VehiCROSS V8 Conversion Kit

[WRBSTI]

Well here it is, the official thread for a do it your self, shade tree mechanic, Joe the plumber V8 conversion kit. As all of you know when it comes to cars and modifications everyone has their own opinion. This thread welcomes all opinions but unless it is something that can be beneficial for the progress of the conversion please understand that I am not trying to prove anyone right or wrong, my only goal is to provide a V8 kit for the somewhat average person.

So here are the things that we have put together that we know will work and are waiting for us.

2006 XLR NorthStar V8-10,000 miles
Rebuilt 4L30E Transmission-Stock Transmission
All wiring has been worked out and will be relatively easy
Trying to make sure A/C will fit because this is a deal breaker if no A/C
Stock Gauge Recalibration for speedo and tach

So basically this is a work in progress so far but as it progresses I will be able to give you detailed pricing for the kit. This kit will be an engine kit that will mount the Aurora V8, NorthStar V8. We will also offer a mounting kit for use of the GM 5.3 V8 out of the H3. The problem with the 5.3 is the transmission and transfer case from the vehicross are not compatible and therefor TOD will no longer be riding shotgun. For this reason I will be focusing on the Aurora V8 and the NorthStar V8 due to the compatibility with our stock transmissions as well as the similar engine mounts and overall size.

As you can see this is not a complete kit and I am still awaiting the motor mounts. Once these are in my VX should be complete within a week or two. I will be taking a lot of pictures and making them into a manual for the kit. The kit will not include the engine but as most know the Aurora V8 can be found for less than 1,000 and a good Northstar can be found for not much more.

Any Questions, comments or concerns? I want the feedback from as many people as possible especially those who would be interested in the conversion.

[samneil2000]

I found mine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shelby-Series-1-Oldsmobile-Aurora-V8-Engine-Vortech-/320755290589?hash=item4aae8151dd&item=320755290589&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

In all honesty, there are several of these engines (stock) on ebay for 500 to 700 bucks. Not bad at all. Does anyone know how well they hold up? The one I looked at had 160k on the clock. Is a rebuild in order? How pricey is that?

[ND92]

wow i would love that Aurora
with the Aurora, would you be able to keep the 4WD?

[DutchKiwi]

Well WRBSTI, where do I start...:?:

HERE > Initially I considered the LS1~LS7, but fitting this would be an :madb:

Congrats to you:
I like the idea of the 4.6 Northstar - 32valve Quad Cam
Seems to me that the LH2 series may be a good option, as they produce 320HP out of the box (and a reasonable tuner may get 360-370HP easily), and torque to match! AND these are known as "quiet engines" - BONUS!

Most Northstar Series engines were reliable, provided the original PCM module was used (the one with the limb-home mode....!).

You should be able to maintain 4WD on the VX and the TOD system!

The LH2 was already setup for longitudinal mounting (RWD/AWD), rather than the LD8 :noo: which was a transverse mounted engine for Front Wheel Drive.
This may also greatly help with the Accessories (A/C, Power Steering, Alternator, etc) - could make the job a lot easier!

The L37 - up to 300HP with 295ft/lb torque - good engine, but get the later version (after 04) with the later PCM (see below).
The L47 (aka the Aurora) is the heavier version producing less power/torque with less displacement (4.0L) was made for Front Wheel Drive..

The Northstar Series feature CHAIN driven Cam Shafts - brilliant

The LH2 also featured the VVT on both intake as well as exhaust cam-shafts, and if I'm correct, like the 6VD1/6VE1 individual ignition coilpacks on each cylinders.
AND (good for emission control) the standard configuration runs a Wasted Spark ignition program.
The GM PCM (Engine Management System) is programmable via a number of suites, such as HP Tuners (ask your tuner to confirm).

From my experience, the General Motors PCM is an excellent product, however if you want to "play" a little more, I'd personally go for the DTA Fast S80 Series.
NOTE: This may also help with DE-RATING the engine output to save the trans from blowing to bits - remember: about 285HP input is the rated limit -

Also, there are PLENTY of parts available, including upgrades, however:
>> I'd carefully size up engine/sump etc to ensure fitment <<

Here in New Zealand we have very limited access to the LH2, so once confirmed that these will fit, i'd be looking for one complete engine with the PCM so that I can finally give the beast the upgrade it deserves.
(The VX Should have been a V8 from the start in my books....)

Oh, before I forget - ask your local AutoSparky about the Alternator:
-- Is is water-resistant? (Everytime my Isuzu Alternator gets wet I'm in for $200 repair bill.)

I'm looking forward to the developments!

Live Life To The Max - Drive (and modify) a VX!

[nfpgasmask]

My question is, will the stock transmission be able to handle the power output?

Bart

[Scott Harness]

Hey Bart...hope all is well...See underlined NOTE in post #4

[WRBSTI]

This is the exact feedback I was hoping for so thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.
NFPGASMASK- One of the unknowns of the swap is the longevity of the stock 4L30E transmission. Because I am wanting to keep awd and TOD I am going to see how it does with a brand new 4L30E. This way if it blows in 2,000 miles I will tell everyone that the transmission wont hold the power at all. Also if you are hammering it around every turn and from stoplight to stoplight the V8 will destroy the transmission far faster than the stock V6.

DutchKiwi- I had not looked into the PCM that you had mentioned but will be doing do once I click post. The 4.6 came with the GM PCM and we will be wiring that into the stock Isuzu PCM so we can get TOD and the power reduction during shift to work with the NorthStar.

my next hurdle will be finding out of the oil pan clears and of if not finding an oil pan that will.

[VXorado]

We will also offer a mounting kit for use of the GM 5.3 V8 out of the H3. The problem with the 5.3 is the transmission and transfer case from the vehicross are not compatible and therefor TOD will no longer be riding shotgun.

If you could use the 5.3L with the H3 4:1 transfer case it would be a huge upgrade :)

I'm already planning to pull the VX auto for the AR5 sometime this year. Would the AR5-TOD be compatible with the Northstar swap?

[WRBSTI]

The 5.3 with the H3 Transfer case does work, but you need to re do the drive shafts for length. From what I have seen and read and looked at in order to keep the A/C for the 5.3 it would require a custom A/C kit and the price would increase greatly. This also get rid of TOD and that is something that I am wanting to keep in the VX.

The AR5 Transmission should bolt up without much of an issue to the NorthStar from what I have read. This si not something that I have researched in depth but from what I can tell it should be just like the 4L30E. The reason why I have not looked into this is because of the cost for the conversion. I am trying to keep the cost down as much as possible because like many others I have a hard time putting more into the car than it is worth, even though I have no plans to ever sell it.

