Our engine is finished, so now it’s time to install it. But we won’t be tackling that part alone. Instead, we towed the car up to LOJ Conversions in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey.
Who is LOJ Conversions? They’re a parts company, headed up by Stephen Dorrick, with a single mission: Install Chevy LS engines into Nissans. They offer a range of kits for the 240SX, 300ZX, 350Z, and their Infiniti equivalents. Each car’s kit comes in four flavors: Basic, Intermediate, Master and Ultimate. What’s the difference? The company’s website sums it up well on the product page for the 350Z kits:
BASIC - The basic kits get you just what you need to get the engine into the car. These typically consist of Motor Mounts, Trans Mounts, Oil Pans, Driveshafts, Heater Core Outlets (When Necessary), Trans Adapters (When Needed) and Short Shift Linkages (Depending on Trans). These kits are aimed at the do-it yourself kind of guy who is interested in figuring out their own exhaust, wiring, accessory drives, oil filter relocation, and other odds and ends.
INTERMEDIATE - The intermediate kits add on a few more features to the basic kits to make the installation more plug and play. The intermediate kits typically add an accessory drive package, fuel system solution, oil filter relocation kits, and a few other components. These kits are aimed at the do-it-yourself guys who want to save time by taking the guesswork out of many aspects of a swap. There will still need to be some work done to figure out the exhaust system, cooling system, and wiring, but the bulk of the guesswork is done here.
MASTER - The master kits include every component in the intermediate kits, but also add harmonic balancers, water pumps, wiring, ECUs, sensors and headers. These kits are aimed at the customer who wants all of the guesswork removed. They just want to buy an LSx Gen 3 or 4 engine and drop it in. The only aspect not covered in the master kits is the radiator, fans, and air intake.
ULTIMATE - The ultimate kits are the most comprehensive kits offered by LOJ. These kits include every component in the master kits, but also add a custom radiator, fans, and cold air intake components. The radiator is made by C&R Racing and is specifically designed and sized properly for an LS engine in a 350Z. This is simply the most comprehensive swap kit offered for the 350Z. You can even add an LS3 Crate Engine to this kit making it a true 1-stop shop for your LS-Z32 conversion.
How much does all of this cost? The Basic kits start at $1599.95, while the Ultimate kits are about $8500 depending on what transmission you use.
We decided to go with the Ultimate swap kit for our 350Z, and the reason is simple: We couldn’t replicate it for the $8499.95 price tag. LOJ’s Ultimate kits come with everything. And that doesn’t mean they come with most of the major stuff. Let’s put it this way: If we were dropped onto a desert island with basic hand tools, a Chevy LS1, a stock 350Z and an LOJ Conversions swap kit, we’d be able to build a fully-sorted LS-powered street car in just a few days. Even the factory automatic air-conditioning will work, though that adds $375 to the kit’s cost. We checked that box since we live in Florida.
LOJ Conversions can also complete the swap for you, with prices for that service starting at $3900. We elected for a slightly more masochistic option: Join the owner and his staff in the shop for a week-long marathon of swapping, starting with a running, driving car, then hopefully ending with one too. We’ll be learning how to swap a 350Z from the best, and hopefully end up with more than 200 extra horsepower under the hood.
You can learn more about LOJ Conversions at their website or by calling the shop at 844-LOJ-KITS (844-565-5487).
Very impressive and complete kits! Looks like they have thought of darn near everything.
What are you doing with the R200 differential? Which LSD type are you going with; helical gear or clutch type?
I would have to presume that an upgrade to at least the factory 350Z Brembo brakes from the Track model would be in order or maybe an aftermarket setup like a Wilwood kit from Todd @ TCE Performance is needed depending on the anticipated use on the street and/or track.
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