LS-190 **V8 engine swap with pics**
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
LS-190 **V8 engine swap with pics**
removed steering box and linkage
cut out crossmember and cut holes in trans tunnel
mounted steering rack on new cross member (w210 rack)
dropped motor in....motor is a "16 valve"...LS1 GM V8, alum block and heads, C6 exhaust manifolds, GTO motor mounts/brackets and front sump pan
ac compressor fits nicely
patched up the trans tunnel.
cut rear lower control arm pivots and patch them up(for extra exhaust clearance)
added crossmember to framerail supports
added some seamsealer and undercoating
made a pcm(powertrain control module) mount
finished painting underhood
made a fusebox mount....powers all the engine/transmission stuff
made radiator lower support crossmember....radiator is 26X19
about 4 1/2 inches....radiator to waterpump
more to come...
cut out crossmember and cut holes in trans tunnel
mounted steering rack on new cross member (w210 rack)
dropped motor in....motor is a "16 valve"...LS1 GM V8, alum block and heads, C6 exhaust manifolds, GTO motor mounts/brackets and front sump pan
ac compressor fits nicely
patched up the trans tunnel.
cut rear lower control arm pivots and patch them up(for extra exhaust clearance)
added crossmember to framerail supports
added some seamsealer and undercoating
made a pcm(powertrain control module) mount
finished painting underhood
made a fusebox mount....powers all the engine/transmission stuff
made radiator lower support crossmember....radiator is 26X19
about 4 1/2 inches....radiator to waterpump
more to come...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 2
From: Tampa, FL
'93 190E 2.3, '01 SLK230, '71 Corvette LS5 Roadster
Hey, I'm impressed!
Looking good Gen3Benz,
Keep posting updates as you go along....I have the head off of my 2.3 due to a bad head gasket and took it to the machine shop to have it checked out. As I was looking at the engine bay, I was thinking how nice it would be to have a V6 or small V8 in there. My first thought was the cross-member and wondering if it could come out to allow for oil pan clearance...you answered my question.
Looking forward to seeing more photos.
Dave
Keep posting updates as you go along....I have the head off of my 2.3 due to a bad head gasket and took it to the machine shop to have it checked out. As I was looking at the engine bay, I was thinking how nice it would be to have a V6 or small V8 in there. My first thought was the cross-member and wondering if it could come out to allow for oil pan clearance...you answered my question.
Looking forward to seeing more photos.
Dave
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
94 S500 Coupe
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28,
they'd love it. Cool *** swap BTW!
Last edited by coupeluva; Sep 11, 2007 at 12:44 PM.
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle, NSW, Australia
05 BMP GTI & black 190E
looks good mate
that power in such a car will make it a weapon
a couple of questions
Why such a "low tech" v8?
Why a v8 in the first place?
I hope it all comes together for you...
Oh, good to seethere is an acre of space left in there...my C32 conversion should go very well then in a couple of years.
that power in such a car will make it a weapon
a couple of questions
Why such a "low tech" v8?
Why a v8 in the first place?
I hope it all comes together for you...
Oh, good to seethere is an acre of space left in there...my C32 conversion should go very well then in a couple of years.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
94 S500 Coupe
That low tech V8 is lighter that any inline 6 and makes amazing power while getting great fuel economy. Try to argue your point with your fellow Aussie LS1 fanatics and see how far you get.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
More compact, lighter, cheaper parts, more power.
What "high tech" V8 would be an alternative?
Be sure to find one this small and light, makes 350 crank horsepower(stock), unlimited aftermarket parts, with a transmission/wiring harness/PCM/accy's for $2000.
I'll be glad to check it out.
The LS series engine(generation 3 chevy smallblock.....hence Gen3Benz) are light years ahead of the gen 2 chevy smallblocks.
'08 L92(same architecture but gen 4) escalade motors are running VVT technology and the aftermarket is going to explode with it.
Why a V8? They sound the best.
yeah, thats my home page.
I'm going to post up after its running.
Transmission is a 4L60e with a 3600 stall converter.
Diff is going to be stock until I lunch it, then a 8.8 ford explorer diff on a modded subframe is going in.
Lots of Holden fans for sure.
What "high tech" V8 would be an alternative?
Be sure to find one this small and light, makes 350 crank horsepower(stock), unlimited aftermarket parts, with a transmission/wiring harness/PCM/accy's for $2000.
I'll be glad to check it out.
The LS series engine(generation 3 chevy smallblock.....hence Gen3Benz) are light years ahead of the gen 2 chevy smallblocks.
'08 L92(same architecture but gen 4) escalade motors are running VVT technology and the aftermarket is going to explode with it.
Why a V8? They sound the best.
Originally Posted by coupeluva
Hey you should post this on
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28,
they'd love it. Cool *** swap BTW!
