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Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:40 pm
by brettsGQ
Hi guys just trying to find out if anyone on here has done an ls1 in to 80s because my mates 80 4.5 has just done it's head for the second time and just want to get rid of it for a bit more reliable and powerful motor and looking in to the ls1

Also wanting to know if he should keep the Toyota 4speed auto or put in the turbo 700 out of the commodore aswell

Any thoughts would be great

Thanks Brett

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 9:04 pm
by Shadow
marks adapters does all the gear you need, but its expensive.

The commo auto is the best auto to use as it can be difficult to get the 80series auto to shift correclty behind the ls1, so i have read.

I am putting an LS1 in a HJ45 ute, and am using the commo 4l60E, and a marks adapter kit to bolt the transfer case up.

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 12:34 am
by DUDELUX
Look in the members section for Killaluxs 80, Im sure its got a LS engine in it, looks trick too.

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:41 pm
by killalux
Hey, I have done a few now. Do not use the toyota auto, you will have heaps of probs to get it to shift nice. I ran a 4l60e in my old cruiser and it was fine, I now have a L98 and 6L80e and it is awesome, but more money.

If you can weld, just buy the trans adapter from marks, that build the mounts, etc your self. Will save alot of money and will work better.

I can help with the wiring harness

Apart from that, definatly worth doing, I get better economy and 3x the power

Steve

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:50 pm
by Matt_85Lux
killalux wrote: I now have a L98 and 6L80e and it is awesome, but more money.

That is the way to go if the budget allows, the L98 is a far better motor than the LS1

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:08 am
by mick80
killalux wrote:Hey, I have done a few now. Do not use the toyota auto, you will have heaps of probs to get it to shift nice. I ran a 4l60e in my old cruiser and it was fine, I now have a L98 and 6L80e and it is awesome, but more money.

If you can weld, just buy the trans adapter from marks, that build the mounts, etc your self. Will save alot of money and will work better.

I can help with the wiring harness

Apart from that, definatly worth doing, I get better economy and 3x the power

Steve
how much roughly 4 u to do this?
drive in drive out
cheers mick

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 7:12 am
by killalux
Hey, depends on a few things, But ball park would be starting around $13000 for a basic ls1 install, up to about $21000 for a L98 and 6 speed auto. That includes engine cost.

Steve

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:15 pm
by Moonshine
Recommend looking on Pickles.com at written off SS utes etc and gettin a whole car, that way u get engine, all the looms, ECU, PCM's etc. Gearbox and all that other stuff and then can sell the left over parts.

Marks 4x4 adapters have kits for it. One of my instructors said the LS1 stock heads didnt provide the best airflow and somethign else and recommends a 6L (LS2/L98) or LS3 like he has in his defender.

Re: Has anyone done an ls1 conversion in an 80s

Posted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 7:12 am
by TheBigBoy
Definately go the holden auto, mate has LS1 in his 80 with 450hp. Changes out clutchs all the time.