3rd Gen LS(x) Conversion Costs

[AegisJones54]

Alright, my question is a loaded question so read further if you dare!!!

At today's prices, I've been trying to figure out what the end-all-be-all cost would be to do what fbodymotorsports did to their '91 Z-28 Convertable to my '91 RS Hardtop.

The only hitch to that equation is that I want to, of course, build the LS(x) up so that it hits, let's say, 500 RWHP. Now, I know that I'm talking about a CAM, Heads, Exhaust, suspension components, etc. But, what else? I face the fact that I don't know much about cars. What I am going to do is walk in to a place similar to fbodymotorsports and direct them on what I want enginewise. And probably fine another place to make it aesthetically pleasing.

What I'm really looking for is a rough estimate. I know it's going to take me a long time and that's fine by me. My initial rough estimate is around $40k. I mean, if the drivetrain, brand new, from start to finish is going to cost me $20k, it seems reasonable to think that another $20K would get it torn apart, painted, and put back together. Doesn't it?

[Viper_Storm]

Originally Posted by AegisJones54

Alright, my question is a loaded question so read further if you dare!!!

At today's prices, I've been trying to figure out what the end-all-be-all cost would be to do what fbodymotorsports did to their '91 Z-28 Convertable to my '91 RS Hardtop.

The only hitch to that equation is that I want to, of course, build the LS(x) up so that it hits, let's say, 500 RWHP. Now, I know that I'm talking about a CAM, Heads, Exhaust, suspension components, etc. But, what else? I face the fact that I don't know much about cars. What I am going to do is walk in to a place similar to fbodymotorsports and direct them on what I want enginewise. And probably fine another place to make it aesthetically pleasing.

What I'm really looking for is a rough estimate. I know it's going to take me a long time and that's fine by me. My initial rough estimate is around $40k. I mean, if the drivetrain, brand new, from start to finish is going to cost me $20k, it seems reasonable to think that another $20K would get it torn apart, painted, and put back together. Doesn't it?

lol, you kinda lost me there... what is getting torn apart and painted? your engine? why dont you paint the peices before you assemble it? also if you are gonna shell out 20k you could just buy an LS7 crate @ 13 grand and then just do some basic stuff to it, like headers, intake, and other stuff.. the LS7 comes with like 505 hp so it wont be to hard to get 500hp to the wheels, how do you figure 20k for a drive train? is that covering from the transmission back? if you are looking at a 5 or 6 speed manual you might wanna check out the Viper spec. T56 tranny, i found a place that sells them... the ones they sell can handle like 500 hp i think, maybe a lil more. the axel check out thunder racing shouldnt cost to muchso like 1000 for the axel, and like 7000 for the tranny i dont see how a drive shaft is gonna cost 12,000 bucks... ok, back to the engine, you will also need a new computer and i do believe the motor mounts might need to be changed. i have covered a bit here, but there is stuff left out, but 89 will come chime in in a few hours and let you know of stuff i missed.

[Xenostalgia]

Also do you plan to have this as a trophy sunday car packin 500whp or is this only gonna be taking it down to the track?

[89IROC&RS]

well first off, there is no end all be all price that anyone can give you that will be accurate. every project is different and youll run into different problems along the way.

your first money will be making the third gen ready to handle 500 rwhp. youll need subframe connectors at least, and probly also a four point roll cage. after that id put an entire suspension kit in it, with a strut tower brace, steering brace, tubular torque arm, and control arms. as well as a set of performance springs.

for the engine, i would get a standard LS1 engine, 5.7L, throw on a set of ported LS6 heads, an xtreme energy cam from comp cams, headers and a magnacharger easy 500hp. throw in a viper spec T56 like was said, and back it up with a moser 12 bolt rear end. youll be golden.

it will probly wind up being alot less than 40k but if you have that much to spend, you shouldnt have any problems.

[Viper_Storm]

lol, its gonna be a time project... im sure, atleast thats the feeling i got from his first msg