Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
#1
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Car: '00 LR D2 (my DD), '76 Formula
Engine: 350
Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
Looking at buying an '89 Formula. I'm a nerd and would like to make it a Knight Rider replica, but would first like to drop an LS7 into it.
So, the question: Has anyone dropped an LS7 into their car yet? I was thinking of doing an LS7/4L60E, but didn't know what type of rear diff gearing to go with. I know I'll have to change damn near everything axle and suspension-wise... any suggestions? Thanks
So, the question: Has anyone dropped an LS7 into their car yet? I was thinking of doing an LS7/4L60E, but didn't know what type of rear diff gearing to go with. I know I'll have to change damn near everything axle and suspension-wise... any suggestions? Thanks
#2
Re: Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
Same exact deal as installing an LS1 or an LS2, exterior dimensions and mounts are the same. However if you're going to use a 4l60e i would bulk it up severely since they don't handle much more than 350hp for any length of time.
12 bolt rear would also be mandatory for something like this.
Now as far as my opinion, I would not get an LS7 for this. You're talking a 10-15k engine in a 5-10k car. There are cheaper ways to make the kind of power you want. But if that's really what you want to do, go for it.
12 bolt rear would also be mandatory for something like this.
Now as far as my opinion, I would not get an LS7 for this. You're talking a 10-15k engine in a 5-10k car. There are cheaper ways to make the kind of power you want. But if that's really what you want to do, go for it.
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Car: 82 Trans Am
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Re: Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
Don't think anyone has done it but it wouldn't be too hard, just plumbing the dry sump.. as mentioned above though you can get more for less. Depends on the goals, if you plan on rebuilding everything then it may be worth it.. IMO an LS7 deserves a completely rebuilt/fresh car as a platform.
When I first did my LTx swap I replaced everything.. all told it was in the range of 10-15k after all was done.. everthing that rotated was replaced. Now another 5k into my new rebuild and counting.
I would put a six speed behind it with a 12bolt and 4.10 gear.
What is the total end goal for the car?
When I first did my LTx swap I replaced everything.. all told it was in the range of 10-15k after all was done.. everthing that rotated was replaced. Now another 5k into my new rebuild and counting.
I would put a six speed behind it with a 12bolt and 4.10 gear.
What is the total end goal for the car?
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Car: '00 LR D2 (my DD), '76 Formula
Engine: 350
Re: Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
My overall plan is to build a really sweet Knight Rider Replica that is super-unique (and will hopefully sell for a good deal of cash if need be). So, my plan would be to:
-Take the body off to be media blasted/painted
-Media blast/powdercoat the frame
-Build the new frame with new engine mounts/x-members/axles/suspension/427/tranny etc (including new tubular A arms, etc)
-Remount body
-Complete Knight Rider replica
It will definitely be a slow-moving project as I don't have $40K to just drop on it. I'd love to have a 6spd manual, but it doesn't fit with the whole Knight Rider replica template. Are there any automatic trannys that can hold up to a 505hp engine? I may have to get a different LSx engine.
-Take the body off to be media blasted/painted
-Media blast/powdercoat the frame
-Build the new frame with new engine mounts/x-members/axles/suspension/427/tranny etc (including new tubular A arms, etc)
-Remount body
-Complete Knight Rider replica
It will definitely be a slow-moving project as I don't have $40K to just drop on it. I'd love to have a 6spd manual, but it doesn't fit with the whole Knight Rider replica template. Are there any automatic trannys that can hold up to a 505hp engine? I may have to get a different LSx engine.
#5
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Re: Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
(and will hopefully sell for a good deal of cash if need be).
#6
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Re: Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
Agree with above..
I built my car with the intention of never selling it since getting the money back is an iffy proposition.
You can get a 4l60e that will hold up.
I built my car with the intention of never selling it since getting the money back is an iffy proposition.
You can get a 4l60e that will hold up.
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Car: 1991 RS
Engine: LS1
Transmission: T56
Re: Newbie Question: LS7 Anyone?
If you look underneath you will be able to see the "Frame" rails that are welded to the bottom of the body.
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