I has LS1....now what?

I still have fond memories of my CTS-V, except for the mpg, tire & brake cost. I'd like to recreate a (much lighter) mini CTS-V.

My fabrication skills are pitiful, so a kit is a must. This will be a DD, so I'd like the practicality of a sedan. All signs seem to point to either E36 or Volvo. An RX8 would be ideal, but it looks like more fabrication than I'm comfortable with.

What other cars am I overlooking?

Catera.

Catera?

edit: Beat me to it.

I don't think there's a kit to do it in a Catera.

In reply to Swank Force One:

There's actually GM parts floating around to make the Catera an LS. You have to remember it's really just a slightly smaller proto-GTO. Even uses a lot of the same stampings and parts.

Lordie, that was quick. Moar!

Exocet, Corvette, that Catfish kit car?

Alternatively, get a fox Mustang swap kit and a Granada...

Swank Force One wrote: I don't think there's a kit to do it in a Catera.

While not in an orderable "kit" form, there is surely a list of everything you would need on ls1tech or caddilac forums from those who have done the conversion. It is supposedly pretty easy, as that body style commadore had the v8 engine in it overseas.

my truck!

Javelin wrote: In reply to Swank Force One: There's actually GM parts floating around to make the Catera an LS. You have to remember it's really just a slightly smaller proto-GTO. Even uses a lot of the same stampings and parts.

This much i knew...

I also remember reading up on this and finding that it wasn't necessarily the easiest thing in the world to get everything you need to get the motor in the Catera.

If it were really that easy, there'd be a hell of a lot more of them than there are.

Just to be clear: I APPROVE of the swap mightily, but i really don't think it's what the OP is looking for.

In reply to Swank Force One:

I honestly think the relative rarity of LS1-swapped Catera's has to do with that there's A: Not many Cateras, 2. the GTO, CTS-V, and Pontiac G8 all exist, and III. Cateras are still kinda pricey and/or don't have motors that go boom (RX8). They are definitely out there though.

I considered an FB RX7 for ease of chasis finding/swap, though I think it would be tough to get Mrs. Calteg onboard with it as a DD

Are we talking about the same Catera? The one that nobody liked, is easily available everywhere for $3k or less, and blows motors left and right?

Or were you making a joke? If so, then yes, i'm laughing.

In reply to calteg:

That and you don't want to do it. I'm a big fan (and a former owner of) both FB and FC RX-7's, and the LS1 is just too much motor for an FB. You will have to upgrade the suspension, rear axle, brakes, and steering, and at that point all you really have is that wedge body. The FC makes a far better starting point for that kind of a power increase.

BMW E36:

http://www.vorshlag.com/index.php?cPath=1_4_63

Porsche 944:

http://www.texasperformanceconcepts.com/

Catera sounds interesting as well:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/lsx-swap-catera/26074/page1/

In reply to Swank Force One:

Compared to the hundreds of Miatas or RX7's out there ready for a swap or an RX8 for $3K... It's all about relative markets man. And the motors really don't go boom all that often, partially because they aren't driven like an RX8 or a Miata...

Javelin wrote: In reply to Swank Force One: Compared to the hundreds of Miatas or RX7's out there ready for a swap or an RX8 for $3K... It's all about relative markets man. And the motors really don't go boom all that often, partially because they aren't driven like an RX8 or a Miata...

It's not, though....

There are currently more Cateras for under $4k available in my area than there are Miatas.

Only ONE of them is over $2500. The majority under $2000. 7 out of the 9 are not in running and driving condition, 2 are advertised as having a blown motor, one as having a bad transmission, and 2 others say the car runs, but has all signs of a blown head gaskets. (Something these cars are famous for.)

Even the link that Turboswede posted to another thread on this very forum pretty much say that they're gigantic piles of E36 M3 just waiting for a new motor that doesn't blow up.

That all said... if OP is down with searching Australia for parts, then i'm 110% FOR an LS1 Catera swap, because i've wanted one for a long time. A donor car worth a E36 M3 certainly seems to be cheaper than a Miata worth a E36 M3. (And i have a fundamental problem with LS1 miatas anyways. FCs are fair game)

My ranking that nobody cares about:

1) LS1 Catera
2) LS1 E36
3) LS1 FC
4) Root canal
5) LS1 Miata

Nevermind the fact that a "cheap" LS1 miata will still cost $25,000. E36 seems to be the winner

In reply to calteg:

E36 over a Granada? Conformist!

LS1 C4. I know of one that would be a great candidate and the owner is motivated to sell!

yeah do a luxury car, more comfort for DD

calteg wrote: Nevermind the fact that a "cheap" LS1 miata will still cost $25,000. E36 seems to be the winner

That's for a turnkey car, paying for labor, etc.

a DIY piece is less than that. Use their configurator and you'll see the price can be quite a bit less if you keep it simple. You can upgrade later as you find areas you'd like to improve.

How hard is the LS swap into an Lincoln LS? I always thought those were decent looking cars.

dyintorace wrote: How hard is the LS swap into an Lincoln LS? I always thought those were decent looking cars.

http://www.lsxtv.com/news/swap-insanity-ls1-powered-lincoln-ls/