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BADASS of New England
An automobile club for the enthusiast who enjoys the last of the big GM cars. The rear wheel drive B and D bodys. Chevrolet Impala SS, Caprice, 9C1, Buick Roadmaster, Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, Cadillac Fleetwood
Subject: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:52 pm
So the Impala WILL be on the road come spring, so I will need a new project to keep me busy...i was originally thinking 2wd pickup, but I want a real canyon carver...
Here are the musts: -must not be LS powered already (where is the fun in that) -must be relatively cheap to buy a shell in nice shape...say $2500 absolute max, preferably much cheaper, for a real clean shell -must be sporty looking -must handle like it's on rails. -Rwd, as if it needs to be mentioned
Let's face it, the impala will be sweet, but it won't be agile and I'm gonna want a toy for the windy roads out here. Honestly i just want another fun project. I enjoy the build more than the driving.
Currently feeling an 89-94 240SX as a prime candidate, but not really sold on the popup headlights, so I would want a Silvia front end, but that kind of blows the budget...
Also, car must not be of the Miata size...I'm a giant, most cars are uncomfortable to me and I can deal with that, but let's not be ridiculous here.
Doug
toomanytoyz Club President
Posts : 6876 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 47 Location : East Hampstead, NH USA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 10:25 pm
Miata.
96Brougham
Posts : 819 Join date : 2009-02-02 Age : 36 Location : Easton MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 10:35 pm
I second the 240sx.. Miatas are too small. My buddy just sold an rx-7 roller for like 400 bucks.. Cheaper is better!
boojum
Posts : 2182 Join date : 2009-01-21 Age : 36 Location : NH
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 10:57 pm
'35 Chevy
1984twodoor
Posts : 4068 Join date : 2010-03-30 Age : 30 Location : Wilmington/Wakefield/Andover
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:07 pm
boojum wrote:
'35 Chevy
I remember that car in Hotrod and I agree! Do something custom like that instead of a normal people car!
Matt Trakker
Posts : 5093 Join date : 2009-07-30 Age : 42 Location : Reading, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:15 pm
I like these 240s but seems like people want way too much for them now.
Maybe an E30 BMW, with a big cowl induction hood? haha
Matt Trakker
Posts : 5093 Join date : 2009-07-30 Age : 42 Location : Reading, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:25 pm
Posts : 5093 Join date : 2009-07-30 Age : 42 Location : Reading, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Mon Dec 12, 2011 11:42 pm
I dunno. Worst he can say is no I guess...
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:55 am
How about a early c-4 corvette? They handle great, and can be bought cheap. http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2722663655.html
bowtiepimp
Posts : 1568 Join date : 2010-06-19 Age : 38 Location : working a corner near you
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:51 am
The nissan is a good candidate , but the drivers have a following in the state much like the subaru kidz.
... how about something unique and unexpected......
http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2748184837.html
BMW in pic. not the car for sale. just a random one to show body style
No Moa
Posts : 3893 Join date : 2009-02-21 Age : 51 Location : Midcoast Maine
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:30 am
96slowss
Posts : 855 Join date : 2010-06-09 Age : 35 Location : Halifax,MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:34 am
Fox body mustang ls/t56 swap.
Pooge
Posts : 1700 Join date : 2009-03-24
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:35 am
toomanytoyz wrote:
Miata.
Learn to read!
96Brougham wrote:
I second the 240sx.. Miatas are too small. My buddy just sold an rx-7 roller for like 400 bucks.. Cheaper is better!
Love the RX7 for it's motor, but the looks do nothing for me.
boojum wrote:
'35 Chevy
Too much custom blows the budget
Matt Trakker wrote:
I like these 240s but seems like people want way too much for them now.
Maybe an E30 BMW, with a big cowl induction hood? haha
The newer 240 does NOTHING for me, it would have to be the S13 style with a hatch...
I did not consider the E30...not a bad idea. They handle decent, not too bad to look at...I just don't know if it is sporty enough...
IMPALADAKID wrote:
How about a early c-4 corvette? They handle great, and can be bought cheap. http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2722663655.html
Now this is a great idea! A little too "Me Too" for my liking, but a nice C4 looks pretty clean with C5 Z06 wheels and it should handle well...so I am gonna save that one in my spank bank.
bowtiepimp wrote:
The nissan is a good candidate , but the drivers have a following in the state much like the subaru kidz.
... how about something unique and unexpected......
BMW in pic. not the car for sale. just a random one to show body style
Not a bad idea if your in love with the car, but it is not sporty enough for me...
toomanytoyz Club President
Posts : 6876 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 47 Location : East Hampstead, NH USA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 10:29 am
I knoww miatas are small, but they are actually pretty roomy when you get in it. Have you ever sat in one? (or tried to? )
95brmw
Posts : 1434 Join date : 2009-11-10 Age : 39 Location : Connecticut
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 12:50 pm
No Moa
Posts : 3893 Join date : 2009-02-21 Age : 51 Location : Midcoast Maine
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 12:52 pm
Those 240s are fugly!
