update: 11-23-17
For now, because of photobucket bug, you can see pictures in this thread:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...l#post19774885
Right now is mid-semester and I do not have time to re-link them from new sites yet, luckily many are in that thread...
Introduction/background: Will create one later
Car: S14 240sx
Engine: Any LSx, Single Turbo
Transmission: 4l80e "notoriously strong"
Description: Easy engine swap, affordable engines/transmissions, Economy and Reliability
The build emphasis is a few specific characteristics
Affordable Typical 5.3 LSx specimens from 2002-2004 are very inexpensive, currently $400 to $800 from a variety of local yards in Florida. Other LSx exist to choose from as well.
Reliable OEM Engine and Transmission specimens from quality wrecked vehicles already have mileage, and are proven to last hundreds of thousands of miles more.
Easy engine swap I have taken measures to ensure the engine can be removed and replaced within hours.
Economy The most important feature for my daily driver, and so I will prioritize it in every aspect.
Power will take care of itself. How much power will a $500 junkyard 5.3L LSx command? Word on the street is, 'more than I need'.
5.3L engines have this, i saw it in every piston. This was an engine that I did not use, it had poor compression on one or more cylinders.
I Wound up compression testing at least 8 to 10 5.3L engines total before selecting one finally. I thought it was extremely important- and it is, but, doing this again I would immediately pull the heads on anything in the future anyways so it is of no consequence, I could have used the first engine probably been better off as it was lower mileage and newer than the one I selected based on compression.
Many do not read and will just look pictures. In this thread, this is a huge mistake. I don't think I used any of these engines you see. I post all kinds of pictures of all sorts of things from anywhere. Just be careful what you are looking at. If you had just looked at the pictures without reading you would not know which one was any good. The one strapped to the pallet is bad. See?
These are among engines I had compression testing. I used to know someone who would put an engine into the car every single time without a compression test, and was totally okay with pulling it out if it wasn't good. Lets not do it that way. He could afford to though with his fancy lift and compressed air. As poor students we don't have that stuff. I turned every bolt myself with a hand tool and probably mostly on the Earth flat. Yes I got to use a lift a couple times because a friend offered but I was prepared since the beginning to NOT need to rely on a lift for anything. Remember what it is you are getting yourself into before even buying 1 part.
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