If there is a lot of interest in swapping the stock auto with the AR5 Manual transmission I am sure we can figure something out. This would be able to keep the TOD as well as having a very stout transmission

[rwolf15241]

L37
The L37 (VIN "9") was the original North star. It is tuned for responsiveness and power, while the later LD8 is designed for more sedate use. The L37 code had been used on all high-output transverse Northstars, even as the exact engine specifications evolved. Its displacement is 4600cc. The compression ratio for the L37 is 10.3:1 for engines built prior to 2000, and 10:1 for those built afterwards. The original L37 was specified at 290 hp (216 kW), but 1993 production examples were rated at 295 hp (220 kW). The engine topped out at 300 hp (224 kW) from 1996 through 2004 on the STS, DTS and ETC models, making these some of the most powerful domestic front wheel drive cars ever built. For 2005 the high output Northstar became Northstar NHP, and was downrated to 290 horsepower (220 kW) under the new SAE certified horsepower rating system. In 2006, the updated DTS "Performance Package" model got a slight bump to 292 hp (218 kW). Vehicles using the L37 include:
Year Model Power Torque
1993 Cadillac Allanté
295 hp (220 kW) @ 5600 rpm 290 lb•ft (393 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
1993–1994 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
295 hp (220 kW) @ 5600 rpm 290 lb•ft (393 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
1995–2002 Cadillac Eldorado ETC
300 hp (224 kW) @ 6000 rpm 295 lb•ft (400 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
1993 Cadillac Seville STS
295 hp (220 kW) @ 5600 rpm 290 lb•ft (393 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
1994–2004 Cadillac Seville STS
300 hp (224 kW) @ 6000 rpm 295 lb•ft (400 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
1996–2004 Cadillac DeVille Concours/DTS 300 hp (224 kW) @ 6000 rpm 295 lb•ft (400 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
2005 Cadillac DeVille DTS
290 hp (216 kW) @ 5600 rpm 285 lb•ft (386 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
2006–present Cadillac DTS Performance
292 hp (218 kW) @ 6300 rpm 288 lb•ft (390 N•m) @ 4500 rpm
2008–2011 Buick Lucerne Super
292 hp (218 kW) @ 6300 rpm 288 lb•ft (390 N•m) @ 4500 rpm
[edit] LD8
The LD8 (VIN "Y") is a transverse V8 for front-wheel drive cars. Introduced in 1994, it is designed to provide more torque than the high-revving L37. The LD8 code had been used on all torque-tuned transverse Northstars, even as the exact engine specifications evolved. Compression ratio is 10:1.
The 1998 revision is quieter than previous Northstar engines, due to hydraulic engine mounts, and performs better due to a tuned intake system.
Most LD8 Northstars are rated at 275 hp (205 kW) and 300 lb•ft (407 N•m).
Year Model Power Torque
1994 Cadillac Eldorado
270 hp (201 kW) 300 lb•ft (407 N•m)
1995–2001 Cadillac Eldorado
275 hp (205 kW) @ 5750 rpm 300 lb•ft (407 N•m)
2002 Cadillac Eldorado
275 hp (205 kW) @ 5600 rpm 300 lb•ft (407 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
1994 Cadillac Seville SLS
270 hp (201 kW) 300 lb•ft (407 N•m)
1995–2001 Cadillac Seville SLS
275 hp (205 kW) 300 lb•ft (407 N•m)
2002–2004 Cadillac Seville SLS
275 hp (205 kW) 300 lb•ft (407 N•m)
1994 Cadillac DeVille Concours
270 hp (201 kW) 300 lb•ft (407 N•m)
1995 Cadillac DeVille Concours
275 hp (205 kW) @ 5750 rpm 300 lb•ft (407 N•m)
1996–2001 Cadillac DeVille
275 hp (205 kW) @ 5750 rpm 300 lb•ft (407 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
2002–2005 Cadillac DeVille
275 hp (205 kW) @ 5600 rpm 300 lb•ft (407 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
2006–present Cadillac DTS
275 hp (205 kW) @ 6000 rpm 295 lb•ft (400 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
2004–2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP
275 hp (205 kW) @ 5600 rpm 300 lb•ft (407 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
2006–2007 Buick Lucerne CXS
275 hp (205 kW) @ 6000 rpm 295 lb•ft (400 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
[edit] LH2
The Northstar was designed originally for transverse front-wheel drive applications. It was modified substantially in 2004 for longitudinal rear- and all-wheel drive use in the STS, SRX, and XLR, as well as receiving continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides. The RWD (LH2) Northstar produces 320 hp (239 kW) and 315 lb•ft (427 N•m). An increased compression ratio of 10.5:1 enables most of the increase in power from the L37 and LD8 Northstars.
Year Model Power Torque
2004–2009 Cadillac SRX
320 hp (239 kW) @ 6400 rpm 315 lb•ft (427 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
2004–2009 Cadillac XLR
320 hp (239 kW) @ 6400 rpm 310 lb•ft (420 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
2005–2010 Cadillac STS
320 hp (239 kW) @ 6400 rpm 315 lb•ft (427 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
[edit] Supercharged LC3
A 4.4 L (266 cu in) supercharged Northstar was used in the 2006 Cadillac STS-V and Cadillac XLR-V. The bore was reduced for increased strength and improved head gasket sealing. Variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust sides. The STS-V engine produces 469 hp (350 kW) at 6400 rpm and 439 lb•ft (595 N•m) at 3900 rpm with 9:1 compression and the XLR-V engine produces 443 hp (330 kW) at 6400 rpm and 414 lb•ft (561 N•m) at 3900 rpm.
Year Model Power Torque
2006–2009 Cadillac STS-V
469 hp (350 kW) @ 6400 rpm 439 lb•ft (595 N•m) @ 3900 rpm
2006–2009 Cadillac XLR-V
443 hp (330 kW) @ 6400 rpm 414 lb•ft (561 N•m) @ 3900 rpm
[edit] L47

An L47 inside an Aurora's engine bay
The L47 Aurora engine was a special V8 designed for the Oldsmobile Aurora, based on the Northstar engine. It is a DOHC 3,995 cc (3.995 L; 243.8 cu in) V8 which produced 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 260 ft•lb (353 N•m) of torque. The bore was 87 mm (3.4 in) and the stroke was 84 mm (3.3 in). The L47 had a 10.3:1 compression ratio and used premium fuel.
An early version or prototype of this engine was used in the 2nd generation Oldsmobile Aerotech.
Although most of the Northstar's features, including the coolant loss system, remained intact, the decreased bore increased weight unacceptably. To reduce it, Oldsmobile used a one-piece glass-filled thermoplastic intake manifold and simplified AC Rochester sequential fuel injection. A new die-cast structural aluminum oil pan incorporated baffling to reduce oil starvation in hard driving. A starter interlock prevented the starter from engaging if the quiet L47 was already running.
A highly modified 650 hp (485 kW) version of this engine was used by General Motors racing division initially for Indy Racing League competition starting in 1995, then was later used in the Cadillac Northstar LMP program in 2000. Both engines retained the 4.0 L capacity, but the Northstar LMP version was twin-turbocharged.[2]
The Aurora was also used in the Shelby Series 1 car.
The Aurora engine was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year, and General Motors has not used this engine since the demise of the marque in 2004.
Year Model Power Torque
1995–2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
250 hp (186 kW) @ 5600 rpm 260 lb•ft (353 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
1999-2005 Shelby Series 1