Matt Trakker
Posts : 5093 Join date : 2009-07-30 Age : 42 Location : Reading, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:06 pm
^LOL
Doug have you ever ridden in or driven an E30? If not I'd definitely check a couple out on CL or something, they are a blast. Would be a cool sleeper to piss off BMW purists, hahaha.
There is a guy I've seen at NED with a tubbed out E30 with a blown Chevy engine in it!
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:35 pm
bowtiepimp wrote:
The nissan is a good candidate , but the drivers have a following in the state much like the subaru kidz.
... how about something unique and unexpected......
http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2748184837.html
BMW in pic. not the car for sale. just a random one to show body style
A BMW 2002 wouldn't fit it without MASSIVE hammers taken to it... you'd need a lift off front clip. You can barely fit the 2.3L 16v I4 in those things.
now a BMW E30... now you're talking. You can fit up to the BMW V12 into that thing
if you're interested in doing it, let me know. an LSX slides right in. I have friends with the BMW V8 in them, and that's a much larger motor because of the DOHC.
I actually did the last revision for the E30 Bentley manual. I know them well.
LS swap E30s are becoming more common place: http://jalopnik.com/bmw-e30-ls1/
they're great handling cars and I think the LS1 is actually about the same weight as the M20B25 that came in the 325i models
If you need more eye candy, please take a look at my absolutely MASSIVE thread at VWVortex: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1024875-The-you-need-an-E30-thread
Some say this thread is responsible for the recent value appreciation of these cars. I bought mine, made this thread and then sold mine later with nothing else done to it for $2000 more than I paid
sdstick
Posts : 4292 Join date : 2009-03-20 Location : Revere, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:52 pm
Watching that stuff on wet roads makes me nervous. Snow, not so much. That last high speed pass sounds REAL good.
Pooge
Posts : 1700 Join date : 2009-03-24
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:53 pm
96slowss wrote:
Fox body mustang ls/t56 swap.
I love the looks of the Fox body coupes, but again, its too much of a "Me too" car. I like Impalas because they are relatively rare and different, you know?
Doug
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:53 pm
my E30 with an LSD in it was one of the best handling wet and snow cars I ever owned when you put snow tires on it... and I've owned an S6 and a WRX...
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:57 pm
here's a prime candidate: http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/cto/2742284148.html BMW 635CSi 'needs work' $1500
or this: http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/cto/2742636319.html BMW L6 (everything covered in leather, including the dash and headliner) $1550
probably one of the best looking coupes out of Germany
V8Killer
Posts : 1691 Join date : 2009-03-12 Age : 52 Location : Southern, NH
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:58 pm
My friend John's latest Frankenstien: 74 Datsun LS1, Turbo 400, 9" Ford rear axle
Pooge
Posts : 1700 Join date : 2009-03-24
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 2:59 pm
Matt Trakker wrote:
^LOL
Doug have you ever ridden in or driven an E30? If not I'd definitely check a couple out on CL or something, they are a blast. Would be a cool sleeper to piss off BMW purists, hahaha.
I have when I was like 16, a friends rich grandparents had one, but I don't remember it.
Your idea got me thinking, I dont care for that giant rear side window on the E30...but the E36 is pure sex to me...I may look into that a little..
Doug
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 3:03 pm
my friend Josh has an LS1 powered Porsche 944... there's that...
Cadet57
Posts : 4481 Join date : 2010-03-14 Age : 36 Location : Chicopee, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 3:26 pm
95brmw wrote:
Since when is Doug a coke dealer?
If he's going that route, better get him a new phone too:
V8Killer
Posts : 1691 Join date : 2009-03-12 Age : 52 Location : Southern, NH
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 3:57 pm
Cadet57 wrote:
95brmw wrote:
Since when is Doug a coke dealer?
If he's going that route, better get him a new phone too:
Since when do coke dealers drive Fiero's? They must really suck at it
Maybe this kind of coke dealer?????
Cadet57
Posts : 4481 Join date : 2010-03-14 Age : 36 Location : Chicopee, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 4:00 pm
V8Killer wrote:
Since when do coke dealers drive Fiero's? They must really suck at it
https://youtu.be/5fkWjsp2wkY
Pooge
Posts : 1700 Join date : 2009-03-24
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:46 pm
So, it look like I can pick up an E36 for pretty cheap money...Been researching a bit tonight, the swap parts are a bit more expensive, but I would say it does not look like a more complicated swap than the Impala was... Really starting to lean toward the E36...
Can be had cheap: http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2744096502.html http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2725197618.html
Hell if this swap goes well, I might need to do one for the wife...she loves the looks of the E46....it's her dream car... http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2738982077.html
I do however have a friend of a friend who might have a 95ish 240sx (Newer body that Im not wild about) for under a grand...so who knows..
