Nice car man, good to see you on this forum also! I'm from m-s.com as well. Car is coming along great

 

It has been a while since I've posted much in here as my focus for the past few years has been running our local club (Board member) and autocross series, but that's coming to an end this fall. Add to that, the car's turbo seals blowing in June; a big chunk of travel planned for next summer, and you have what seems like the perfect opportunity (now to Spring 2020) to undertake a major job.

I'm considering two scenarios:
- built BP and upgrade turbo
- LFX swap

Currently, the LFX is in the lead for a number of the same reasons discussed in other threads, but key for me are: drive-line will be running within normal operating range, factory-assembled engine, simple plumbing, hits my power target perfectly. The only piece of the LFX scenario that is causing me concern is locating the expansion tank while retaining stock ABS system.

I'd like to thank everyone who has shared their experiences with the swap as their efforts have been both inspiration and instructive as I considered these options. In particular, Ryan's car has been an inspiration to me since I first discovered his posts and gooflophaze's thread's level of detail is outstanding.

Going forward, I'd like to use this thread to plan my build, solicit your views and ideas, and document the process. As you read, please bear in mind that I'm not a fabricator, not a technician, nor did I grow up around cars. Nevertheless, I'm keen to learn and have done almost all the of the work on my car myself. I'll be doing this swap in my garage, using an EZ Carlift (lifts up to 26"), and will have help of several local miata owners with useful skills and experience with swaps.

I hope to contribute to the body of knowledge by further documenting the process, including part numbers and photos.

Next post will be my understanding of potential donors.

 

 

I've sourced an ECU per V8R requirements (Camaro E39 ECU service number 12643248) from a 2012 Camaro.

As for other donor parts...

Engine: potential donors are 2012 to 2015 Camaros, ideally low mileage and not been in a roll over.

Transmission: MV7 from 2010 or later CTS

Q: Are there other donors for the MV7?

Differential: will need to do some math to figure out ideal final drive, but likely to match Ryan's given comparable vehicle mission

Q: I have yet to find a good list of donors for the various ratios. Anyone have a link?

With regard to clutch and flywheel, debating between the gooflophaze or ThePass approach unless some other option presents itself.

I plan to make extensive use of V8R's kit parts with some exceptions:

- LFX cooling system- radiator for stock fans and pressure bottle with cap want to keep ABS so will need a smaller bottle or custom location.
Q: How does this radiator do on the track?

- LFX reroute for heater core lines (car has no heater core)
- V8R custom Speedhut gauges (hoping to rely on AiM ECU connection and sensors with existing MXL dash)

Q: With regard to the frame rails from V8R, is there any chance the FM rails already on the car could be used?

I really like the idea of dry break connections like Ryan used.

Any input appreciated.

 

Clutch and flywheel: To put it bluntly, **** Spec. Spec flywheel only works with Spec Disc and Spec Pressure Plate. Stick with OEM/LuK - I think I have the part number in Passey's thread.

 

I see now that you went with the LuK kit, which also seems to have a dual mass flywheel.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

I'm starting to hunt down an MV7 transmission. Does it matter whether it comes from a car that had a 3.0L or a 3.6L engine -- will either mate up to a 3.6L Camaro engine?

Thanks!

 

Transmission purchased: 2011 CTS with 28,000 km.

 

Turns out gearbox was already sold. $ refunded.

Engine bought: 2015 with 8,623 miles