[edit] LX5 (Shortstar)


A "Shortstar" LX5 inside an Intrigue's engine bay
The LX5 V6 is a DOHC engine from Oldsmobile, introduced in 1999 with the Oldsmobile Intrigue. It was produced by the Premium engine group at GM and was thus called the Premium V6, or PV6, while it was being developed. It is based on the L47 Aurora V8, which is itself based on the Northstar engine, so engineers called it the Short North, though Oldsmobile fans have taken to calling it the Shortstar.
It is not a simple cut-down V8. Although it has a 90° vee-angle like the Northstar and Aurora, the engine block was engineered from scratch, so bore centers are different. It has chain-driven dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, but is an even-firing design with a split-pin crankshaft similar to the Buick 3800 engine. The LX5 displaced 3,473 cc (3.473 L; 211.9 cu in) and produced 215 hp (160 kW) @ 5,600 rpm and 234 ft•lb (312 N•m) @ 4,400 rpm. Bore is 89.5 mm (3.52 in) and stroke is 92 mm (3.6 in). It was also one of GM's first engines to use coil-on-plug ignition. Compression ratio is 9.3:1.
The cost of building this engine was high, and it was not used in many vehicles. It was said at the time that a family of premium V6s would follow, with displacements ranging from 3.3 L to 3.7 L, but only the LX5 was ever produced before GM axed the Shortstar in favor of their current flagship V6, the High Feature, in 2004.
The LX5 was entirely different from any other V6 in the GM inventory - the only other DOHC V6 engines ever offered by GM include the troublesome-to-maintain Chevrolet Twin Dual Cam produced from 1991-1997 (which was made by heavily modifying the traditional Chevy 60-degree OHV block for the dual overhead cams rather than building a DOHC engine from the ground up), and the Cadillac/Holden HFV6 available from 2004 to the present day. These three designs are completely unrelated and oddly enough leave two gaps in 1998 and 2003 where no DOHC V6 was available from GM. (Except for the 54 degree Opel V6 used most notably in the first generation Cadillac CTS at launch) This contrasts starkly with competitors practices of evolving engineering over multiple, continuously improving designs.
As with the Aurora V8, production stopped with the demise of Oldsmobile.
Year Model Power Torque
1999–2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
215 hp (160 kW) @ 5600 rpm 234 lb•ft (317 N•m) @ 4400 rpm
2001–2002 Oldsmobile Aurora
215 hp (160 kW) @ 5600 rpm 234 lb•ft (317 N•m) @ 4400 rpm

[DutchKiwi]

LH2
The Northstar was designed originally for transverse front-wheel drive applications. It was modified substantially in 2004 for longitudinal rear- and all-wheel drive use in the STS, SRX, and XLR, as well as receiving continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust sides. "

Lets get back to the objective at the start of the thread:
shade tree mechanic, Joe the plumber V8 conversion kit
Since the Northstar was a transverse engine, all the accessory-parts are placed in a certain position. The LH2 was made as a longitudinal engine, hence making our lives (or that of the weekend mechanic) a HELL of a lot easier, instead of having to fight with wiring, making special brackets trying to align the pulleys for the A/C, P/S, and Generator.

The alternative H3 GM5.3 is a very good option, but as said power-trans-AR5 becomes a slightly more complex situation.
Need to do some more research into V8+M5+TOD conversion, and perhaps list in seperate thread (Conversion for the advanced mechanical VX-ers).
If Isuzu can produce a Manual 4WD with TOD why can't we?

Back to my books and drawing board....:bwgy:

[rwolf15241]

I will let you guys work the bugs out, I will just buy the parts and install them !! LOL

[vt_maverick]

WRBSTI - What HP and torque are you targeting?

[VXorado]

The 5.3 with the H3 Transfer case does work, but you need to re do the drive shafts for length. From what I have seen and read and looked at in order to keep the A/C for the 5.3 it would require a custom A/C kit and the price would increase greatly. This also get rid of TOD and that is something that I am wanting to keep in the VX.

The AR5 Transmission should bolt up without much of an issue to the NorthStar from what I have read. This si not something that I have researched in depth but from what I can tell it should be just like the 4L30E. The reason why I have not looked into this is because of the cost for the conversion. I am trying to keep the cost down as much as possible because like many others I have a hard time putting more into the car than it is worth, even though I have no plans to ever sell it.

If there is a lot of interest in swapping the stock auto with the AR5 Manual transmission I am sure we can figure something out. This would be able to keep the TOD as well as having a very stout transmission


Well you have my interest. Maybe I can give you a hand sometime once the project starts to develop ;)

IMO,
V8+TOD+AR5= Perfection
V8+4:1 transfer case+ 4L60E= Offroad Monster
:drool:

[WRBSTI]

I will see how the transmission does with the stock 320hp and depending on that either leave it or de-tune it a bit for reliability. I am not looking for the power or speed of a high performance SUV (X5 M, ML63 AMG) but just feel that especially at 5200 ft above sea level it needs more than what it came with stock. I am also not interested in the supercharger kit because I would like to find an excuse to get rid of the oil burner under the hood. If i wanted big power I would go for the XLR-V motor but I am just looking for a nice, quick, fun VX.

[vt_maverick]

Do you know how much the Northstar weighs vs. the stock 3.5? Would be interested to know how the power-to-weight ratio and front/rear weight distribution change with this conversion. Depending on the weight factor prospective buyers might want to upgrade their brakes at the same time.

[VCrossfan]

WRBSTI Keep us posted on your findings/fab. I have 175k on my clock (still running good) and shooting for 200k. I walk to work now so my miles building up have slowed down. I told myself if and when I lose my engine/Tranny I'm going with a simple SBC - carbureted , 700R4, 2wd. Simple and no electronic headache's. But I'll look forward to your findings...

Quick search and found a couple... Hope your Northstar kit works out I just might go that way

2007 Buick Lucerne Engine 4.6 Northstar, 24,000 miles - $1200

2000 Cadillac Northstar motor 77,000 miles - $750

[rwolf15241]

Re: weight of the 4.6 northstar

I believe it is 400-450, depending on accessories and such...

