944Hybrids: 924/944/968 and 928 V8 Conversions
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HOW TO DO AN ADVANCED SEARCH.

Mon Jul 08, 2013 3:56 pm by Admin


For the benefit of 944Hybrids users there are two search functions available for you to use.
The purpose of this sticky is to explain the "Advanced Search" function because it is much more powerful and is the best choice when researching information.

When you log on to the site a list of options is shown in a line at the top of the page. One option is labelled "Search", use this option (NOT the search box lower down on the right).

After you click on the upper search option, a drop down box appears. At the bottom of this box is a radio button marked "Advanced …

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Selecting an LS engine

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erioshi
docwyte
Raymond-P
JJR512
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Selecting an LS engine Empty Selecting an LS engine

Post  JJR512 Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:25 pm

Suppose you want 400 rear wheel horsepower. Some LS engines will give you that right from the start, but they cost a lot to begin with. On the other hand, you can get 400 rwhp from even the LS1, but you spend a lot of money on engine upgrades.

Is it cheaper to start with a lower-end motor, like an LS1, and upgrade it to 400 rwhp, or is it cheaper to just start with a higher-end motor, like an LS3, which would require minimal upgrades to get to that goal?

(Assume that any upgrades needed or desired would be done all at once at the beginning when the base engine is obtained. In other words, it won't be upgraded bit by bit over time, but all at once at the start.)

JJR512

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Post  Raymond-P Fri Jul 25, 2014 1:37 am

I'm an old Mopar guy so I don't have a lot of GM engine experience.  However, this isn't my first time at the rodeo and I do know for certain that building the engine you want is far more rewarding than buying it.  It does take longer!

I too targeted 400 RWHP and opted to build an LS1.  One thing that swayed me was an old article in Chevy Magazine where they were testing heads and cams in an LS1 Camaro drag mule.  The biggest COMP cam they tested was well on it way to over 400 HP but shut down by the CPM at 6300 RPM.  Some of the factory internals can't handle higher revs so... end of test.  I bought that cam!

Another big factor was my nephew had a basket case 2002 LS1 with over 100K from a WS6 that included a Wilson FAST 92mm intake.  The block and heads were good so I bought that for $2K.

I tore it down completely and strategically purchased all upgraded components for an engine and valve train that should be able to turn 7000 RPM all day long.  I had a professional engine builder do all the machine work and prepare the block and rotating assembly including magnifluxing the crank, cutting the rings and complete balancing. I also had him do a valve job and setup my new springs to have identical pressures.  He also degreed the cam, set me up with a racing oil pump , and convinced me to use ARP fasteners throughout.  I was attracted by the fact that he used all state-of-the-art equipment (IE electronic bore micrometers vs plastigage) and that he has a 12 month wait list to build engines.

Yes, at the end of the day I paid more than a crate motor but the quality and performance are on par with the $30K race engines he builds for clients.  One downside is no GM warranty but once you start using your engine to its full potential you'll probably be voiding the warranty anyway.  Sort of like taking a brand new $50K 4x4 off road for spin in the mud ....not covered!

I've reconditioned the FAST intake, purchased an entire new FAST fuel delivery system, and all new ignition components.  Cosmetically, I've cleaned, bead blasted an painted everything that isn't new.  It's about 95% done and looking pretty good so far.  I would be happy to share my build sheet if you decide to go this route.

The 944 conversion kit I opted for is the TPC deluxe package with the long tube headers upgrade.  I had them ceramic coated inside and out (black velvet) as an afterthought.

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Raymond-P
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Post  JJR512 Fri Jul 25, 2014 2:59 am

Raymond-P wrote:I'm an old Mopar guy so I don't have a lot of GM engine experience.  However, this isn't my first time at the rodeo and I do know for certain that building the engine you want is far more rewarding than buying it.  It does take longer!

I've never built an engine but I do feel that the idea of building it myself is part of the appeal. Although I've never done it, I'm very good at following directions, and there's lots of good info on building an LS out there. In fact, regardless of the engine I wind up getting, I planned to do at least a complete overhaul, meanwhile replacing whatever parts are needed to get me to my goal.