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28,
they'd love it. Cool *** swap BTW!
I'm going to post up after its running.
Transmission is a 4L60e with a 3600 stall converter.
Diff is going to be stock until I lunch it, then a 8.8 ford explorer diff on a modded subframe is going in.
Originally Posted by coupeluva
Try to argue your point with your fellow Aussie LS1 fanatics and see how far you get.
Last edited by Gen3Benz; Sep 12, 2007 at 05:03 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Newcastle, NSW, Australia
05 BMP GTI & black 190E
[QUOTE=coupeluva;2407290]
Im not denying that the LS1/LS2 engines are great. Monstrous torque and as you say great aftermarket support. I have no clue about the weight.
A merc V8 wouldnt have sufficed? Or a C200K / C32 AMG conversion was not on the cards. I suppose putting a GM V8 in an MB doenst do it for me.
I personally hate the LS1 bogan culture. It exists everywhere in Australia. The culture in Oz is jap turbo stuff, euro style/class and the bogan aussie V8 driver.
Im all for your conversion. Its unique and going to be reliable/cheap with the aftermarket support available (CAPA, walkinshaw, Harrop etc.)
I think i covered the 2 posts above.
looks good mate
that power in such a car will make it a weapon
a couple of questions
Why such a "low tech" v8?
Why a v8 in the first place?
QUOTE]
That low tech V8 is lighter that any inline 6 and makes amazing power while getting great fuel economy. Try to argue your point with your fellow Aussie LS1 fanatics and see how far you get.
that power in such a car will make it a weapon
a couple of questions
Why such a "low tech" v8?
Why a v8 in the first place?
QUOTE]
That low tech V8 is lighter that any inline 6 and makes amazing power while getting great fuel economy. Try to argue your point with your fellow Aussie LS1 fanatics and see how far you get.
A merc V8 wouldnt have sufficed? Or a C200K / C32 AMG conversion was not on the cards. I suppose putting a GM V8 in an MB doenst do it for me.
I personally hate the LS1 bogan culture. It exists everywhere in Australia. The culture in Oz is jap turbo stuff, euro style/class and the bogan aussie V8 driver.
Im all for your conversion. Its unique and going to be reliable/cheap with the aftermarket support available (CAPA, walkinshaw, Harrop etc.)
I think i covered the 2 posts above.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
Originally Posted by schoona
A merc V8 wouldnt have sufficed? Or a C200K / C32 AMG conversion was not on the cards.
M113?....DAS-2....would need the key to make the engine run......along with the C32 M112. Lots of work...or aftermarket EFI.
How much do C32 engines cost with harness/computer/accy's?
More than $1500?
HP per dollar is alot in my book.
Last edited by Gen3Benz; Sep 13, 2007 at 10:58 AM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Monument, CO
95 Bronco w/351 V8 & 2003 Mustang MACH 1
A rotary? No torque and no reliability. Especially the turbo engines. Plus poor fuel mileage. I had an 85 RX7 w/ the fuel injected 13B. I didn't keep it long. Rotary is a bad idea.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
Originally Posted by 85Cosworth
Plus poor fuel mileage.
I'd also like to mention that no NAPA auto parts were used in this entire build.
That too would make the car un-reliable.
Last edited by Gen3Benz; Sep 15, 2007 at 11:19 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New york
mercedes 1990 300ce
wow
Correct me if im wrong , but is this the same variation low tech v8 thats been eating BMW M3'S 911's and a few other exotics to the point where they banned them from 2 race events in japan and belgum?
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Calgary/Helsinki
1994 E320
Awesome swap! I've been thinking about doing a swap in my car for a few years, but I'm back in school and don't have the cash now.
How much is the swap running you? Pm me if you don't want everybody to know. Thanks.
How much is the swap running you? Pm me if you don't want everybody to know. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
Originally Posted by Hakk403
How much is the swap running you? Pm me if you don't want everybody to know. Thanks.
$2000 motor/trans/harness/pcm
$2000 cam/upgrades/tuner/torque converter(optional, not need to run)
$1400 wheels/tires
freebie: sweet trans cooler with electric fan
add ~$1000 for misc stuff to get it finished
still going to buy shocks and lightweight seats.
everyone needs a money pit right?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
It runs!
Makes some loud alternator squeal when I rev it up, need to mess with that later.
My aluminum expansion tank didn't come yet so I rigged up my coolant fill funnel.
Also need to bump up the idle a little with this cam.....all in good time.
heres the link....
LS-190 runs!
I mounted a ford t-bird/lincoln mk vIII cooling fan to my radiator....fits like it was made for it.
Found some radiator hoses that fit perfect.
I'll take some more pics tommorow.
Makes some loud alternator squeal when I rev it up, need to mess with that later.
