Piston Slap: LSX + Porker = WIN
Long time readers of this series know I’m a big fan of modifications to achieve a vehicle’s maximum potential. And there’s no better example than a switch to GM’s now legendary LSX small block V8. To prove the point, I saw an LS6 powered, 1980s vintage, Porsche 911 partnered with a LS1 powered 914 at the 2005 Houston Autorama. Lo and behold, that 911-LS6 arrived at a recent Sunday morning cruise-in. So I got to touch it. And then it started up for me. It was Epic.
The LS6 sounds surprisingly similar to a Porsche boxer at idle, proving how important an exhaust design is to a vehicle’s overall demeanor. I spoke with the owner/creator/fabricator and got the download: the LS-swap saves 56 pounds off the rear end, but the difference is actually 21 pounds after the conversion to a water cooling system with a radiator in the rear wing.
Oh, and this 911 has a supercharger too. Which does nothing for weight savings or handling, but should make for some good times at the drag strip. No matter, the website with more details is here (LINK: www.toy-jet.com) and while it’s not the easiest read, check out the 914 with an LS swap too.
So ask yourself, could I beat that car in my ride? And then remember why the LSX swap is made of WIN.
(Send your queries to mehta@ttac.com)
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FWIW, supposedly the engine bay of the Lotus Elise was designed to accommodate all FWD drivetrains in production at the time (mid 90s), including the Modular V8 Ford put in the Continental and the Northstar V8 in the FWD Caddys. I don't know if the supercharged LC3 version of the Northstar will bolt up to the FWD 4T80 transmission, but ~450HP in an Elise could be fun.
I was a gas jocky in the 60s and 70s at family station. Guy pulls up in VW van, around 1970? Fat tires. Up a bit too high in the air. -Gimme the hi-test pump. I will get it. I got it. Let go. -why. - its special. -special? -listen to this. 230 effen horsepower pal. Ya heard uh Porsche? Thats a Porsche engine in there. Revs up the flat six he grafted in there, watching me out side window, me a skinny pimply kid with greasy long hair. Whole thing rocks and makes lot of noise. He does a burnout leaving the station. Next car in was mid 20s babe in a dark green GTO convertible, top down. Wearing a bikini. I gaped and gawed while I washed her windshield. I liked the GTO better.