Kappa/LSx V8 Conversion DIY Installation Kit allows you to install a GM LS2, LS3, LS3 "Hotcam" or LS7* and Tremec T-56 6 speed manual transmission into your Kappa chassis!

Our conversion base kit includes the following parts -

WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Big Aluminum radiator
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Big Aluminum silicone radiator hoses and clamps
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Driveshaft modification WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Custom plug in wiring harness modification using your Kappa engine wiring harness
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Custom Re-Programming of your ECM
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Cast Aluminum engine mounting brackets
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Heavy duty rubber engine mounts
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx polyurethane T-56 transmission mount and brackets
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Installation Instructions
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Additional part number list

Optional parts and core items -

WERKSracing Kappa/LSx LSx exhaust manifolds
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Custom plug in wiring harness core or outright
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Driveshaft core or outright
WERKSracing Kappa/LSx Custom Re-Programmed ECM core or outright
GXP harness extra prep

*LS7 Installation requires additional custom fabricated parts which we do not provide at this time

The wiring harness and ECM Re-Programming feature the following configuration and options -

Re-programming of your OEM 2.4L ECM to WERKSracing Kappa/LSx sepcs
Custon hybrid wiring harness utilizing your OEM 2.4L engine harness and LSx engine harness
Retains factory OBDII connection with full emmissions compliance
Retains factory cruise control
Retains full ABS and traction control functionality
Retains complete gauge cluster functionality including information readout
Delete Rear O2 sensors for off road use only optional
Evap/Purge for off road use only optional

***Please allow 3-4 weeks build time***
***T-56 6 speed transmissions only at this time, automatic will be released at a later time***
***Any core item charges will be creditted back once we receive your good core item back***
***No time limit on core item return unless the item/part has been phased out and is no longer valid***

$3324.00 - Check it out and place your order here -

WERKSracing Kappa/LSx V8 Conversion DIY Installation kit

[idkfa]

This is such an excellent long-term solution for these cars!

Couple of questions if you don't mind,

You mention T-56 manual compatibility for now, could there be a plan in the future to reuse the stock Aisin as well?

Does the base kit offer instructions on *how* to modify the stock drive shaft and harness or offer some sort of modular update for both?

Thanks man.

[2kwk4u]

Nice announcement!  As soon as I start to wear out the LNF, I'll be in touch

[2kwk4u]

What's the time limit on core charge refunds going to be?  In other words, if I order this now (unlikely, but I'm spit-ballin' here) and don't actually do the job until two years from now, will you still take my OEM wire harness and drive shaft back for a core charge refund?

The way it reads on the site, you expect all of the core parts up front, and there is no option to get money back after the fact.  If that's the case, the whole kit with the manifolds for guys like me (who plan to store it and keep daily driving their car until we're ready to do the swap) will set us back $5444.

Also, what's involved in the GXP extra harness prep, and how much does that run? 

I know you don't want to give away what's on the additional part number list, but how much, roughly, will it cost one to acquire all of those parts (excluding the LSx motor and T-56)?

[DeepBlueGXP]

[ChopTop]

I think this is a great product and will only get more popular as time goes by.  However, are installation instructions & pictures (videos) available?  I've always found it incredible helpful to either read (or watch) about a project beforehand so that it could help me to decide if this is something I could do myself or if its something that is beyond my skill level and better off left to professionals.  

[kennysabarese]

Why do you use the 2.4 ECM when the create engines come with their own?

[Sly Bob]

[Critterman]

You temperest you!  Glad someone has finally done it. 

[snaponbob]

Why do you use the 2.4 ECM when the create engines come with their own?

I can probably answer that. (We'll see if I am right.) The existing 2.4 ECM is mated to the car (wiring, sensors, BCM, etc.) and simply is reflashed to operate the V8 engine. Sure seems like the most streamlined and least expensive method. Less for the builder to worry about. Neat package. Base Skys and Sols are sub $15K and used 5.7 and 6.0 LS engines are sub $5K dressed. Assuming one does the bulk of the work yourself, once all the extra stuff is bought and installed it sure looks like a sub $30K project.

[NormSky]

Could probably do it for around $20K. Buy a used parts as it's a used car. 

[werks]

This is such an excellent long-term solution for these cars!

Couple of questions if you don't mind,

You mention T-56 manual compatibility for now, could there be a plan in the future to reuse the stock Aisin as well?

Does the base kit offer instructions on *how* to modify the stock drive shaft and harness or offer some sort of modular update for both?

