1 Topic by ClayBelt (edited by ClayBelt 2018-06-23 05:20 PM)

  • From: Tallahassee
  • Registered: 2017-03-09
  • Posts: 90

Topic: Crazy Engine Swaps

So me and some of the engineering students at my school have been thinking about building a Lemons car. What we really want to do is a FWD V8 in something that shouldn’t have a V8. Currently thinking an LSx/SBC mated up to a 4T80 shoved into the old K wagon (“worst car in Lemons”), possibly midengined, but are open to other great (terrible) suggestions. Any tips/tricks/advice (beyond don’t do it, because no) on that idea or others?

Racing cars is for rookies. Racing crapcans takes balls.

2 Reply by jrbe (edited by jrbe 2018-06-23 05:07 PM)

  • jrbe
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  • From: Central CT
  • Registered: 2009-06-23
  • Posts: 921

Re: Crazy Engine Swaps

Make sure you can get brakes to handle whatever extra power you're adding in whatever you decide on.
When we did our v8 swap we melted down our racing brake setup that fit under 14" rims in under 2 hours. Upgraded to the biggest we could fit (using oe components) under 15's and melted those down in 5 hours.
Currently doing well with 330mm v70r rotors and 6 piston touareg calipers under 17" rims.
Ours is 2800lbs and ~300hp.
Suspension is something to consider too. Likely a bunch of extra weight going in the front of whatever you pick.

-Killer B's (as in rally) '84 4000Q 4.2V8. Audis never win?
  • From: Tustin, CA
  • Registered: 2010-12-30
  • Posts: 3,275

Re: Crazy Engine Swaps

IIRC, Lemons HQ nixed the idea of a mid-engine swap into the K.  I think it may have had more to do with the who rather than the what but I'd run it by HQ before cutting anything.

1990 RX7 "Mazdarita"  1964 Sunbeam Imp (IOE 2013 Sears Pointless) 2002 Jaguar x-type (Winner C-Class 2021 Sears Pointless)
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  • From: Sacramento, California
  • Registered: 2012-08-02
  • Posts: 354

Re: Crazy Engine Swaps

An LS into anything is not stupid enough if you are going for crazy stupid.

I just saw a mini flathead v8 for sale recently, now that would be a stupid swap into anything.

  • From: place of bad smells
  • Registered: 2012-03-14
  • Posts: 334

Re: Crazy Engine Swaps

Olds V8, they were so into lightweight, they have lightweight main webs.  I mean, think of the caliber of engineer that possessed such commitment to lightness!  I will concede that any significant horsepower will cause everything to kinetically disassemble, but think how much faster you can go with 3 lbs less cast iron.
http://jsmachineoldsmobile.com/images/windowed.jpg

Yes, this is stupid, don't do this.   S/F....Ken M

  • From: Tallahassee
  • Registered: 2017-03-09
  • Posts: 90

Re: Crazy Engine Swaps

nimblemotorsports wrote:

An LS into anything is not stupid enough if you are going for crazy stupid.

I just saw a mini flathead v8 for sale recently, now that would be a stupid swap into anything.

Or perhaps a Geo Metro engine swapped into the K?

Racing cars is for rookies. Racing crapcans takes balls.
  • From: Sacramento, California
  • Registered: 2012-08-02
  • Posts: 354

Re: Crazy Engine Swaps

ClayBelt wrote:
nimblemotorsports wrote:

An LS into anything is not stupid enough if you are going for crazy stupid.

I just saw a mini flathead v8 for sale recently, now that would be a stupid swap into anything.

Or perhaps a Geo Metro engine swapped into the K?

yeah, that would be stupid for sure!   

Or how about a toyota V8 into a MR2, might be too good..

really if this is for students to do, i would not suggest doing anything complicated at all.
get a C4 corvette and swap in a vega 4cyl

  • From: Cleveland, OH
  • Registered: 2011-09-03
  • Posts: 2,227

Re: Crazy Engine Swaps

A giant Sterling engine powered by a Jacuzzi.

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