[WRBSTI]

I am meeting with a guy tomorrow at 8am to discuss options for the kit. I will update this thread tomorrow after the meeting. Is there anyone would like to know about the kit or anything else. Like I stated in the beginning I am very open to ideas and other things that would make the kit more appealing to members.

[vt_maverick]

How tunable is the ECM / PCM? In other words, can you buy a Superchips kit to dial the HP up and down depending on the situation (occasional burn-out vs. everyday driving)?

Also, do you think any of the newer GM engines with cylinder deactivation technology would work? Might be a good way to steal a few MPGs back...

[WRBSTI]

The GM engines with cylinder deactivation are riddled with oil cunsumption issues even worse than our 3.5. As far as tuning I will look into that as well

[yellowgizmo99]

there is a way to run them on LS-1 ECU and put a chip in it that you can tune urself.
http://www.hptuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29770

[TheGanzman]

Regarding the transmission issue, I'd be inclined to contact these guys:

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/

Even though they don't "list" the 4L30E, if there's ANY way possible to beef it up, these are the guys to do it! Even though I have ZERO problems w/my VX engine so far, I'm still "all in" on this one! Make it hap'n, Cap'n!:yeso:

[WRBSTI]

So I just got back from meeting with a GM master tech regarding the swap, the kit, the wiring and all things VehiCROSS. The project has moved one more step forward and we are hoping to start it by next week. Basically it looks like with the NorthStar we will be able to keep all accessories including the A/C. Second we are going to look into changing the steering to a rack for more clearance. Third as far as wiring is concerned it looks like it will be a mix of the stock PCM and wire it into the stock Isuzu PCM. From what I understood the easiest and cheapest way to make it work is to do a three wire split from the XLR PCM into the Isuzu PCM. There are ways to do a standalone ECU but if we can do it using the stock ECU that will save at least 800 dollars.

So here is the deal:

Myself and the GM master tech are very interested in making this work and he is under the assumption that it really wont be too difficult to make it work. The thing that we are worried about though is the unknown. As we all know the Unknown is what costs the most money and time. Both of which I do not have a lot of extra. So basically there are a few options that I would like to discuss with fellow forum Members.

Option #1: I am wanting to know how serious forum members are about the conversion kit. I will set up a PayPal account specifically for this forum and project and will be taking what I consider down payments. The way this would work is once everything is done and the kit is being made, I will sell the kit to the people who have made the down payment for the cost of the kit. So if the kit ends up costing me 500 to produce per kit, I will sell it to the people who have made down payments for COST plus shipping. I will not be making a dime, you scratch my back, I scratch yours.

Option #2: I will once again make a paypal account: I will start a new Thread for my cost of everything that is needed for the kit. That way you will know what is is costing me VS what it costs for the consumer. Whether you are interested or not in the kit you can out money in the paypal account. Once install is done and the kit is being manufactured ever forum member on here will know exactly what the kit costs me VS you. If I can raise the money that I think is needed for this to be a successful kit I will sell each kit at cost to every member who is interested, whether you donated 5 dollars or 1,000 dollars. The benefit of this is that some people may find it hard to stomach putting a large amount down on a project that is not complete. So if there are enough members on here who like the idea of the kit and we can raise the money I will have the availability to not only complete the kit within the next four weeks but I will also bring as many kits to the Utah Meet as possible, therefore avoiding shipping.

Option #3: You decide how interested people are and if it is worth it to invest in the kit. Like I said this is very doable and if I start next weekend will be done by the end of February at the latest. The issue right now is that I need to know that there is enough interest in the kit so I know I can not only help forum members but also not screw myself out of thousands of dollars.

The Plan: I will make a kit that includes the following- Motor Mounts, Wiring Kit, full color bound install manual, all bolt sizes and all tools needed, any miscellanious bolt nuts or parts needed, any brackets for accessories, and lastly a custom engine cover made for the Northstar but says VehiCROSS V8.

I am not asking for donations but I truly do not want to finish this project and have no interest with forum members on the kit. I am happy to sell the kit for cost if we can make one of the options work, if no one is able to commit though I will have to re-asses the situation. I may go ahead and not do the conversion as planned, or I may still do it but the cost of the kit would reflect my time spent on R&D, installling it, and cost of parts which would realistically end up doubling the kits cost. Like I said, you scratch my back I scratch yours, I do not need to make money off of this as I think it would be pretty cool to be able for the average Joe to put a V8 in the VehiCROSS. However, I am also no willing to undertake it alone and sell the kit for little to no gain.

Please be respectful with responses. If I am asking too much or too little please let me know but lets refrain from emotions and just talk fact.

[VXjunky]

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????
sounded so good right up to...i need your money first....that plus you been here a week.......good luck count me out....such a long winded scam

[vt_maverick]

My advice would be option #2. The problem with option 1 is that you risk having to pay everyone back if you can't finish or have some sort of family emergency pop up. Option 3 is risky because folks on this board are infamous for saying their interested and then disappearing when it comes time to put up the cash (e.g. Robbomaz supercharger kit, my spare Borbets, Marlin's skid plates, etc). Option #2 is best, but I would recommend you credit folks' donations against the sales price.

[JoFotoz]

My two cents.....


Do yours, as you said you would:-

"" Once these are in my VX should be complete within a week or two. I will be taking
a lot of pictures and making them into a manual for the kit. The kit will not include the engine
but as most know the Aurora V8 can be found for less than 1,000 and a good Northstar can
be found for not much more.""

....and show it off in Moab in May.

If it passes the Moab crowd scrutiny...you'll be golden.

If you want "help" prior to that, I suggest you contact a few of the Denver area owners that are members here...
...and invite them over for a "show & tell" so some 3rd party feedback is available.

JMHO.

jo

PS..whats up with this thread...scroll right to read it properly..???

[WRBSTI]

Long winded scam?

Like I stated at the end of the post I am open to any and all ideas. I am not here to scam people nor am i here to make a profit, I am a car enthusiast like many people on here. If no one on here is comfortable putting anything down that is fine. Like I said I am still most likely planning on doing the conversion. The downside though is that I will not be able to produce multiple kits at the same time. For example if Joe Smith wants to buy one after he sees it completed I will be happy to sell it to him, but at that point in time I will still need money up front for machining, wiring, etc. I am not in a financial position to build 10 kits and hope they sell, unless there is money down I will not comfortable building more than one set at a time. If no one is wiling to put anything down, and trust me I understand not wanting to, then I will be looking at this kit as more of a profit turner rather than a community helper. I understand the skepticism about putting money down but also understand that this is a project for me, not my full time job.