Thanks man.

We will not be pursuing using the stock 5 speed in the cars anymore, while they do work, we feel the better match and long term solution is the 6 speed Tremec.  The instructions do not show how to modify your driveshaft or the wiring harness but any decent driveshaft shop in your area should be able to modify yours for you as well.

[werks]

What's the time limit on core charge refunds going to be?  In other words, if I order this now (unlikely, but I'm spit-ballin' here) and don't actually do the job until two years from now, will you still take my OEM wire harness and drive shaft back for a core charge refund?

The way it reads on the site, you expect all of the core parts up front, and there is no option to get money back after the fact.  If that's the case, the whole kit with the manifolds for guys like me (who plan to store it and keep daily driving their car until we're ready to do the swap) will set us back $5444.

Also, what's involved in the GXP extra harness prep, and how much does that run? 

I know you don't want to give away what's on the additional part number list, but how much, roughly, will it cost one to acquire all of those parts (excluding the LSx motor and T-56)?

No limit on the core returns unless a part were to get phased out by GM and is no longer a vaulable core.

As far as the core items go, if you want us to build, let's say a complete harness and ship it to you first without receiving yours to modify, then yes they would be paid for in full up front and then credited back when we receive your core parts back, I will add that wording in on the site this morning.

The GXP or LNF extra harness prep is an additional $200.00 due to several configuration changes that have to take place in both the ECM and the wiring harness.

If you abide by our parts number list, which is very accurate, you should be spending in the neighborhood of $1K to $2K, depending on new or used condition, plus the cost of the major components such as the engine and transmission.

[werks]

Unfortunately we will not be posting any instructions or part numbers lists online just yet.  We just have way too much invested in the development of the kits right now to put that kind of information out there.  I can tell you that the kit is pretty comprehensive and we have tried to make the conversion as easy as possible.  There is minimal modification or fabrication involved in the chassis prep but we are asking that the kits only be installed by accomplished DIYers or licensed professionals.

[werks]

Why do you use the 2.4 ECM when the create engines come with their own?

GM crate engine do not come with their own ECM or harness but they do offer ECM and harness kits for their crate engines.  However our ECM is a custom hybrid piece that retains all of the Kappa body control architecture while adding LSx engine output controls, it will only work with our custom harness.  The combination of our harness and ECM allows you to retain the factory cruise control, traction control, ABS, emmissions, and full OBDII functionality.

[werks]

I can probably answer that. (We'll see if I am right.) The existing 2.4 ECM is mated to the car (wiring, sensors, BCM, etc.) and simply is reflashed to operate the V8 engine. Sure seems like the most streamlined and least expensive method. Less for the builder to worry about. Neat package. Base Skys and Sols are sub $15K and used 5.7 and 6.0 LS engines are sub $5K dressed. Assuming one does the bulk of the work yourself, once all the extra stuff is bought and installed it sure looks like a sub $30K project.

Yes, you are right Bob, that is a pretty good assessment.

[werks]

Updates -

***Any core item charges will be creditted back once we receive your good core item back***
***No time limit on core item return unless the item/part has been phased out and is no longer valid***

[Sly Bob]

Will this work if you wanted to go LSx with the GXP/Redline? You only mention the ability to flash the 2.4 ECM.

[werks]

Will this work if you wanted to go LSx with the GXP/Redline? You only mention the ability to flash the 2.4 ECM.

Yes, we have a $200.00 LNF extra prep fee that we charge becasue the LNF ECM and harness requires some extra work and programming that the standard LE5 2.4L ECM and harness does not.

[snaponbob]

I would think that a clean Kappa LNF would bring more money on the market than a 2.4 would cost to buy, leaving more available cash for a build.

[JimmyBaja]

Would this application work if your 2.4 is an automatic, in effect converting it to a six speed?

[werks]

Would this application work if your 2.4 is an automatic, in effect converting it to a six speed?

It can certainly be done but there are several other items that you would have to obtain such as a new shifter boot and bezel, clutch pedal assembly and wiring, master cylinder, etc...

[DeepBlueGXP]

Except you'll be missing a clutch pedal

Good question though.  Would you want to convert yours to a manual?

[Critterman]

In the old days the conversion was fairly simple, now days like everything else you have electronics involved in the clutch system. 

[werks]

In the old days the conversion was fairly simple, now days like everything else you have electronics involved in the clutch system. 

Exactly.