I realize that no one here knows exaclty what I'd need but I'm just trying to get a rough idea anyway.
I'm considering putting a LNF with solstice manual tranny into an older RWD car. This swap would more than double the HP and torque, decrease weight by over 150lbs and greatly increase reliability.
I will rewire the car bumper to bumper as one part of a frame-off rebuild, and will incorporate the entire GM engine control computer(s) and harness.

I'm just in the early planning stages, trying to put some ideas together to decide if the swap would be worth the time and expense.

I would not have ABS or power steering and want to use AutoMeter speedo, tach and other gauges. No radio. I will build a custom exhaust and intake and incorporate any sensors needed by the computer.

I don't know where the power steering, ABS and instruments are controlled. Any idea how I could disable these functions in the computer(s)?

TIA, Randy

 

um.....goodluck? sounds like a tough build

 

It won't be easy, they are all controlled by the BCM, and GM's LAN system needs communication between all 6-7 modules or else none of them work right. I would see about getting a custom harness made to work with everything, or just using a full Sky/Solstice harness. The other option is an AEM EMS-type stand-alone controller. That woud only give the needed imputs for the engine, without any of the other car functions, which sounds closer to what you need. Just using the GM PCM/TCM and nothing else will be an undue PITA.

This is all opinion and experience from working at Chevy and in a restoration shop now, I might not be 100% correct on some things. I'll try to help you in any way I can though, I have many vendors we work with that can source parts for anything or custom make what you need.

 

it sounds like you already have a vehicle in mind. what one? i was thinking fiero, but thats mid engine i believe.

 

See, I knew a few of the geniuses here would be able to help!
Yes, the only practical way would be to use the entire harness from a wrecked car. I would start the total rewire with the GM LAN system and wire the rest of the car into it.
I wouldn't even attempt to try to get this to work with any aftermarket/piggyback controls. After reading of all the problems guys here have trying to mod their cars I would want the completely stock engine, tranny and control system.

Chevy, see that little red Triumph in my sig? It is completely stock but needs a total resto. I have two options: I could spend probably $5-10K for many expensive original parts, plus tons of labor, and have a car worth maybe $15K if it were perfect.
Or I can mod it and make it much better than it ever was stock. These '60s British cars aren't very reliable and had some design flaws that I could improve on if I modded it.
BTW the car weights something like 2200 lbs stock and was rated at 110HP. The inline six and 4-speed OD tranny are so heavy that this swap would probably get the weight down to close to one ton and shift the weight bias toward the back of the car. If I could pull off the swap I imagine it will be a problem getting enough rear tire inside those skinny fenderwells.

Thanks for the help so far, guys!

 

ya the entire electrical system was a design flaw... hahaha. but seriously that will be pretty sick with some new big brakes. good rubber andsome decent power

 

Well, if you need help, I work as the parts guy here, so I may be able to help you find whatever you need, seeing as thats what I do all day.

 

Yes, anything Lucas is an absolute joke! And buying replacements is outrageous, just getting a new Lucas mechanical tach for this car is something like $500! That's why I'd want to rewire the whole thing, to get rid of anything made by Lucas.
Thanks for the other comments too. I agree, the car has 4-wheel ind susp and with modern power and brakes would be tons-o-fun!

Wow Joe, I envy you! You are working in exactly the business I hope to get into. I'm moving to phoenix and hoping I can get a job at a resto/custom shop out there. A few years ago I was considering moving to Vegas and talked with the guys at Carroll Shelby, they were interested in me so I'm hoping I can get something going in phoenix. Thanks for your offer of help!

Now I just need to find a rolled GXP!

 

Why not just get an older ecotec motor? build it and turbo it... I'm sure you could get the LNF turbo and such to fit... and have a lot less hassle.

 

Yes, Rain, that is a possibility too. I have considered many different engine/tranny combos and love the idea of the LNF. I'd originallly considered the LSJ, mated to the solstice tranny, but the LNF is such an amazing engine that it will be my first choice.
It really depends on what I can find when the time comes that I can really start working on the car.

This whole plan started for me when I found a british Triumph mag where a guy put a ford SB V8 and 5-speed into one of these cars. He did pretty much what I've described, found a wrecked mustang and swapped over the entire electrical system along with engine and tranny. His main problem is too much power, he's had to redesign and rebuild the whole rear end and suspension to make it work, and with about 400Hp in such a light car the thing is just a bitch to drive and keep on the road. I know many of the guys here won't agree with me but I believe you can have too much of a good thing.
I'm an older guy and sure I would be happy with the LNF 260/260, it will still be a 2000lb rocket.

 

ya i cn understand too much power. a friend of mine has a bmw 2002 with about 280 to the wheels its absolutly too much power for that car. its scary and not fun to drive. but he likes it.

 

Wow. Another sick person looking to transplant an Ecotec into an older vehicle. I've been trying to convince my Dad to let me start rebuilding his '76 Vega Nomad wagon. I was looking for an L61, LE5 or LSJ mated to a trans from the Solstice. Build it to about 400hp and call it good. I think a 4-cylinder with less low end torque should have a little better time hooking up, but won't know til I get my Dad to give the ok. I already found an LE5 with all accesories, Aisen 5 speed, stock ECU and harness modified to run as a stand alone.

 

2002 a great car

 

Sounds like a lot of work no matter which way you go, I'd say building up an older Ecotec would be the best option. It should be easier to wire and you can do whatever you want with it that way. Not to metion a rolled LNF equipped car could get spendy and messy in a hurry. Good luck at any rate and let me know how it goes, an Ecotec has been in my mind for my buddy's Spitfire and it would be nice to see how you do it .

WOW, some (most) of those cars are amazing! I'd would absolutely love to do that all day and get paid for it. I couldn't imagine getting to work on such masterpieces.

 

Yeah. An older 2.2 has way more possibilities than the current engines. The LE5 and the LNF are probably the most limited motors. L61 has off the shelf cams, rods, pistons, ported heads, turbo kits, s/c kits, engine management, and etc. from several different vendors.

 

Yeah, that would be cool! I still like the Vega, my brother had like 4 of them including a wagon. They got so cheap that he just kept collecting them and switching engines and parts from one to another. I actually liked the looks too. Lots of guys have put SBs in Vegas, but then it isn't much good except going down the strip fast. I think an Eco in a Vega would be really different, especially since they are so rare now.

 

Thanks, it is a pretty sweet job. I'll post up some pics of the latest project when we finish it, its basically a custom built replica of a 1960 Testarossa, but full custom everything, late model V12, really trick stuff.

 

I've been looking at the LNF as a swap too. If the LNF Direct Injection and High Pressure Fuel Pump and system are too "scary", the LNF CVVT CAM (for Turbo application) will swap into a LE5 so that you can run a CVVT Turbo 2.4L with port injection.

Then there's the reverse swap, LNF engine with LE5 cam and NO turbo for a 2.4L NA Direct Injection Engine... I'm thinking this version can make good HP and torque and still be tweaked for extremely high MPG highway cruising.

 

Exactly my reason for choosing a boosted Eco. I want something I can take to any track event whether it be drag, road course, auto cross, or drift. That's right I said drift. Although I saw a video today of a ~425hp SB Vega Wagon with 33 x 19.5 DOT slicks and breaking them loose from a roll! Maybe I'll aim for 250hp-300hp. I only wanted to run 9" wide tires at the most.

 

Boo eco tech! Yay 3800 v6 turbo. Just kiddin ecotech would be pretty **** too