So if no one likes the idea of putting money down I understand. The last two options that I thought of are these:

#1- I will do the build based upon the assumption that people are more curious about seeing this done rather than doing it themselves. Therefore I will build one kit. If members like it I will build as many as kits as I have orders for. I will not ask for anything down but now I will have to CMA (cover my A@#). Therefore, I will need to turn enough profit on these kits that if someone orders one and backs out I will not be in the red. So basically instead of getting it at cost I will be charging what my time is worth plus all parts associated.

#2- As stated before I will figure out all kinks before I make any kits, I will not sell anything that is subpar. I will create a legally binding contract (my brother is a lawyer) between myself and the purchaser of the kit. I will require a 500 dollar down payment that I am unable to withdraw until the kit is complete and the consumer is happy. This will mean that everything in the kit is as stated and will work with your vehicle. If this is the case I will then withdraw all down payments to pay for machining costs as well as parts. Once each kit is ready I will require the rest of the payment in full. Once received the kit will be shipped out within 2 business days. Because I will not be able to access the funds until everything is ready I will be making a profit on the kit, I have not figured how much but I will need to make some money.

I thought my offer of selling the kit at my cost was more than fair, apparently that came off as sounding like a scam though. So you can disregard my previous post about payments in advance especially if you feel like it is a scam.

I understand I have only been on here for a short while, but I have been a lurker for years and decided to sign up after I had purchased the NorthStar and wanted to gauge interest on others wanting to swap since no one is very happy with our stock engine. I am not here to scam people, I wasn't even on here to turn a profit but alas too many bad people have screwed over the good people and I understand your weariness.

Feel free to post more input or any other ideas about how we can work as a community to make this work.

[WRBSTI]

vt_maverick

My advice would be option #2. The problem with option 1 is that you risk having to pay everyone back if you can't finish or have some sort of family emergency pop up. Option 3 is risky because folks on this board are infamous for saying their interested and then disappearing when it comes time to put up the cash (e.g. Robbomaz supercharger kit, my spare Borbets, Marlin's skid plates, etc). Option #2 is best, but I would recommend you credit folks' donations against the sales price.

This option works for me and I will sell the kit for my cost + the largest donation - your donation
for example if the kit costs me 400 dollars and vt_maverick donates the most at 300 dollars I will sell the kit for 700 dollars - your donation. Therefore vt_maverick will get the kit for my cost of 400 dollars. If Joe Smith donates 20 dollars the cost for Joe Smith will be 680. The reason for this is I dont think it is fair for vt_maverick if he pays the same amount as someone who donated 5 dollars.
Once again I am open for ideas so feel free to provide feedback.

[Chopper]

the nail was hit.....do one and show it.
kit according to response
I lke the V8 conversion....I think it's been started by a member or two
I even have a lovely GM small block on a stand to do one with...someday
never heard of one actually running and driving

[Ldub]

the nail was hit.....do one and show it.
kit according to response & those willing to put at lea$t 1/3 down
I lke the V8 conversion....I think it's been started by a member or two
I even have a lovely GM small block on a stand to do one with...someday
never heard of one actually running and driving

Chopper ... Friend-0-mine...there IS one...:smilewink

I see four coil packs on each valve cover...:drool:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=21688

OP, welcome to the Fam, & good luck with your venture, I hope it's a stunning success!..:yes:

Who knows, I may be look'n someday.

[TheGanzman]

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????
sounded so good right up to...i need your money first....that plus you been here a week.......good luck count me out....such a long winded scam

You've been in El Lay too long...

[VXjunky]

what Jo said

[VXorado]

I might be interested in a kit but my engine is the least of my worries. If Buffy was making a AR5 kit I would very interested because my trans has seen better days. My point it that most VXers will only be interested in upgrading to a V8 after blowing an engine (:thumbup:this guy included). Once the engine swap is proven like Jo & Chopper said, I think you could do well with the kits but plan on having buyers over years not months. There's nothing wrong with making money on your hard work. I would rather pay you $700 when I need to replace my 3.5L than $500 now for an engine I may not need for 5 years.

If you build it, they will come. :)

[WRBSTI]

Ok well it seems like I will make it work for my VX and play the rest by ear. If people want to save money on the kit a deposit before hand will guarantee you a kit at cost. If not I will be selling them as they are wanted.

[yellowgizmo99]

here is another site running with the v-8 ECU,
http://www.northstar.7p.com/

[WRBSTI]

So the ECU is completely sorted out but will not be cheap. My cost is right around a grand. It will be a GM PCM that will run the engine, transmission and all gauges. It will basically be a plug and play kit. It is much simpler than trying to do a stand alone unit and will give people the benefit of being able to tune the motor as they want.

[Lizardmen3477]

Keep at it !! I been mauling the Idea of a V8 conversion for sometime.

[samneil2000]

Chopper ... Friend-0-mine...there IS one...:smilewink

I see four coil packs on each valve cover...:drool:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=21688

OP, welcome to the Fam, & good luck with your venture, I hope it's a stunning success!..:yes:

Who knows, I may be look'n someday.

Two, at least. You forgot about sleveritt's
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=19878

He's running a 327/ 5.3 and a SAS
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMG_2408.JPG

[VXorado]

Two, at least. You forgot about sleveritt's


:(...I forgot about that build too. He got irritated with some comments in his build thread and hasn't posted since. Too bad, I would like to know how the V8 & SAS are holding up a year later.

[Ldub]

Two, at least. You forgot about sleveritt's
http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=19878


Right you are Sir...:yes:

That did slip through the cobwebs...:mbrasd:

[samneil2000]

:(...I forgot about that build too. He got irritated with some comments in his build thread and hasn't posted since. Too bad, I would like to know how the V8 & SAS are holding up a year later.

I think it might have been some frustration, but mostly just life got in the way. I emailed him a while back and here's the status:

Hey Sam,
Summertime brought about 2 family vacations and been busy working both jobs
lately. (Had to replace and upgrade my HVAC system for $8400, so it became a
priority.)

My VX did go back to the builder like I last posted, it took a couple of months
of tinkering to get everything down pretty good and streetable. I still have
some "slack" in the steering but the anti-roll bars (with quick disconnects) and
extra shocks in the rear helped tremendously, but I keep it to 55mph to be safe.
There is a steering stabilizer in its future.

Currently, the VX is at an A/C shop getting the intake reworked to the driver
side. That required a metal tube be cut out a bit to allow for the alternator
pulley. There just wasn't enough room between it and the radiator. I've
already ordered the top-passenger side mount for the A/C compressor, then they
have to install it, custom wire a system that is dash operatable, charge it up,
and see what happens. As it goes, the weather is finally cooling off around
here. Entirely too hot to drive in summer without A/C.

