Debating LS2 GTO or SR20DET swap for my 98 SE.

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by TanaMU

I know exactly what's involved in the swap. .... i mean, ls1 engine packages are like 2400 bucks.

If you think the price of the engine set is what dictates the LS swap then you have no idea what's involved in the swap.

[VROOOM]

I looked into and test drove an LS2 GTO. i had my heart set on it, 400hp FTW. but once i test drove it i hated it. it has tons of power but thats about it. the suspension sucked and the trans was nasty. i may have just driven a beat one but it had less than 40k on the odometer.

[landins13]

fuck it option a put the ls in your 240, option b go sr, option c buy a pos new gto, or option d ls1tt in your s14

[TanaMU]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

If you think the price of the engine set is what dictates the LS swap then you have no idea what's involved in the swap.

like i said, depends on a lot of things, but it seems that most people have this idea that an ls1 package is like 15 grand or something.

If you cant weld and buy the complete hinson package, then it's gonna be waaay more than the cost of the engine.


but if you can weld

and you buy the templates.................................

[alkemyst]

Originally Posted by fliprayzin240sx

Well how much HP are you shooting for with the SR? That will dictate on how expensive itll be and how much of the work will be done by you. I dropped $7k on the first 3 days when I did my SR swap. Thats me doing the labor, that $7k is mostly price of the parts I wanted to throw into the car at retail. I got the engine for $1500, the rest went to bolt on parts. Thats before I went GT2871R, 740cc and Entalphy Rom Tune.

Well that's the thing...I am not sure. I want to be in the 12's, low low 13's (street tires). I want it done right so everything installed properly and loomed correctly. I don't want a drag queen though not hitting boost until 4-5K...I want a nice low end.

I have yet to see a really good swap yet except at shows. Most have wires going every which way, gauges just sitting on the dash, lines disconnected. smoke blowing on idle and driving, etc.

From what I understand a stock S14 black top with upgraded boost can get pretty close.

I am thinking I'd want to go probably GT2871 too. There is a GT35R on an S13 on Mofobucs videos that's fucking insane though, one of the GTO guys told me that link.

I want to get everything priced out, figure out what I can sell my car for and then see what the difference is.

Even if I only ended up with $8k on my car I am only looking at $10,000 for a nice nice low miled GTO on top of that...maybe even bump it a notch to get a 06.

Then I'd just have another baseline car though. The big thing is if I do wreck chance of my insurance not totaling it is a lot better. I had a minor accident and they wanted to write off my car. The adjuster came down from their headquarters though and ended up approving it saying my car had the condition of a 2 year old car and was thus considered exceptional and could be allowed to be repaired.

It's scary being faced with that when I didn't cause the damage directly.

[mmdb]

Keep in mind the long term reliability of the motors. The Ls1 is N/A while the SR20 is turbo'd. N/A runs cooler than turbo for obvious reasons. Turbo requires more equipment to run properly and reliably. Tuning is a big issue for turbo motors. N/A does not require, if any, tuning. Also keep in mind that you have an enormous support here in the US for the LS1 motor. Any local GM dealer can get you any part within days. Test drive the GTO first and see how you like it. It is indeed a much bigger, and heavier car.

In my opinion, I'd suggest putting an LSx motor in your 240. The power to weight ratio is awesome. You can run with many high end sports cars out there and be competitive where it be drag or on the circuit. Tuning the suspension could be a challenge, but it's always fun to fight oversteer if you're able to properly. I think longer term costs would be as much or maybe a little bit less than an sr20. Reason being, again, the LSx motor is NA and the wear on the parts due to heat won't be as great as a turbo's motor. Companies like Pxr racing or sikky have kits for the swap. I've seen pxr's stuff and I'm impressed. I met the owner and he's diligent and supportive of his customers. Sikky's kit looks very well made and engineered (not to say other kits are not). Sikky's kit retains the stock x-member and very little, if any, modifications are needed. Only downside I can see is that the oil pan looks like it drops LOW.

Just my opinion. Good luck.

[mmeedd26]

Originally Posted by alkemyst

Have you driven that GTO? Some of the GTO guys said the 240SX's they have been into 'while dated' were wickedly fast some mentioned they felt more responsive and attached (but also louder and harsher).

Yes I have driven my car and his GTO. now mind u his GTO LS2 has new headers and a cam.

Like I said I have HKS step 2, GT2871 .64, upgraded everything, 750 inj ... im 365 at wheel @ 18psi.

I enjoy the GTO better and he is faster low end and top end.

The reality is the power is available instantly in the GTO where my power with the GT2871 .64 kicks in quick because of the low spool but unless Im brake boosting which I dont like doing I dont have the instant power the LS2 has.

Also to me. economically speaking. The amount of money you have to invest in the 240 to get it to the power of the LS2 is too much and then the resale of your car is lower than the GTO. Also you can get parts at Napa for the LS try doing that for the SR.

