FD3S/LS1+T56 Build -- A CARB-Friendly/Wallet-Unfriendly Build (with PICS!)

[WaLieN]

Hello all. My name is Weili and I've owned a FD for five years now. Over four of those years were rotary powered. Here she was:




Well, this car has seen 3 motors. The first lasted ~80k, the second lasted ~25k, and the third lasted ~10k. I'm sure you've all heard this, but enough was enough.

So, I took on the LS1 swap project. I've always loved the LSx, not to mention I had been in the market for F-Bodies and C5 ZO6s prior to purchasing the FD. The reason I didn't go for them was because they are far too common in these areas. As a result, the LSx FD is the best of both worlds.

So far, the progress has been limited by the lack of incoming parts. I'm still waiting on my entire deadbeat/JimLab Subframe Kit, and have been doing so for quite a few months. Though, I did source a 2002 LS1/T56 full pullout from a Trans-Am WS6. For those who are wondering, I paid $4,600 shipped for the whole setup. I have been logging all of my project related expenses/sales in a spreadsheet, so I will be sure to post that once I am done with phase 1 of the project, with the final goal being a CARB legal street car with A/C, P/S, and 400whp+.

So, I've basically broken down my project into 4 different phases:

• Phase 1 -- Remove 13B-REW/Research LS1 swap (DONE)
• Phase 2 -- Source the parts needed for the swap and then get the car on the road (IN PROGRESS)
• Phase 3 -- Get the car smog legal, then do a "shakedown" of the car across America (NOT STARTED)
• Phase 4 -- Head/Cam/Exhaust/Wheels (NOT STARTED)

Anyways, here are some pictures of the project thus far. It basically looks like someone freighted a container full of parts to my house and set off a bomb.


It looks kind of weird without my old 13BREW in there.


Here are the remaining 13B-related parts, awaiting sale.


There's a lot of work to be done.


Those are the extra goodies that came with the LS1 pullout.


Apparently, evil comes in the form of 1308cc.


So far, I've undressed the motor to send the wiring out and to degrease the motor.

Anyways, I've found that the hardest part so far has been data collection and parts sourcing. I plan on doing an openFAQ guide that will outline all of the questions/options people have in doing a LSx FD swap, along with my complete financial build sheet. Hopefully, this will make LSx swaps easier in the future for some people.

Any comments, suggestions, criticism, or words of encouragement are appreciated!

And for you SoCal guys, I could always use another set of hands in exchange for some beer and food.

[zumbo]

I am not sure but I dont think you can put a carb'd motor into a vechile that wasnt carb equipped and have it be smog legal. I dont know the rules exactly but I would look into farther before buying a carb and intake. Keep it fuel inj anyways.

Looks good so far. :p

[striker754]

Originally Posted by zumbo

I am not sure but I dont think you can put a carb'd motor into a vechile that wasnt carb equipped and have it be smog legal. I dont know the rules exactly but I would look into farther before buying a carb and intake. Keep it fuel inj anyways.

Looks good so far. :p

California
Air
Resources
Board

not

carburetor

[zumbo]

Please excuse my ignorance, lol. Glad I live in an area with no emissions bs.

[65imp]

Looks like you are well on your way. Congrats on the progress thus far. I think most will agree that the parts sourcing is the hardest part. You have lots of company, and experienced guys here in SoCal. So don't be afraid to ask. I am a bit far to the north, but would be happy to help as time permits...

[WaLieN]

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone!

Originally Posted by 65imp

Looks like you are well on your way. Congrats on the progress thus far. I think most will agree that the parts sourcing is the hardest part. You have lots of company, and experienced guys here in SoCal. So don't be afraid to ask. I am a bit far to the north, but would be happy to help as time permits...

Thanks 65imp! I'll let you know once I get all of the mounting equipment.

[Sabre002]

just one question why you going carb setup with it?

[WaLieN]

Originally Posted by Sabre002

just one question why you going carb setup with it?

I really enjoy going to car meets. But the paranoia of being ticketed by police (which are in full force in these areas) and having to go to the Smog Ref. is not something I'd like to do.

As a result, I'm just retaining/adapting all of the emissions equipment to meet the California Air Resource Board (CARB) standards.

[JustinStrife]

Originally Posted by Sabre002

just one question why you going carb setup with it?

California is really bad on this kind of stuff. We even have the occasional smog check points that pop up on popular streets. Everytime I drive in the opposite direction of one I just want to...

I would be doing the same thing with my R1. None of my cars are currently smog legal.

[WaLieN]

It's always an uphill battle. I was apparently sent the wrong motor. The seller must have sent me a LS1 out of an 00 Camaro.

Please help me ID my motor (pics) - LS1TECH