Next major project is probably the interior and getting it lowered a bit and
cutting out the fender flares for the wheels. As always, a work in progress.

Thanks for the interest. I will likely take more pics and add more posts once I
get it back (yet again).

Sam Leveritt

[VXorado]

I will likely take more pics and add more posts once I get it back (yet again).

Sam Leveritt

:) Thanks for the update. I hope he updates us with some finished pics sommday.

[SilverBullet75]

Hi guys,
I just wanted to share some Engine Swap info I received from my DMV (Nevada).
I posted the documents and info on my thread: Here... (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?p=247453#post247453)

Hopefully this helps people in their decision about engine swaps, as it pertains to all states (EPA rules included in the docs).

Hope this helps!
---JIM---

[WRBSTI]

So I am moving forward with the swap but to cut down some of my cost I will be trying to sell my Long Block. I have receipts for all maintenance and I will be happy to provide receipts with purchase. The timing belt was done at 104,000 as were the spark plugs. The fan clutch, fan pulley, tensioner pulley, and serpentine belt were all done at 110,000. The engine has just under 114,000 and will be pulled in the next week or so. It burns no oil as long as I replace the PCV every 1,000 miles. I will also do an EGR for a buyer if they want. Obviously most members on here dont need an extra engine, or have room for one. But if you know of anyone or hear of anything please feel free to let them know. I am happy to let the buyer start the car, listen to is and drive it. I also have an oil analysis from my last oil change that I am happy to provide.

[vt_maverick]

^ Now that's what I call "going all in." Kudos and good luck! :thumbup:

[WRBSTI]

Well as I stated in the beginning it is time for someone to try to take this kit seriously and make it work for the average person. Also good news about the transmission, especially for anyone living above sea level. Our transmission isn't rated for the 320 HP or 310 Torque that the NorthStar makes. However at this altitude (5280) we lose about 20% on naturally aspirated motors. Therefore the NorthStar will be making 256HP and 248HP which is right at our transmission limit. So time will tell. I will keep all updated and I am looking forward to Moab.

[VXorado]

I will keep all updated and I am looking forward to Moab.

Sounds good. Moab will be a great way to share the project... test drives will do more than a million words... :)

[Chopper]

Chopper ... Friend-0-mine...there IS one...:smilewink

I see four coil packs on each valve cover...:drool:

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?t=21688

OP, welcome to the Fam, & good luck with your venture, I hope it's a stunning success!..:yes:

Who knows, I may be look'n someday.

THEN IT'S ON!!!
I'd love to see it....I don't get around here enough any more
I saw the 5sp conversion.....just what the Dr. ordered.
Wonderful to finally see something happen with these cars besides light bulb and tire swaps

[vt_maverick]

Wonderful to finally see something happen with these cars besides light bulb and tire swaps

Was just thinking the same thing the other day. I guess it's probably because these trucks have become cheap enough that folks have the $$$ required for major mods. Hard to justify swapping a perfectly functional engine (or transmission for that matter) when you've still got a $300-400 car payment on it.

Think about what we've got going right now... V8 swap, 5-speed swap, body-integrated spare tire carrier, tube bumpers, etc. Pretty cool...

[Robbomaz]

My advice would be option #2. The problem with option 1 is that you risk having to pay everyone back if you can't finish or have some sort of family emergency pop up. Option 3 is risky because folks on this board are infamous for saying their interested and then disappearing when it comes time to put up the cash (e.g. Robbomaz supercharger kit, my spare Borbets, Marlin's skid plates, etc). Option #2 is best, but I would recommend you credit folks' donations against the sales price.
YEAH! Well at least one guy from this forum bought one :bgwo:

[Robbomaz]

Was just thinking the same thing the other day. I guess it's probably because these trucks have become cheap enough that folks have the $$$ required for major mods. Hard to justify swapping a perfectly functional engine (or transmission for that matter) when you've still got a $300-400 car payment on it.

Think about what we've got going right now... V8 swap, 5-speed swap, body-integrated spare tire carrier, tube bumpers, etc. Pretty cool...
Cheap enough there maybe - I tracked down a local RHD VX a while ago - $27500!!!
Cheaper for me to buy one Stateside, ship it here and convert it to RHD!

[WRBSTI]

So as i find a way to make this swap work i stumbled across yet another project (just my luck). I found a 1999 Isuzu Trooper with 108,000 miles and a blown motor. Just so happens that I will have a nice 1999 Trooper with the 3.5. Does anyone know about the trooper market? It is a one owner car from Washington state with a clean title. It will have my VehiCROSS V6 transplanted in it.

[vt_maverick]

You can check out Edmunds for pricing, I was on there last night and I think they were quoting around 3-4K or less for 99 Troopers with 100K miles.

Is it a 5-speed? If so maybe you could check into the feasability of a V8, 5-speed swap?

[WRBSTI]

I wish it was a 5 speed, if so I would be doing the 5 speed with TOD and the NorthStar in the VehiCross. I am buying the trooper for $500 and i am debating whether to swap in my V6 and sell it, or part it out and try to sell the engine out of the VehiCROSS. Any ideas?

[SilverBullet75]

If you part it out, you can be our gauge as to what the market is like for Trooper parts... for those of us that want to go the route of buying a donor Trooper for the 5 speed swap.

:)

[VXorado]

I wish it was a 5 speed, if so I would be doing the 5 speed with TOD and the NorthStar in the VehiCross. I am buying the trooper for $500 and i am debating whether to swap in my V6 and sell it, or part it out and try to sell the engine out of the VehiCROSS. Any ideas?

Kurt with the salvage VX yesterday told me he was able to sell his VX engine for $1300 pretty easily. If you think you can get more than $2000 for the Trooper then the swap may be worth it. All depends on the condition of the Trooper & how much work you want to put into it.

[vt_maverick]

With the huge number of Troopers sold in the US I can't see there being much money in parting it out - people who need parts can probably go to a local yard and save themselves shipping.

I'd let it go...

[rwolf15241]

hows the project going ??

[sleveritt]

For those interested, I just posted a few interior pics of my latest completed projects, as always, work is on-going and slow, but the weather is better so I can spend more time in the garage without freezing my ying-yang off. The pics are on the Nuke VX build thread under the VX Talk section. Just laid down a red polyurethane bed/floor liner, painted interior roll bars, headliner, etc... Anyway, no trying to hijack the thread but I noticed a couple of people asked about it a few posts back. (Anybody know how to move it to the "Major Build Thread" section?)

[Triathlete]

pm Moncha and say pretty please :D

[VXorado]

(Anybody know how to move it to the "Major Build Thread" section?)

