LSx 300ZX

Discussion in 'Non Technical' started by 90TTZ, Apr 23, 2014.

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Pending cost, which would be your preferred gearbox?

Poll closed May 16, 2014.
  1. Z32 5 Speed

    26 vote(s)
    68.4%
  2. T56 6 Speed

    12 vote(s)
    31.6%
  1. 90TTZ

    90TTZ Back From The Dead

    Hey Everyone. I'm putting the wheels in motion to develop a full conversion kit to drop a Chev LSx (Ls1, 2, 3) engine from the VT-current model Commodore into the Z32. There has been a lot of interest over recent times to perform this retrofit but due to the fear of making custom parts and fabricating one off brackets and not having the knowledge or resources to do it the prospect is often dismissed.

    The VG30DETT is a brilliant engine capable of making great power but if any of you that have driven a late model high displacement V8, they are worlds apart. Some of the benefits of using an all alloy LSx engine include;

    • Lighter engine
    • Higher horsepower potential
    • Parts are easily obtained from the US and Australia at considerably less cost.
    • Instant response from low engine speed
    • Far more support for repairs and development
    • Economy is about the same as a VG30DETT
    • That lovely V8 sound :D

    The kit will retain the factory power steering pump and A/C compressor and all climate control functions will work as normal.

    At this stage I am working on two variants and that is using the Z32 5 Speed manual or the 6 speed T56 manual from the Commodore. Using the Z32 5 speed results in a much cheaper conversion (about $1000-$1500 less) due to tail shaft and other mods and the fact they are cheaper to purchase or even no cost if you already have one.

    At this stage the 5 Speed option preliminary pricing is around $7000 plus the engine, computer and loom. If you have ever considered doing this and costing looks feasible, please vote in the poll which variant you would prefer.

    The prototype is scheduled for debut at the Nissan/Datusn Nationals next year :br: The kit will be on sale shortly after and a full drive in/drive out service will be available with full engineering compliance certification.

    Kit will be available for conversion from both NA and TT
     
  2. MagicMike

    MagicMike Moderator Staff Member

    Minipole!
     
  3. ZedXTT

    ZedXTT #TEAMROB

    That's a tough choice. Having the 6th gear would be great on the highway.
     
  4. SuperZ

    SuperZ Resident Z lunatic

    Where is the pole?

    6 speed gearbox...........

    JC
     
  5. Z32 TT

    Z32 TT Active Member

  6. 90TTZ

    90TTZ Back From The Dead

  7. ed300zx

    ed300zx Active Member

    Good man.
     
  8. Josh Cool

    Josh Cool Member

    We need to put some different wheels in motion first Karl :bow2:
     
  9. BLACK BEAST

    BLACK BEAST SLICKTOP TT R-SPEC

    Correct me if I'm wrong but the Holden t56 has 4th 1:1 so 2 overdrives.

    In that case I would go z32 5 speed which also has a shorter 1st


    .
     
  10. 90TTZ

    90TTZ Back From The Dead

    Yes you are correct. Main benefit of having longer legs is the convenience of running a shorter final drive ratio yet still have reasonable RPM on the highway.

    I think when Fleet was racing he used some crazy ratio like 4.3:1 in a Skyline diff.
     
  11. 90TTZ

    90TTZ Back From The Dead

    United Parcel Service is holding up those wheels at the moment mate ;)
     
  12. Josh Cool

    Josh Cool Member

    Bastards :mad:
     
  13. MikeZ32

    MikeZ32 das Über member

    I'd be very interested in the kit since you're the one developing it Carl.

    Simply due to cost and recycling existing parts, I'm voting to keep the Z32 5 speed.
     
  14. Madcow

    Madcow Active Member

    Why not use the zed 5 speed?

    Is it worth the extra effort of sweeping swapping?
     
  15. RedZedMikey

    RedZedMikey RZM should now be DZM

    Add me to the list of interested parties Karl, though definitely into the future for me. Some time ago Eric from A 2 Zed was looking at offering a similar procedure, but I think his option only considered the T56 box. Then of course his world was turned upside down in a very sad way; I don't think he is on the forum any more?

    I voted T56, but that vote was based on various assumptions: that the taller gearing would be offset by a Leader Gear 4.1 rear end; that a close ratio gear set would be available for the T56 (along the same lines as the PPG gearset for our stock box), and while it may cost more, would the T56 box be easier or better mechanically? There is at least 1 kit available for the T56 in Holden configuration that is supposed to make shifting quicker or less 'clunky'. Another consideration is that there is a chance the manual box in my Z may need to be put to a different use, also in the future.

    If/when the time comes that I do need to choose, do you plan to offer both options?

    FYI, I have forwarded Eric's original PM reply to you.
     
  16. Madcow

    Madcow Active Member

    never actually seen a zed in person with a v8, is there any room for turbos ? I dont think there would be, but would be really something good if there was!
     
  17. ztoy

    ztoy Autospark Evolution

    Worth trying to do something similar to these guys in the states.

    Ill doing the lsx conversion in mine and will be getting this kit sent over. The only modification needed for the tranny tunnel is near the speed sender.

    http://www.lojinnovations.com/z32%20kit.htm
     
  18. kiff

    kiff Member

    Is there going to be an auto option one down the track! :zlove:
     
  19. boo5t

    boo5t Member

    7k inc labour? then the engine etc on top?
     
  20. TeeJay

    TeeJay masters apprentice

    Forget the 56 for a bolt in kit Carl, it will not fit in a standard trans tunnel by a long way. Use the LOJ kit and have a set of decent headers made, you can squeeze 4 into 1 extractors in there if you keep the primary id under 1 3/4. Will limit power output a tad over bigger pipes but not much choice really. Also remember there is different length water pumps and balancer from VE on inc vette and CTSV which give more room for a rear mounted puller fan instead of a pusher. Bonnet clearance is an issue with the later engine due to throttle size, but spacing the crossmember down solves this with out a bonnet bulge.
     

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