Engine Swaps

[azskyrider]

So we have VX922 with the LT1 and The COACH with the LS1. Has anyone else swaped their engine with another non -V8? I know CC's are hard to beat for performance but just wondering if anyone else has thought of alternative methods to a future blown engine situation.

BTW how are those LT1 and LS1 swaps going?

[Spy Hunter]

I know there's been talk of a swap with the new Axiom/Rodeo engine. I can't remember if we resolved whether or not it would drop in....

[SPAZZ]

I'd like to drop one of those 2004 Axiom Direct Injection engines in my VX.........but if it wouldn't improve gas mileage as much as it is suposed to...then I would rather just drop an 8 in and get the power to gas mileage more acceptable

[VX922]

I have altered my plan for some time already. I am putting in LS1 rather than LT1, major reason is the weight. Engine is out of a 97 Corvette. I will have automatic tranny that most likely will need regearing. I am still disputing TOD reuse. I am not the biggest fan of TOD in it's present form. However TOD is a VX's stigma and it can be altered to my liking. My aproach to the project is a bit different than Randy's since my VX is not being driven for some time and I'd like to upgrade other parts of the car, say lockers etc.
My wrenching will start probbably in April after I will upgrade my LS1 to my liking.
I also might try to play with old 6VE1 and see what improvements might be done to it.
VX922

[coachreed]

My conversion is coming along a little slower than it started... mainly because of a little fall I took down the stairs that tore a couple ligaments in my left knee... I spent TWO weeks just laying waiting to find out what they wanted to do... now I have 4-6 weeks of physical therapy to look forward to.

I have my transmission-transfercase adaptor plate and parts coming sometime next week. If you haven't seen the CAD drawings of the adaptor yet, check out my gallery... I have a couple pictures of it. Eric at Novak Conversions has been a great help and I am thankful for that. Of course, there is still question of whether or not the front output is going to clear the tranny oil pan... but I'm gonna find out for sure. The offset of the front output is very close to the offset of a Dana 300 T-case and Novak has them clearing 4L60E transmissions no problem. So I am confident we will get that done.

Realistically, I am going to say it will be at least 3-4 weeks before I will get to wrench again. That should get my at least halfway through PT... hopefully it goes smoothly. I'll keep y'all informed.

TTYL!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am) ;)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/406banner.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/ironmanvx2000)
Undergoing LS1 Coversion as we speak!
Click Image to Visit My Website!

[erslincoln]

There's some talk about GM 3.8 Series II (L36) (http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/gmpow/l36.htm), Aurora 4.0 (L47) (http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/gmpow/l47.htm), and Northstar (L37) (http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/northstar/apps/index.htm) swaps.

I ran across it here (http://myweb.cableone.net/bcanderson/trooper/Aurora%20Swap%20Info.html).

Then I got to thinking, what about a whole front cut from a GTP, SSEI, or a Regal GS? The L67 (http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/gmpow/l67.htm) model, supercharged, 3.8 Series II.

I dunno if it's doable, but it is supposed to be able to retain the stock transmission, with the exception of swapping out bellhousings from a '91 Rodeo.

If that's the case, any of those motors is a lot easier to find parts for and replace cheaply than a 6VE1.

Just my 2 cents.

[VX922]

erslincoln
good writeup, good alternatives, I think that 5,7L is the "go further" option:)
VX922

[erslincoln]

Oh, without a doubt. I spent 2 1/2 hours on AIM last night with coachreed, talking about all sorts of stuff. He said, in as many words, that he's going to try as best he can to make the swap duplicable as easily as possible.

Part numbers, contact info for the 4L60-E to VX t-case adapter, things like that.

Believe me, since I'm only getting 13mpg in town anyway, I might as well be getting 11 with more than twice the available power and torque, and the real easy availability of parts.

If you want to see something sickening, do a search on ebay for LS1, and do another on 6VE1. That right there is a big reason to go Chevy.

My Trooper will be the last thing I buy that is as rare as it is, parts-wise.

BTW - to anyone reading this, I dont' mean to squat on the VX board. It's just that we Isuzu owners really need to stick together, because there's not a whole lot of options for us out there. Besides, I'd have a VX if my wife hadn't insisted on the additional two doors.... :(

[coachreed]

Originally posted by erslincoln
Believe me, since I'm only getting 13mpg in town anyway, I might as well be getting 11 with more than twice the available power and torque, and the real easy availability of parts.

It was great chatting with you last night... I didn't realize just how long we had been talking until I read this thread. Anyway... kewl... as for your mileage comment... I personally fully expect to get better gas mileage than I did from the 3.5L... maybe not DRASTICALLY better, but better nonetheless... with the abundence of torque on tap with the LS1, I can see the tranny not jumping down as much and just torqueing its way along... torque makes efficiency... look at the efficiency of a deisel... I think thats something you can relate to.

TTYL!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am) ;)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/406banner.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/ironmanvx2000)
Undergoing LS1 Conversion as we speak!
Click Image to Visit My Website!

[VX922]

I would not be surprised if 5.7 returns even better mileage than 3.5 providing optimized gear ratio and engine tuning. I get about 24 highway mpg out of my L98 which is heavily modified. L98 is about 3200# with lower Cv than VX but LS1 is newer technology.

[erslincoln]

That's what was killing me when I started looking up specs on the LS6. An engine making those numbers in a Camaro gets 28mpg on the highway? That's sad, considering the statistics.

It sounds like the perfect motor to me. Well, as perfect as is remotely affordable.

[azskyrider]

How about those V6 infinity motors? They are pumping 280HP and get reasonable mileage. I wish I could buy a VX with no engine... Coach? ;)

[VX_PA]

Originally posted by azskyrider
I wish I could buy a VX with no engine... Coach? ;)

Too bad you weren't around in November 2003, I would have sold you mine for under $10K. Instead I put a new 3.5 in it.

[coachreed]

Originally posted by azskyrider
How about those V6 infinity motors? They are pumping 280HP and get reasonable mileage. I wish I could buy a VX with no engine... Coach? ;)

Sorry... my VX HAS an engine! Just isn't bolted in yet. Now... if you want what could be a totally SMOKIN deal on a VX to put a motor into... check the following link...

http://www.kimmotor.com/detail.asp?category=Trucks+%26+SUVs&subcategory=Isuzu&Stock=1894

I sent email to them and got the following reply...



Motor spins. Does not start. Water line was below the dash. Thanks,Kim
___________________________
KIM MOTOR COMPANY, Inc.
Phone : 804.732.8019
Phone & Fax : (804)732-8001
Email : KimMotors@msn.com
Website: www.KimMotor.com
Address: 948 East Wythe Street
Petersburg, VA 23803


If I had $6000 I'd buy it in a heartbeat... then I'd FIRST change ALL fluids and filters... motor, tranny and axles... then I'd change the computer... if THAT didn't dot he job, I'd just swap an LS1 into it! ;Db; ;pb;

Anyone wanna loan me $6000?! Lemme know!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am) ;)
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/406banner.jpg (http://www.geocities.com/ironmanvx2000)
Undergoing LS1 Conversion as we speak!
Click Image to Visit My Website!