You would be the sole owner of the built thread :). It's a good idea since you're continuing progress.

[H3_VX]

If a 5.3 from an H3/Colorado will fit but may be too much power for the stock tranny, what about the 3.7 from an H3/Colorado. the 3.7 makes 242hp and 242 ft lbs of torque.

[VXorado]

If a 5.3 from an H3/Colorado will fit but may be too much power for the stock tranny, what about the 3.7 from an H3/Colorado. the 3.7 makes 242hp and 242 ft lbs of torque.

Too much work for little reward. Additionally, I can just add some stickers and a wing to the VX to get 20-30 more HP.

Now swapping the H3 295 HP/317 Torque 5.3L & transmission & 4:1 transfer case. Now that's a lot of work for a great reward :bwgy:.

[sleveritt]

That H3 swap would be best to find a salvaged one and just transplant the VX body on top of everything else! (I had the same thought with a Chevy Duramax single cab short bed with the Duramax Diesel and Allison transmission!):yesgray: Lots less work that way, though the frame rails may be right at the door sill:smilewink.

[Ldub]

I can just add some stickers and a wing to the VX to get 20-30 more HP.

Ain't it the truth...:yesgray:

My tire trailer had ZERO, count em...0 HP...:mbrasd:

After installation of the ultimate "ricer wing" & some stickers, my trailer is now up to nearly 34 HP...Thank You Billy May...:dance:

[VXorado]

Ain't it the truth...:yesgray:

My tire trailer had ZERO, count em...0 HP...:mbrasd:

After installation of the ultimate "ricer wing" & some stickers, my trailer is now up to nearly 34 HP...Thank You Billy May...:dance:

:laughing: That's what i'm talking about, that trailer should be able to push Suzy down the road.

What's the trailer for? Do you drive pavement on smaller tires?

[Ldub]

:laughing: That's what i'm talking about, that trailer should be able to push Suzy down the road.

What's the trailer for? Do you drive pavement on smaller tires?

Well...sort of...
I trailer my "big boy tires" to Moab, cutting out almost 3k mi per year off the tread wear schedule of some tires that they ain't exactly givin' away...:yesgray:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/DSC04323.JPG

Sorry 4 the T-J...:flower:

[H3_VX]

Too much work for little reward. Additionally, I can just add some stickers and a wing to the VX to get 20-30 more HP.

Now swapping the H3 295 HP/317 Torque 5.3L & transmission & 4:1 transfer case. Now that's a lot of work for a great reward :bwgy:.

I only recommended the 3.7 as an instant reliability improvement over any Isuzu engine. Plus a much cheaper option. I myself have no need for a 300hp engine (although it would be nice). :yeso:

[VXorado]

Well...sort of...
I trailer my "big boy tires" to Moab, cutting out almost 3k mi per year off the tread wear schedule of some tires that they ain't exactly givin' away...:yesgray:

Sorry 4 the T-J...:flower:

Makes sense. Although it looks like you need a lift & some bigger tires on that trailer :rotate:

+1 to the T-J


I only recommended the 3.7 as an instant reliability improvement over any Isuzu engine. Plus a much cheaper option. I myself have no need for a 300hp engine (although it would be nice). :yeso:

True but other than some oil consumption, my 3.5L has been reliable (the engine will now blow up tomorrow)

Knock on wood.

[pbkid]

True but other than some oil consumption, my 3.5L has been reliable (the engine will now blow up tomorrow)

Knock on wood.
careful what you say amigo, there generally is no warning.

[VXorado]

careful what you say amigo, there generally is no warning.

Jack, it's a VX
not an Amigo :)

[vt_maverick]

So any update from the OP (WRBSTI)?

[89Vette]

This is the exact feedback I was hoping for so thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.
NFPGASMASK- One of the unknowns of the swap is the longevity of the stock 4L30E transmission. Because I am wanting to keep awd and TOD I am going to see how it does with a brand new 4L30E. This way if it blows in 2,000 miles I will tell everyone that the transmission wont hold the power at all. Also if you are hammering it around every turn and from stoplight to stoplight the V8 will destroy the transmission far faster than the stock V6.

DutchKiwi- I had not looked into the PCM that you had mentioned but will be doing do once I click post. The 4.6 came with the GM PCM and we will be wiring that into the stock Isuzu PCM so we can get TOD and the power reduction during shift to work with the NorthStar.

my next hurdle will be finding out of the oil pan clears and of if not finding an oil pan that will.

Since a GM 4L60E is the automatic for C4 Corvettes, I googled "4L60E vx 4L30E". That's because the vette transmission handles the appropriate amount of torque and HP.

Interestingly enough, I found this quote from "Isuzu Jerry Lemond" on the topic...


would this be possible at all? same year tranny but 60E vs 30E

YES IT CAN AND WILL FOR THE MOST PART BOLT UP, BU T HEN THE FUN BEGINS, WITH THE WIRING , AN EASIER SWAP IS TO USE A 700 R4 FROM A CHEVY S 10 2.8 ENG , IT BOLTS RIGHT ON, AND CAN BE MODIFIED TO EASILY HOLD 350 HP , AND THE EASIEST PART THE CONVERTOR WILL BOLT RIGHT TO YOUR STOCK FLYWHEEL, AND THE ENG BOLTS RIGHT UP. TO THE TRANS CASE , A LITTLE WIRING FOR THE CONVERTOR CONTROL LOCKUP AND YOU WILL HAVE TO FAB UP A BRACKET TO OPERATE THE THE KICK DOWN CABLE SO THAT YOU CAN ADJUST THE UP SHIFT POINTS OF THE TRANS , ,
A 4L60 WILL ALL SO WORK AS LONG AS IT IS FOR THE 2.8 ENG THE 4L60 E IS A DIFF ANIMAL ALTOGETHER AS FAR AS CONTROL GOES ,
THE 700R4 AS GM ORIGINALLY BUILT IT WAS JUST LIKE THE TURBO 350 A REAL [PIECE OF CRAP , UN TILL THE AFTERMARKET GOT HOLD OF IT AND MADE IT WORK LIKE GM SHOULD HAVE OR COULD HAVE IN THE VERY BEGINING , AND NOW BOTH TRANS ARE AS GOOD AS THEY COME , THE 700/4L60 HAS A 3.06 FIRST GEAR AND A 30% OVERDRIVE , ABOUT AS GOOD AS IT GETS, ONE OF THE GUYS ON THIS BOARD ABOTU 5 YEARS AGO PUT THIS SAME SETUP IN HIS RODEO BUT USED A DANA TRANS FER CASE AND IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE TORSION BARS, BUT I THINK HE CORRECTED THAT WITH A SAS, BANSIL REMEMBER ANDRES OLD RODEO, WHEN WE HAD ALL THE TRANNY PARTS LAID OUT ON THE TABLE THERE AT URE MAKING ALL SORT S OF MEASUREMENTS AND IT ALL CAME TOGETHER

JERRY


Yeah...Jerry always types in caps.