My aluminum expansion tank didn't come yet so I rigged up my coolant fill funnel.
Also need to bump up the idle a little with this cam.....all in good time.
heres the link....
LS-190 runs!
I mounted a ford t-bird/lincoln mk vIII cooling fan to my radiator....fits like it was made for it.
Found some radiator hoses that fit perfect.
I'll take some more pics tommorow.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Near San Diego, CA
2002 C240
Dude, that's brilliant!! I'd be lying if I said I didn't have dreams of putting an LSx in my '02 C240. 
What cam did you go with? It sounds suspiciously like my old '99 Z28, which had a Thunder Racing 224° single-pattern, .561" lift, 114° LSA bumpstick.
I see you went with a '97/'98 engine; bear in mind if you ever feel like you need more displacement (say going to a 383, 408, etc.), that particular block has thin-wall cylinder sleeves and cannot be overbored without resleeving the block.
If you haven't tuned the PCM yet, I strongly recommend HP Tuners. It's a highly flexible and user-friendly tuning package that beats the snot out of LS1Edit IMHO. But you say you're a regular over at LS1Tech.com (I'm Nightclaw over there, but haven't posted in over a year), so you probably already knew everything I just wrote...
Great job so far!
What cam did you go with? It sounds suspiciously like my old '99 Z28, which had a Thunder Racing 224° single-pattern, .561" lift, 114° LSA bumpstick.I see you went with a '97/'98 engine; bear in mind if you ever feel like you need more displacement (say going to a 383, 408, etc.), that particular block has thin-wall cylinder sleeves and cannot be overbored without resleeving the block.
If you haven't tuned the PCM yet, I strongly recommend HP Tuners. It's a highly flexible and user-friendly tuning package that beats the snot out of LS1Edit IMHO. But you say you're a regular over at LS1Tech.com (I'm Nightclaw over there, but haven't posted in over a year), so you probably already knew everything I just wrote...
Great job so far!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
'07 Toyota Tacoma, '89 LS190, '07 Kawasaki Ultra 250X
Originally Posted by Firemane
which had a Thunder Racing 224° single-pattern, .561" lift, 114° LSA
Originally Posted by Firemane
I see you went with a '97/'98 engine; bear in mind if you ever feel like you need more displacement
This motor will see plenty of nitrous, so displacement is of little concern.
It I feel the need for more power in the future I might build a L92 derivative.
Originally Posted by Firemane
If you haven't tuned the PCM yet, I strongly recommend HP Tuners.
I have use it since it was scanner only and have upgraded to the latest.
I have tuned a few customer cars with it and it's very powerful.
Im Gen3Benz on LS1tech.
I will start a thread in the conversion forum there soon.
BTW, converting your W203 to an LS1 would be a snap.
Already has rack and pinion and a V motor.
I have looked under a few and have been looking for one with a cooked engine, just for that purpose.
Last edited by Gen3Benz; Oct 25, 2007 at 10:00 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 1
From: Near San Diego, CA
2002 C240
Damn I'm good! Nice choice of cam - it's an excellent all-around performer. It'll also pass CA emissions no problem with a good street tune (if that's a concern for you; oh wait, you're in AZ; nevermind! ), and loves 1-5/8" long-tubes. My Z28 (M6) made 330 RWHP and 382 RWTQ untuned with that cam and FLP long-tubes.
I always forget EFIlive will flash a PCM now; guess I've been something of an HPT nutswinger for a while... 
Fitment wouldn't be a problem I expect; body controls though would be a royal beyotch, getting the anti-theft, smartkey, yadda yadda all working with the LSx. Unless I went with an LS2 and GM E40 PCM which talks to the body and sensors via CANbus - which the C-class also uses -and figured out how to get the Benz body electronics talking to the E40. Hmmmm.....
Nice choice of cam - it's an excellent all-around performer. It'll also pass CA emissions no problem with a good street tune (if that's a concern for you; oh wait, you're in AZ; nevermind! ), and loves 1-5/8" long-tubes. My Z28 (M6) made 330 RWHP and 382 RWTQ untuned with that cam and FLP long-tubes.
I use EFIlive.
I have use it since it was scanner only and have upgraded to the latest.
I have tuned a few customer cars with it and it's very powerful.
I have use it since it was scanner only and have upgraded to the latest.
I have tuned a few customer cars with it and it's very powerful.
BTW, converting your W203 to an LS1 would be a snap.
Already has rack and pinion and a V motor.
I have looked under a few and have been looking for one with a cooked engine, just for that purpose.
Already has rack and pinion and a V motor.
I have looked under a few and have been looking for one with a cooked engine, just for that purpose.
Last edited by Firemane; Oct 26, 2007 at 12:41 AM.
