Author Topic: LS3 conversion estimate? (Read 21323 times)

ChopTop · « **on:** June 14, 2011, 02:58:36 PM »

I'm still thinking that one day I'd like to do this but right now it's still a pipe dream (and may very well remain one), but you have to start somewhere. Nevertheless, could someone give a guesstimate to how much a conversion could end up costing?

I understand a lot of variables come into play (like; buying the parts from Performance Autowerks and having it done locally vs having them do everything). Regardless, I at least would like to start a discussion to figure out if this is even possible or if it should remain a pipe dream. I can't be the only person who wonders stuff like this.

SKY888 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2011, 03:01:53 PM »

around $15-20k

SKY888 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2011, 03:17:16 PM »

I'll probably send my car to WERKS.

this is a major upgrade, so if some issues shows up............you know who to call.

Unlike buying this base LS3 from one vendor....and having somebody install it. You might save a couple thousand $$$ here and there.......but if there is an issue............the installer will blame the vendor where you got the base kit from............and vice versa. So you end up getting screwed.

just my 2 cents...

Critterman · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2011, 05:54:50 PM »

DDM is in the process of doing the conversions as well. Depends how much you want to do, there is a garage in WV that does a complete conversion, Engine, trans, driveshaft, rear and some special body work and paint. It ain't cheap but everything works including the padel shifters if you go with an automatic.

chuckdoc · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2011, 07:34:12 PM »

I am going with wade as he has done several automatics, it's going to be around 30,000! As Crit says new everything and everything will work. If I had a standard shift, I would use DDM. Just my two cents

Uranium-238 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2011, 08:01:20 PM »

Chuckdoc did your LNF bite the dust? You haven't been saying much lately and I've been wondering.

ChopTop · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2011, 08:15:52 AM »

I didn't realize DDM was considering getting into the V8 conversion business, and completely forgot about considering Wade Engineering. The 15-20K was about what I was thinking, but the 5K spread isn't chicken feed.

SKY888 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2011, 09:12:52 AM »

the $5k spread is usually needed.

there's some "stuff" that shows up and needed for upgrades or more labor

JimmyBaja · « **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2011, 09:38:18 AM »

I think DDM is working on one now, I saw it when I was picking up my car.

elff · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2011, 10:01:25 AM »

Werks is more in the $23k range for their kits.
These V8 conversions, while not cheap, are why I'm not scared to mess with my 2.0l.
If I blow it bad enough, I'll just drop my car off somewhere, take out a 401k loan and wait for the awesomeness to be finished.

I think a turbo 2.0L with Rods and Pistons is a better handling vehicle with the same speed, but there is just that cool factor, the instant response of a V8, and the rumble.

It's also a big middle finger to the Green Movement

spicy3480 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2011, 11:09:06 AM »

HA HA I have thought about a conversion many times as well, but the new turbo gives plenty of power and I might need a second car soon....so I'll just go with a V8 at that time...Challenger perhaps?

DDM has mentioned that they are doing a conversion. Wade has been doing conversions for some time now, and Werks has one as well...I believe each one is slightly different and offers differnt things in their packages. I would look at them all and see which one suits your personal needs and wants out of it. Since DDM does not have it listed on their site, you might want to give them a buzz and find out what their kit will entail and what the price range is going to be.

cartmann32 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 15, 2011, 11:10:48 AM »

Quote from: elff on June 15, 2011, 10:01:25 AM

Werks is more in the $23k range for their kits.
These V8 conversions, while not cheap, are why I'm not scared to mess with my 2.0l.
If I blow it bad enough, I'll just drop my car off somewhere, take out a 401k loan and wait for the awesomeness to be finished.

I think a turbo 2.0L with Rods and Pistons is a better handling vehicle with the same speed, but there is just that cool factor, the instant response of a V8, and the rumble.

It's also a big middle finger to the Green Movement

I like you're way of thinking.....a lot

cooper1340s · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2011, 01:07:28 PM »

DDM is doing 3 conversions right now, mine being one of them.

elff · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2011, 01:25:04 PM »

Cooper,
You are now obligated to post lots of pictures, descriptions and opinions on the new setup.
Please do not let the Huge smile you will have on your face to get in the way of this requirement.

Looking forward to hearing and seeing the final product.

cooper1340s · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2011, 02:28:05 PM »

I will report as soon as I get car back and get to try it out a bit.

JimmyBaja · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2011, 02:34:04 PM »

So I guess that was yours I saw with the custom paint job & v8 in the engine bay.... Nice!

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2011, 05:13:22 PM »

Quote from: JimmyBaja on June 15, 2011, 02:34:04 PM

So I guess that was yours I saw with the custom paint job & v8 in the engine bay.... Nice!

And you didn't get photos!!!! WTF

Racer_X · « **Reply #17 on:** June 15, 2011, 05:42:53 PM »

No, He probably saw Rob_The_Elder's Punisher car there!! Still the best swap out there is the 2Jz-Gte!! When I murk this engine I'll be dropping a 2 JZ in my SHlT!

Uranium-238 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 15, 2011, 05:57:24 PM »

A Toyota engine in an American car?! That's just wrong on so many levels.

Kelu · « **Reply #19 on:** June 15, 2011, 07:06:36 PM »

We have a japonese gearbox, a german lsd and many others in our Kappa

elff · « **Reply #20 on:** June 15, 2011, 07:42:36 PM »

It's like the end of Tokyo drift when they drop the mecca of all Nissan engines in a Mustang.
Holy crap did that cause an internet storm on both sides of the argument.

elff · « **Reply #21 on:** June 15, 2011, 07:43:39 PM »

Crap
Just admitted I watch the Fast and the Furious movies

Actually I really like Tokyo Drift. The driving was legit with Tanner Faust doing all the stunt driving in the 350 Z

chuckdoc · « **Reply #22 on:** June 15, 2011, 08:55:05 PM »

I am here, my engine is running strong but I visited wade and cant stop dreaming of a V8. Not the juice critter!

Been really hectic at work so hard to keep up right now. Will b retiring soon and will then live on forum so be forewarned.

Now back to regularly scheduled thread.

Not a sermon just a thought

ChopTop · « **Reply #23 on:** June 16, 2011, 09:43:02 AM »

Thanks for the feedback folks. I think what's driving me is I stopped at my mechanic shop this week and he was tuning his daughters 64 small block to take to the vette meet/drags this weekend in Chicago. It brought back a lot of memories of my 64 coupe and basically reminded me how much I want a V8 again before I die. And size-wise the Kappa's do remind me a lot of the mid-years. But I think the best course of action is too just keep saving and researching.

SKY888 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 16, 2011, 02:27:18 PM »

saving and researching is the key!!!

talk to different vendors, and get a quote from them.

Whoever gives the best deals, and services............go with that vendor!

good luck!

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Author Topic: LS3 conversion estimate? (Read 21323 times)