[VXorado]

So any update from the OP (WRBSTI)?

I noticed the listing for his VX engine is gone from craigslist. Maybe he sold the engine & is working hard on the swap? I'm sure he'll chime in with some details soon enough.

[rwolf15241]

Any updates????

[imfraeglasgow]

Hey man I just bought my first vx and I am thinking the v8 swap as well. I'm gonna do the Northstar, but still haven't figured out which transmission to go with. What do you think is the best to get, I'm keeping it automatic, a turbo 400? And how much do you think everything else will cost, ie wiring, mounts, accessories.

[imfraeglasgow]

Well here it is, the official thread for a do it your self, shade tree mechanic, Joe the plumber V8 conversion kit. As all of you know when it comes to cars and modifications everyone has their own opinion. This thread welcomes all opinions but unless it is something that can be beneficial for the progress of the conversion please understand that I am not trying to prove anyone right or wrong, my only goal is to provide a V8 kit for the somewhat average person.

So here are the things that we have put together that we know will work and are waiting for us.

2006 XLR NorthStar V8-10,000 miles
Rebuilt 4L30E Transmission-Stock Transmission
All wiring has been worked out and will be relatively easy
Trying to make sure A/C will fit because this is a deal breaker if no A/C
Stock Gauge Recalibration for speedo and tach

So basically this is a work in progress so far but as it progresses I will be able to give you detailed pricing for the kit. This kit will be an engine kit that will mount the Aurora V8, NorthStar V8. We will also offer a mounting kit for use of the GM 5.3 V8 out of the H3. The problem with the 5.3 is the transmission and transfer case from the vehicross are not compatible and therefor TOD will no longer be riding shotgun. For this reason I will be focusing on the Aurora V8 and the NorthStar V8 due to the compatibility with our stock transmissions as well as the similar engine mounts and overall size.

As you can see this is not a complete kit and I am still awaiting the motor mounts. Once these are in my VX should be complete within a week or two. I will be taking a lot of pictures and making them into a manual for the kit. The kit will not include the engine but as most know the Aurora V8 can be found for less than 1,000 and a good Northstar can be found for not much more.

Any Questions, comments or concerns? I want the feedback from as many people as possible especially those who would be interested in the conversion.

Hey man I just bought my first vx and I am thinking the v8 swap as well. I'm gonna do the Northstar, but still haven't figured out which transmission to go with. What do you think is the best to get, I'm keeping it automatic, a turbo 400? Or the 4l30e? Do that and the northstar link up? And how much do you think everything else will cost, ie wiring, mounts, accessories.

[Riff Raff]

Hey man I just bought my first vx and I am thinking the v8 swap as well. I'm gonna do the Northstar, but still haven't figured out which transmission to go with. What do you think is the best to get, I'm keeping it automatic, a turbo 400? Or the 4l30e? Do that and the northstar link up? And how much do you think everything else will cost, ie wiring, mounts, accessories.



Here's a better idea with a lot less headaches. Just ship your VX to AutoPros in Aberdeen, MD and have it shipped back to you when complete. Done deal.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?threadid=22505

:bgwb:

[imfraeglasgow]

Here's a better idea with a lot less headaches. Just ship your VX to AutoPros in Aberdeen, MD and have it shipped back to you when complete. Done deal.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?threadid=22505

:bgwb:

No TOD though, it's possible to retain it with the northstar isnt it? And the shipping would just be too much for me.

[imfraeglasgow]

Here's a better idea with a lot less headaches. Just ship your VX to AutoPros in Aberdeen, MD and have it shipped back to you when complete. Done deal.

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?threadid=22505

:bgwb:

What about the ford 5.0? What would be the best transmission for that?

[SilverBullet75]

WRBSTI,
Any update? How's your swap going?

[Leon R]

I beleive that 5.3L LS4 (303hp/323 lbs*ft) from Impala SS, Monte Carlso SS, Grand Prix GXP and LaCrosse Super, should also fit. Is there a reason why I haven't seen anyone bring it up?

It is a shorter version of LS motor, meant for FWD application. But unlike the rest of LS engines it uses GM Metric bolt pattern and should bold up to the VX transmission.

[vt_maverick]

I think for folks looking at V8 swaps bolting up to the VX transmission isn't a factor since you'd be putting up to 100 lb-ft more torque on a transmission that's already known to implode under normal driving (in other words why keep it anyway?). The smaller size does it make attractive from a fit perspective though; seems like it would be much easier to keep A/C.

[Leon R]

As I mentioned in other threads, I do not believe that transmission is as much of a problem as people make it out to be. Look at it this way, a stock LS4 will make about the same power/torque as a supercharged 3.5 and they seem to be doing OK ;).

And if too much torque becomes a problem, there are other methods of dealing with this:

- transmission upgrades (Level 10 style)
- swap to a 5sp

Now, let me show why I am so hang up on this LS4 motor:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/08-09-IMPALA-ENGINE-5-3L-VIN-C-8TH-DIGIT-OPT-LS4-/160962494203?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item257a1cbefb&vxp=mtr

$875 for a used LS4 with 88k miles... And these guys happen to be 2 hours from me...

Some people can't find 3.5 engines that DOUBLE of this price!

More info on LS4 from Fiero guys (which have the same engine bolt pattern as we do):

http://www.fieroaddiction.com/LS4/index.html

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/113207.html

This is looking more and more promising! Though, starter is looking as one of the (common) problems.

[vt_maverick]

No update since exactly 1 year ago today... looking like we can add this to the long list threads where dreams met their end. :(

[Leon R]

Yes but... I know a few things about engine swaps...

This is my minivan with a Mitsu 4G63 engine swap:

<a href="http://s973.photobucket.com/albums/ae215/grndsm/?action=view&current=7493c042.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae215/grndsm/7493c042.mp4" border="0" alt="Photobucket Pictures, Images and Photos" /></a>

To date, it best 1/4 time is 12.0 ;)

Perhaps I can start my own LS4 engine swap thread?

[vt_maverick]

I'm not saying it's impossible for you or anyone else; just saying that it doesn't look good for the original poster's project.

[SilverBullet75]

I remember something from an Isuzu forum talking about the LS4 swap... something about the starter not having anywhere to mount?

Does the LS4 not have a mount on the engine?

[Leon R]

Valid point, silver bullet. Looking at Fiero guys photos, there are some bosses on the block sides. But definitely deserves more research!