Knowing that I built the engine...knowing that what it's capable of is because of my own efforts...yeah, I want that.

You do have some parts I'd like to have on my own build, like the FAST intake and FI. I would definitely go with the TPC deluxe kit. I'd love to see your build sheet, always interested in learning.

Speaking of the TPC kit, one thing I do wish existed was a list—a complete list—of everything needed for a conversion. Because there's a lot more to it than what's in the deluxe kit. And I don't mean a simple list, like "you need this" and "you need that", I mean an exact detailed specific list of every single thing needed from start to finish. But I should ask about that in a separate thread, I suppose.

JJR512

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Post  docwyte Sun Jul 27, 2014 1:01 pm

All you need to make 400rwhp is basic bolt ons. A proper cam, FAST92/92 and a good set of long tube headers.

docwyte

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Post  erioshi Sun Jul 27, 2014 2:01 pm

docwyte wrote:All you need to make 400rwhp is basic bolt ons.  A proper cam, FAST92/92 and a good set of long tube headers.
That could depend on which of the LS family of engines you start with, especially if someone's definition of LS were to include some of the older 4.8 and 5.3 truck engines.  While most people seem to mean LS1 when they say LS1, the "LS" part of the definition seems to be far more relaxed.  I've seen LM and other LS related engines both advertised and described LS engines before.  Random internet forums, craigslist and car-part all seem to have plenty of people willing to blur these lines.

While I'm sure that's not a problem for the OP and others here, it is probably worth mentioning to help prevent the next car crazed youth who comes along from suddenly expecting that an old $350 junkyard 4.8 truck engine will suddenly make 400 whp with a cam and a couple bolt-ons.
erioshi
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Post  docwyte Sun Jul 27, 2014 2:14 pm

LS1 is pretty specific. That's not a 4.8 or 5.3. It's an LS1, 346 cu in motor...

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Post  Raymond-P Sun Jul 27, 2014 10:16 pm

JRR512 - I've start a thread with my Porsche Project under "944hybrids-member-conversions" starting with the engine build and followed by the actual conversion which is just getting underway.  

Check it out...

BTW...docwyte is correct about the 400 RWHP with selected bolt-on parts.  My nephew did it in his 2002 Trans Am.  Just ask yourself how you expect to use your car and work within your budget.  Horsepower costs money plain and simple, as does reliability and longevity....it's just that some parts give you a bigger bang for the buck.
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Post  Wraith Fri May 13, 2016 8:24 pm

I think I still have a complete build list from TPC that includes everything you need to do a conversion.
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Post  matt889 Sun May 15, 2016 8:49 am

Wraith wrote:I think I still have a complete build list from TPC that includes everything you need to do a conversion.
i though i had a list and it never ends LOl Smile its project fun i guess

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Post  FrostedFlakeJake Mon May 16, 2016 8:39 am

I've been keeping tack with part numbers (when applicable) in excel...

It helps to provide some sort of proof when you tell your insurance agent that you're increasing the value on your $3000 car to $20k rabbit

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Post  jHo Mon May 16, 2016 2:09 pm

Kent from TPC has a spreadsheet that he's willing to send you, with his price list. But while it is a good starting point, it is far from an out the door list.

I posted a similar discussion recently on the engine discussion, and have discussed this topic with a reliable shop that builds V8 Miatas, and the bottom line is....there's a million choices, with pro's and con's to all of them. But most importantly, you need to have a true understanding of what you want to achieve with your build, before you know the best way to achieve it.

For me, the important things are: reliability, daily-drive-ability, "enough" power, and Air-Conditioning. And what I found was that going with an LS3 crate met all of those items, at a price point that was still within my budget. I know it can be done cheaper, I know you can get more power, etc. But I can better justify the total cost of the build, when I know I'm getting (half of) a new car.

However, I'm just getting started, so i also know I could still potentially blow past my budget. We'll see soon enough!
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