Lost in a world of swaps...

[raen419]

Originally Posted by bbejj123

^^^ the lsx engine itself is not lighter than the ka engine but the whole setup which is what is usually meant because when u swap an engine u dont just swap engines u swap the rest of the drive train as well

I'm well aware of that.
But I'd like to know how Hinson Supercars got 470lbs for a LS1/T-56 combo when the stock motor weighs 490lbs according to GM, and weighs in at 450-503lbs elsewhere. Was Hinson's LS1 fully dressed, or was it just a long block? And how can the T-56 weigh only 20lbs or less? It can't.

I'm not arguing that the ENTIRE SWAP is lighter (as I don't doubt that it could be), but I'd like to know if anyone has concrete numbers....which no one has produced. Hinson's numbers haven't been backed up w/ actual pics on a scale have they? If so, I'd like to see them, b/c I searched their site and came up w/ nothing. I also fail to understand why Hinson compared a KA w/ A/T to a LS1/T-56. I realize thats what their first S14 came with, but if you want an accurate comparison, do KA/MT : LS1/MT, not KA/AT : LS1/MT.

[gregfarz78]

Where did hinsen get their numbers from the LS1 engine alone is about 460lbs with all the trimmings thats not including the monster T56 trans.



KA is about 370lbs 240SX KA24DE Engine Weight: KA24ET / KA24DET Forum: Nissan Forums / Infiniti Forums - NICOclub

[S14DB]

Originally Posted by MunsonAuto

A little more in-depth if you care:
As far as the weight dispute goes, the complete LS1 w/T56 tranny IS LIGHTER!!! than a stock KA w/ auto tranny. According to Hinson supercars, the stock 240 KA w/ auto tranny and all accessories comes out to be 596lbs; also according to Hinson, the stock LS1 w/T56 and all accessories weighs in at 470lbs. That is a clear 126lbs lighter! Now, say, just for sh*ts and giggles you go for a budget build and run a 5.3l or a 6.0l LSx based engine (iron block and aluminum heads, generaly out of a silverado, avalanche etc.), the iron block has a solid 80lbs on the all aluminum LS series. So add 80lbs to 470lbs = 550lbs, still 46lbs lighter than the stock KA. Now say you add a 4l60e automatic tranny instead of the T56; the 4l60e has 40lbs on the T56. Sooo, add 40lbs to 470lbs (assuming you run a LS1), you're at 510lbs, still lighter than the stock KA setup. But what if you run a 5.3l or 6.0l w/ a 4l60e, oh no, must be heavier right? Wrong. Take your 550lb 5.3l or 6.0l and add your extra 40lbs for the 4l60e tranny, where does that put you? That will put you at a solid 590lbs, which is indeed 6lbs lighter than the stock KA, but really, 6lbs? That's not going to make that big of a difference, so:
LS1 w/T56 = 470lbs---Pretty damn good weight savings
LS1 w/4l60e = 510lbs---Not too shabby
5.3l or 6.0l w/ T56 = 550lbs---Still not bad
5.3l or 6.0l w/ 4l60e = 590lbs---Not really a weight savings, but double the power of your stock KA makes it well worth it.

I've handled a T56, 4L60E, AODE and a RE4R01.

KA MT weighs 100lbs.
T56 130lbs.

4L60E weighs 175 lbs wet weight of 4L60E transmission ?? - Corvette Forum
RE4R01 weighs 140lbs wet

So, a KA's auto is lighter then a 4L60E.

KA weighs 370lbs
LS2 weighs 460lbs


KA+Auto = 510lbs
LS2+4L60E = 635lbs
Then add the 80lbs of the Iron Block, 715lbs

How is your setup lighter? Even if I believed your math it's still 80lbs heavier not 6 lbs lighter. But by my weights and calculations you are sitting at 205lbs more.

[chibo]

[issac]

I say do the ls swap. Fun, reliable, instant low end torque, minor mods will create even more POWER, FUN!!!!!


Anybody else who says otherwise
A. cant afford it
B. automatic "hater"
C.GayDM confused
D. trendy follower
E. sucks at life

The bottom line is you should always tune your car for ear to ear smiling. And always have the most FUN behind the wheel possible. Enjoy driving your investment instead of repairing it frequently. Plus the swap can be legitimized.Good luck.

[raen419]

Chibo and S14DB, thanks.
I've grown very tired of people not using their brains when people throw out some idiotic statement like "The KA/SR weigh more than the LS1" w/o showing any proof to back up such an ignorant claim.

[Pblesh85]

Well it seems that most of the people on here are in favor of the swap. Im already ebay hunting and looking for some forums to source some stuff.

Im 99% sure im going through with it. But im leaving the ka alone til after xmas. I need to drive home and back(NC to CA) and do not want to run into problems along the way. But if someone will buy my wheels I can get the ball rolling a bit quicker.