Look I am not bashing the 240 at all because I do love my car and it is fun to drive, however, personally I think for the money and power gains with minimal mods you cant beat the GTO. Also like I said before to get the power out of the SR that the LS2 gives you have to run high PSI which strains and engine and the life of the engine. So after 30k - 40k mile on the SR you are looking at starting to do maintenance and shaft play on the turbo where as the LS1 you will have little maintenance. 30k-40k on a DD is about 2-3yrs.

Anyway thats just my thoughts from some one who has driven both cars considerably and who has a fast sr with the turbo you are talking about.

both are nice cars and I think you will be happy with either.

[Oo_Skyline_oO]

Originally Posted by KansaiDrifter

If you're already looking at spending $10k on a swap, drop the LS2 into the s14. Best of both worlds, and that will keep your car different from most! The sr swap isn't really going towards the different, but rather fan boy like everyone else swap anyway.

Or ka-t it, that's not seen everday either, well done up fully. And with a brand new ka-t engine, it's just that, brand new. The sr will be used and abused already, but the LS2 will more likely have less miles on it, but still not new.

oh just read the previous posts, so btw, you Can hook up the ac, but it'll be a little more difficult, but you can ac whatever you'd like really, just a matter of a few wires, and some custom tubes.

I agree with this guy.........just rebuild your ka with new aftermarket internals, turbo it, and for under 10 you could be doing above 600 reliable wheel hp if you wanted to, and you get to keep AC

[Def]

GTOs are kinda neat, but IMO the resale thing is kind of irrelevant, because any modding money you spend is NOT coming back in either car for the most part(probably more true for the GTO than the S14), and the GTO is heading down in value quickly while the S14 isn't going to lose much in depreciation.

So ultimately I'd say it goes to what kind of car you want. The GTO is going to weigh almost 1000 lbs more than an S14 - is that something that you can live with? Yes, it's more comfortable, but that weight is going to make it hard to ever handle well.

The stock S14 SR notchtop turbo can pull out high 12 sec runs in a full weight S14, but you seem to be more into straightline stuff than cornering, so I'd go with a 52 trim GT2871R from the getgo. Get some 740cc injectors, Z32 MAF, mild cams and a tune, a FMIC and you're good to go with maybe an exhaust/downpipe. That should net a mid 12 sec car and give plenty of power from 2k RPM on. I'd say at that point you're looking at maybe $7-8k max. You can always go used/Chinese on parts to save a little money here and there at your discretion. Then whatever cosmetic stuff you want.

Mods for a GTO aren't exactly cheap, and a 350-370 rwhp S14 is going to be hard to keep up with in a much heavier GTO without quite a bit of money so take that into account too.

[alkemyst]

I am really not looking for resale. I have only recovered mod costs once due to having the right buyer just ready to go...

My biggest problem is I am not sure many here are really telling the truth on things most of the time and that sucks.

I will agree most of what I do day to day is straight line, but at the same time I love to go into corners pretty hot. I am planning on getting more into auto-x though once my car is done. My plan is to then save some cash so a wreck is not so much trouble.

I have been doing a lot of research and I am sort of swaying to keeping my car. The dudes I have called up told me I would be insane to sell my car. These are guys that have moved on and up having 240's 10 years ago or more.

I know I am definitely not looking for a KA-T any more. Not that it's a bad setup...just apples to apples the SR20 aftermarket is too much to consider a .4 increase vs just going to a RB or V8 of some type.

I am still interested in an LSx swap, but I really haven't found any detailed writeups. I am looking to do any swap myself. I have been the one behind probably 99% of any wrench touching my car...alignments are the only thing I leave to those with better machines and the occasional Nissan dealership coupon for cheap oil / coolant changes (looking to upsell me on other maintenance).

[Def]

Don't see how resale doesn't factor into a largely financial decision...


But I see this as more a preference thing. Give a GTO a drive and see what's up. On paper the two cars can be roughly comparable. See how you like each..

[alkemyst]

Originally Posted by Def

Don't see how resale doesn't factor into a largely financial decision...


But I see this as more a preference thing. Give a GTO a drive and see what's up. On paper the two cars can be roughly comparable. See how you like each..

I am older...I'd love a 6 figure exotic, but I just look at my car as a cost of doing business.

When it comes time to sell if I am usually already into another car and just liquidating.

[Def]

If you can afford a 6 figure exotic I have no idea why you're quibbling over a few grand here or there.

Just go with whatever car you feel is the most fun and fits your goals.

[alkemyst]

Originally Posted by Def

If you can afford a 6 figure exotic I have no idea why you're quibbling over a few grand here or there.

Just go with whatever car you feel is the most fun and fits your goals.

WTF man you are attacking rather than listening, first trying to say 'straight line stuff rather than cornering' and now this. I can't afford a 6 figure exotic...I'D LOVE ONE though. Why even bother replying here?

This is not a major financial decision for me. However I am not a freaking baller either...I am looking at roughly a few months of cash I can put together and not miss.

It's either an engine swap and finish this car or buy something else and start over.

[Def]

Your previous post doesn't make it seem as though it's something you could never afford, but I digress.

