LTBALTBMX

This is purely hypothetical and I don't have any intention on doing this any time soon. Suppose I have a base model sedan chassis and swapped everything over from my LNF to create an pseudo SS sedan, how much custom work would that entail?

-The front and side fascias are a direct carry over, but you'd have to source the rear from a proper SS sedan
-The suspension, and brakes will bolt up. Not sure if the rear torsion beam is the same but that will probably bolt up, too.
-Engine and tranny should go straight in. The SS front cradle will bolt straight up to the sedan chassis. Wiring loom would need to be transplanted with the base model body loom, or the entire SS wiring loom would need to be transplanted.
-Steering from the base model can be retained. The SS rack and pinion will bolt up.
-Front seats will bolt up. Not sure about the rear.
-SS speakers should wire up directly. The subwoofer may require a few wires to be pulled.
-Exhaust should go right in too, reusing the existing hangers.

Altogether, I estimate that this will cost about $1500 - 2000 plus the cost of the sedan chassis. Most of the custom work will be in the wiring harness. Thoughts?

Slowbalt2000

iTrader: (1)

Yes you can do it. But why

blueLNFftw

iTrader: (16)

Swap all of the harnesses.

You would need a LNF donor car.

LTBALTBMX

To be honest, I probably would never do it unless I got into a serious wreck which ends up with the body completely totaled but everything else intact.

I figured this would be a neat idea for discussion.

AHelm3

iTrader: (7)

I suppose in theory, if you had a naked sedan shell, you could swap everything (motor, tranny, suspension, electronics, exhaust, ect...) and it should just bolt up. The only thing you would keep from the sedan would be the rear plastics of the interior, trunk stuff, and the door panels. Coupe seats will work. The rear light wiring harness would need addressed,

rains_crusader

iTrader: (1)

I've considered doing this too. I have an 05 LS. I have fully upgraded everything in/on my car to SS equivalent. Suspension, interior, brakes, exhaust, body. I thought about finding a good candidate salvage LSJ and swapping everything over. Engine, trans, wiring harnesses.

People ask why. Well, for me, its simply that Ive owned this car since 06. Its paid off and still in great condition. If I could have some more power, that'd be great! I dont ever plan on selling it and I think it would be interesting to LSJ swap an L61 car. To do it, you would need an entire donor car so that all modules and complete wire harnesses (dash, body and engine) could be transferred over. I dont see why it couldn't be done. If you planned the job right, It could be done in a long weekend.

Slowbalt2000

iTrader: (1)

There are much easier ways to put an lsj in a base model

rains_crusader

iTrader: (1)

I'm all ears. Tuning is the main reason I haven't gone FI already. Wouldn't Trifecta have to be involved in every other way than the direct factory parts swap of the drivetrain and harnesses?

LTBALTBMX

Thought about another thing, the VIN number would be super tricky to deal with. If you retain the base model VIN then insurance would not pay very well in the event of an accident. If you swap the SS vin over then cops would probably give you a lot of trouble for the body type mismatch.

Slowbalt2000

iTrader: (1)

its different if youre an 05/06 because they arent tunable by hpt.

in an 07 it would be easy

rains_crusader

iTrader: (1)

The vin would be the tricky part. But you could have both BCMs to the dealer to have your mileage transferred over. They also have the capacity to do a VIN relearn on the modules. You wouldn't have to swap the VIN though. Legally, all you'd need to do is title the car as mileage not actual. Police wouldn't check your motor in the event of being pulled over. They'd run the vin on your registration which would match the dash and trunk vin tag.

The reason I'd consider the swap with 05-06 (possibly 07) is due to the crash sensors and airbags. In 05-06, the bags and sensors are the same regardless of trim level. So, a salvage vehicle may have blown bags and some sensors that need replaced but I could use what's already on my car to replace those.

LTBALTBMX

Somebody should actually try this. I'd be willing to foot in labour if you're local

I've always liked the sedans more than the coupes. Too bad they made em only in '09

T-fog

Id did a cavfire swap back in the day and For the vin portion I looked at all available options and the best way was honesty..

So I called the insurance company they charged me for what it was (sunfire) But they wanted me to send them pics So I Did that, About 2 weeks later they called me back saying we have assessed your car and your insurance is now this (cheaper) I asked why she said you have more available parts for your vehicle lmao. It was a win win

Also the swap is very possible and to help speed it up I would unbolt the front suspension and cradle and swap it over as one unit in a sense.

rains_crusader

iTrader: (1)

That's exactly what I'd do, swap the cradle harnesses and modules. I'm seriously considering it. If I can find a good candidate salvage LSJ at the right price, I'll do it.

StevoElSupremo

This sounds like an "I have too much money and or time on my hands" project lol

rains_crusader

iTrader: (1)

Its more about wanting more power without using Trifecta and not wanting another car payment. I think it would be neat to do!