LSA Swapped 86 Vert (in progress)
I am in the middle of a Lsa install in my 86 convertible to be ready for slalom this summer!
Parts list/Progress/cost:
Lq4 block fitted with forged pistons and rods- at machine shop currently----$5000 all funds CND.....still waiting....june 14 2016
L92 heads rebuilt-complete..roller rockers...new valves ----$1800
LSA lower bought from ebay 5000 km takeoff----$750 ported for 102 tb, isolator installed
ZL1 Lid - new -----$400
solid isolator install ----$75...done
self ported snout to match 102 mm throttlebody(ebay one)--$200..done
107962 60lb siemens injectors----$450
LSA stock rail----$350
walbro 450 in tank---$200...done
aeromotive reg and guage ----$300...done
1/2" line ran for feed ss 3/8 return..$150...done
4L80E running as is no rebuild with stage 2 shift kit(stock convertor atm)---$1500
dana 44 swap - complete---$900 minus what i sell my D36 and suspension for done dana 36 sold $700
some sort of brake upgrade unsure of which yet ---tbd.....
DRM rear suspension brackets---$300 ....done
DRM brake bias spring---$30
Adjustable camber rods ----$300...done
Poly bushings everywhere--complete--$400
6 point hoop with removable door bars---$750...in mock up phase
corbeau a4 red pair---$1300.... deal found! $700
installed!stage 3 brian tooley racing camshaft...love that chop!...$600
fab exhaust from c5 manifold to ss l88 system including making flanges ...$150...done
battery relocation to passenger under speaker compartment with aluminum sealed lid ,vented...done
the photo with the balancer shows the 1/8" clearance between LSA
balancer and rack and pinion just enough to get a belt down there, this is with an engine positioned forward 1 inch to clear the wiper motor and rear of blower which now has also just enough clearance

hood modification...plan atm..cut hood along both sides of mini cowl peel and raise to mimmick a toledo pro 2 3/4 ...wish me luck

side note : if someone were to do this using a stock cts-v lid or ls9 lid i think it would clear the stock hood .lots of room at the rear just not at the front which is where the zl1 lid is much to tall ...1"-1.5" too tall at the front
car is close to completion still waiting on my engine which went for balancing on wednesday last week
once i get that its assembly and install time
Cant freakin wait !!
Last edited by StarleX86Vert; Jul 27, 2016 at 11:29 AM.
no new updates yet but i will be fabbing the trans bracket to c beam this weekend i will be taking many photos i will post them i also will take photos of the modification to the motor mount cradles that is done


best of luck with your swap!
wow, I can't believe the difference in the dana 36 to the 44. I have two dana 70 and a dana 80 (both disks)
way to over kill for a vette.
I'm just collecting pieces for my swap. My build is on a tight budget and wont be anything exotic.
Sure hoping that my 700r4 holds the lq9 for abit.
Last edited by StarleX86Vert; Jan 6, 2016 at 04:57 PM.
Last edited by Mike Holmen; Jan 18, 2016 at 09:10 PM.
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I am running L92 heads
Have you started your build or are you gathering parts currently?
Not sure if I'm going to throw a stroker crank (408in) and some rods in it. I'm just collecting pieces. My car is a pretty solid runner. Not sure if the engine will make it into the car. Found a 78 vette for 3000, with a blown motor.
Not sure if I'm going to throw a stroker crank (408in) and some rods in it. I'm just collecting pieces. My car is a pretty solid runner. Not sure if the engine will make it into the car. Found a 78 vette for 3000, with a blown motor.

which ever route you go should be lots of fun!
I am planning on Having the pan tig welded i have found a couple people on kijiji who are willing to do the job as i do not tig weld
thanks for the sandblasting tip

i plan on having all the mounting and oil pan fab work done this weekend and ill be sending it for welding
hows your build coming?
does the lq9 have the front cam sensor?my lq4 did not so i am having to buy a front timing cover in order to use the ls9 cam along with some stout springs
For the LQ9 engine as is stock configuration but has the professional products intake manifold, billet fuel rail and 96mm cable throttle body. Not my best buy to date, but it was cheap.
Other mods are Holley cast LS exhaust manifolds, LS style MSD coil packs and Holley muscle car oil pan. GM corvette style front accessory kit, with AC.
I'm going to get it running on an engine stand prior to installing the engine into a car. Just hoping for a quick and simple swap out.

Next purchases is the EV6 injectors, TCI flexplate and a LS style starter.
For the LQ9 engine as is stock configuration but has the professional products intake manifold, billet fuel rail and 96mm cable throttle body. Not my best buy to date, but it was cheap.
Other mods are Holley cast LS exhaust manifolds, LS style MSD coil packs and Holley muscle car oil pan. GM corvette style front accessory kit, with AC.
I'm going to get it running on an engine stand prior to installing the engine into a car. Just hoping for a quick and simple swap out.

Next purchases is the EV6 injectors, TCI flexplate and a LS style starter.
just got the pan Back from welding looks good
just made another list about 17 items long until im running
Ya there is definitely a long list of items to do the swap.

Congrats on getting the pan off the list. You going have to post pictures for us to drool on.

You watch the LSA build that they had on spike channel on the weekend? That engine was a monster
Last edited by Mike Holmen; Feb 17, 2016 at 05:34 PM.
Ya there is definitely a long list of items to do the swap.

Congrats on getting the pan off the list. You going have to post pictures for us to drool on.

You watch the LSA build that they had on spike channel on the weekend? That engine was a monster
[/QUOTENope i dont have cable but i tried to watch it on their website but it was terribly slow..
heres some more photos....i just started cleaning up the harness this weekend with all this nice weather we've been having im gettting anxious to get this rollin!