Cadet57 wrote:
95brmw wrote:
Since when is Doug a coke dealer?
If he's going that route, better get him a new phone too:
I totally LOLed at that...
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:47 pm
E36s rot like a bastard.
Pooge
Posts : 1700 Join date : 2009-03-24
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:50 pm
chapel wrote:
E36s rot like a bastard.
well that's not good! How about the E46?
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:55 pm
rear subframe pulls out from the floorpan. http://www.turnermotorsport.com/t-gallery-e46-subframe.aspx E36s do that too.
Some E36s are better than others for rot. 92-95s seem to be the worst though. just be wary of dirt cheap E36s.
E30s can get weak as they age, but their reinforcement kits are only $20-30 http://www.turnermotorsport.com/c-87-bmw-reinforcement-kits.aspx
We had a run on E46s for a time there with failed floorpans.
96Brougham
Posts : 819 Join date : 2009-02-02 Age : 36 Location : Easton MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:18 pm
since youre talkinjg bmws.. they now have a kit available to do an Lsx swap in an e39. gotta start off with a 540i, they dont make them for I6 cars like i have(528i), yet. i love my e39. very roomy, handles great. just picture an lsx swapped 540i taking down m5s. for WAY cheaper too
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:48 pm
you'd be hard pressed to find a cheap enough E39 540i to do the swap though.
an E34, maybe... if it had a cooked Nikasil M60 in it, that's doable (the early V8s liked to blow their blocks apart because the US fuel wasn't compatible with the nickel impregnated cylinder bores... most were replaced under warranty with an Alusil engine)
you know what you could find cheap? 840i
they're a bit heavy though.
a bit more keyed to luxury touring than sport... but I will say this: I've NEVER seen it done
1984twodoor
Posts : 4068 Join date : 2010-03-30 Age : 30 Location : Wilmington/Wakefield/Andover
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 6:52 pm
toomanytoyz wrote:
I knoww miatas are small, but they are actually pretty roomy when you get in it. Have you ever sat in one? (or tried to? )
They are actually pretty damn roomy and an LS would fit in decently well.
Fishah
Posts : 1118 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 36 Location : Chicago, IL
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:01 pm
chapel wrote:
you'd be hard pressed to find a cheap enough E39 540i to do the swap though.
an E34, maybe... if it had a cooked Nikasil M60 in it, that's doable (the early V8s liked to blow their blocks apart because the US fuel wasn't compatible with the nickel impregnated cylinder bores... most were replaced under warranty with an Alusil engine)
you know what you could find cheap? 840i
they're a bit heavy though.
a bit more keyed to luxury touring than sport... but I will say this: I've NEVER seen it done
Where are you finding these cheap? The 8-Series is one of my top 5 favorite cars of ALL time. I think it's absolutely GORGEOUS.
If I could find an 850CI for a decent price, I'd be all over it.
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:11 pm
840s are sometimes difficult to find, but I have seen 840s with blown motors for well under $8000.
you have to look hard and sometimes travel, but they're out there
Though I wouldn't consider them to be a cheap starting point... just an exotic one.
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:12 pm
To hell with all the foreign crap. Try some all American steel. http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2732243359.html or http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2751094661.html or http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/2745911589.html
Cadet57
Posts : 4481 Join date : 2010-03-14 Age : 36 Location : Chicopee, MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:14 pm
I got it!
toomanytoyz Club President
Posts : 6876 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 47 Location : East Hampstead, NH USA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:21 pm
I REALLY like the E30 idea.
96Brougham
Posts : 819 Join date : 2009-02-02 Age : 36 Location : Easton MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:46 pm
toomanytoyz wrote:
I REALLY like the E30 idea.
X2. I'm determined to find a clean 325ix before next winter.
chapel
Posts : 836 Join date : 2011-01-28 Age : 42 Location : Salem MA
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:53 pm
96Brougham wrote:
toomanytoyz wrote:
I REALLY like the E30 idea.
X2. I'm determined to find a clean 325ix before next winter.
iXs are a headache. They use different front suspension, different offset wheels, an iffy AWD system. They're not bad, but they're not as good as the standard 2WD versions.
The front driveshaft actually passes through the oil pan.
Parts are expensive too. The front suspension geometry is totally different too. There's very little caster. regular E30s suspension is laid WAY back. You couple that with the offset front control arm bushings and aluminum or tubular control arms and an E30 is an amazing handling car
I prefer the E30 rear suspension over the E36 Z-arms... the Z3s are the best of both worlds. The E36 front suspension with the E30 rear.
Pooge
Posts : 1700 Join date : 2009-03-24
Subject: Re: My next LS swap... Tue Dec 13, 2011 9:40 pm