VehiCROSS V8 Conversion Kit

[rwolf15241]

Any updates????

[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/sho...threadid=22505

[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/sho...threadid=22505

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/sho...threadid=22505

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...1cbefb&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!