Not attacking, just giving my opinion, since that's all this thread is asking for.

Go drive a GTO and your mind should be made up.

[fliprayzin240sx]

My biggest problem with GTOs is 1) it fucking looks like a grand prix (I HATE GRAND PRIX) 2) It handles like shit (feels like a typical american boat).

Problem with going KA-T, takes a bit more time to do it right. Depending on where you at, finding a reliable shop to do the work can be a pain in the ass. Not all of us can rebuild an engine on our own. Then theres tuning, again depending on where you at, finding a capable shop can be hard and more than likely wont be cheap.

So far from what you've said, seems like your all about doing things right the first time. Doing it "right" aint exactly cheap. Why do you think half of cars out there look like shit? Not everybody can afford it, simply put.

[alkemyst]

Originally Posted by fliprayzin240sx

My biggest problem with GTOs is 1) it fucking looks like a grand prix (I HATE GRAND PRIX) 2) It handles like shit (feels like a typical american boat).

Problem with going KA-T, takes a bit more time to do it right. Depending on where you at, finding a reliable shop to do the work can be a pain in the ass. Not all of us can rebuild an engine on our own. Then theres tuning, again depending on where you at, finding a capable shop can be hard and more than likely wont be cheap.

So far from what you've said, seems like your all about doing things right the first time. Doing it "right" aint exactly cheap. Why do you think half of cars out there look like shit? Not everybody can afford it, simply put.

I am swaying away from the GTO...I'd go with a conversion if I did one anyway to the nose. I agree it's a bit bland. I don't think it looks overly grand prix though.

The main problem I have with KA-T's is with the rev limit the LS is just a better choice...lighter and more powerful. My head is fucked up though due to one exhaust stud being messed up. If everything was perfect I'd be willing to try a JGS log and bolt on a turbo. I have to at least pull the head/lift the engine to fix this...I took it to a pro and they butchered the hole.

I can agree with the affording stuff too. There are alot of fast cars at Moroso down here. Many are just making it by with prayers, duct tape and zip ties

Def thinks he has me figured out I guess. I don't know why...I am a older professional, own a home, have a great job that I am going to make better in a few months...just like having fun cars for me. This is also a big reason I was looking at higher end cars as well.

Still in the end I am thinking I am just going to dump the money into my current car. It's almost like I am willing to take the hit if I end up not liking it.

[Def]

Originally Posted by alkemyst

Def thinks he has me figured out I guess. I don't know why...I am a older professional, own a home, have a great job that I am going to make better in a few months...just like having fun cars for me. This is also a big reason I was looking at higher end cars as well.

Nope, that's not it, just offering my opinion. I'm probably not as young as you think I am, or in a situation in life all that dissimilar from yours.

Still in the end I am thinking I am just going to dump the money into my current car. It's almost like I am willing to take the hit if I end up not liking it.

That's my vote. Heavy domestic cars are fun for a little while, but once the fun of that instant V8 torque wears off they're pretty bleh to drive around all the time IMO.

[fliprayzin240sx]

But my last input tho, get an idea of how much HP you want and whats your ultimate plan for the car. If your not planning on driftin and pinging on the redline, I'd go LSx. Why? 300whp to begin with, 360 ft lbs of torque. The initial cost of the swap will gob up most of your $10k, but I think its definitely worth it. Itll be cheaper in the long run imho. Doing the same on an SR will cost more in the long run...Doing the SR swap with bolt ons (FMIC, dp, exhaust, clutch, etc etc including cost of labor) will put you at roughly $7k-9k with parts at retail price. Dont get me wrong, it can be cheaper but thats if you do most, if not all the work to do the swap. My impression is that you'd rather pay somebody to do it right more than do it yourself.

[InlineS13]

LS2? Blech... GTO gross.... Put a stock 1JZ in there with a small single turbo and run 12's on 10psi like me. Very cheap, easy swap as far as engine swaps go. Oh yeah, don't forget how easy they are to work on and all that extra room in the engine bay compared to that big ol V8, plus they sound way cooler. SR's are cool too. Let me know if you want some sweet 1JZ/2JZ mounts. My brother makes a custom set.

[alkemyst]

I have done all the work on my car(s) so far. If I can get a deal from the engine place for a fair price on install or it's required for their warranty then I may go with that.

By doing it right I mean having everything ran properly, if a bracket is needed here and there making or buying it rather than just letting stuff hang, doing the clutch / flywheel once the motor is out, doing a clean wiring loom or buying one rather than just quick connects/bullet connectors out in the open.

Taking the time to clean the engine and have things powdercoated, etc.

I have some calls in to engine places...many aren't doing SR20DET's (or RB's) anymore stating they got out of the market on them due to the more recent shipments being no good. This is another thing I am sort of concerned about. It's fine if you are buying at the price where a rebuild was expected.

I am still debating an LSx into my car more from being a lot easier to source...I wish someone around here had the swap so I could check out how things really fit.

JDM of Miami was closed when I tried them...hopefully i can talk to them on monday.