Vette VX

[VX922]

Hi all
I am at the evaluation stage of power train swap in my 99 VX.
Engine will be stroked 383ci Corvette's LT1 (400-450HP) and GM transmission 5speed and xfer case complimented with F/R lockers.
I am interested in your opinions about this setup.

Please also comment on sudden availability of complete mint VX power train and number of auxiliary components.

Thx
VX922

PS: my other car is modified L98 Corvette

[WormGod]

Um.... best of luck, I guess. I think the engine and drivetrain are the easiest of your mods on that project. Why not just drop the VX body on a Vette chassis.....

[VX922]

Thx for constructive reply WormGod

C4 Vette is a bird cage frame RWD, it wouldnt work to top it with VX body........
SBC has been dropped into Austin Mini, Range Rower, Trooper II and Fiero to mention few, mostly it worked fine.
You are right WormGod to bring LT1 to 450HP would be the least of the problem. What makes this a bit easier is that VX does not have a single computer for engine, tranny, TOD etc. That allows GM ECM (the computer) to be a stand alone unit. The VX ladder frame with addition of few gussets should be stiff enough to handle the torque.
Transaxles well I dont know, to have them locked and flooring it on uneven surface, an axle or two might give up.

Word of wisdom: VXLT1 shall see many BMW X5 4.4i in it's rear view mirror

[SGT.BATGUANO]

If you know anyone in the auto salvage business, you could have them look for my totalled VX with 6755 miles on the drivetrain. E-mail me if you'd like any additional info.

[MZ-N10]

lt1.....nice........how much is this little swap gonna cost? any ideas yet?
________
LIVE SEX

[VX_PA]

This idea has been talked about and kicked around by several VX owners. When my engine blew in Nov. this year I looked into the possibility of dropping a GM crate engine into mine instead of using the factory Isuzu motor. I was only looking to use the GM engine and not the drivetrain as you are suggesting. Here are some things to consider:

Engine placement & mounts--lots of custom fabricating
Wiring--not as easy as just replacing the ECM and factory wiring
Accesories--custom mounts for AC, Alt., and oil pump

Now for the tranny:

Again custom mounts and location
Custom drivelines

This project is borderline insane. Not to mention the custom fab and wiring headaches, the cost is could be more than your VX is worth. Easily 10-15 grand USD and you're in Canada. If you go through with this swap my hat comes off to you. Just keep all notes for the custom made parts to make this available to anyone else that would like a different powerplant. Good luck.

[Joe_Black]

Nothing new here, plenty of big V8 tansplants have been done in Troopers. Imagine the surprise of the luxury SUV crowd when left in the dust by a lifted Gen1 Trooper! If you pull the project off you'll just be adding the style of the VX, which you'd expect to perform as it looks. You want REAL power? There's a guy here in town that's got a Cummins multi-fuel engine and drivetrain from a military 2 1/2 ton stuffed in a Gen1 Trooper. Put that in your VX!

If you really want to impress this crowd, do a turbine conversion.

[johnnyapollo]

Put a hyperdrive motor in there to really impress... oops, wrong board (couldn't resist Joe!).

-- John

[bsrome]

I know I don't chat hear much, I really just kinda read around..

Anywho, this swap isn't entirely out of the question..

It just depends on what you can do yourself.. My dad is a welder, as well as an electronics specialist. I learned a lot under him in the world of electronics, having done the whole "son goes to work with dad and dicks around" thing for a couple of years, and then actually did work with him for about 2..

What I'm saying is, if I was doing this, my dad could fabricate the mounts, and we could wire it up together.. thats the majority of the problems taken care of right there. It might not cost this person as much as you'd think.

I think it is possible to put nearly any engine in any vehicle, one way or another. It just takes thinking outside of the box at times..

[Dallas4u]

Not too sure why this guy is being dogged on. It seems like he is pretty knowledgable, and... although a V8 swap in an Isuzu may not be new, it would be a first in a VX.

Pretty sure if it was someone who has posted a bit on this board doing the swap there would be a lot of interest.

If this guy is serious, then I am definitely interested in seeing the progress.

[Raque Thomas]

I agree - let's not dog this guy, he's a pioneer. If you want to do it badly enough, it can be done. I used to have a TR6 with a 351 Cleveland, built by a guy who did all the work himself. If that can be done, this is surely a doable project! I for one would love to see this happen!

[VX_PA]

No doggin here, I'm just a realist and trying to offer some advise. I'm all for this set-up as I have no confidence what-so-ever in the Isuzu engine that I just put in my VX. If this guy does this swap I'll be right on his coat-tail once the custom crap is figured out. Unfortunitely he will be bearing all the upfront costs for the custom designs, after that this swap would be affordable for anyone. As I mentioned, I considered it but didn't have the doe or the time to make it worthwhile.

Go for it, I'm very interested!! As I'm sure others here are too?

[johnnyapollo]

Hey Raque,

Funny, I owned a TR7 with a 351 Cleveland mounted in it. Same story, guy I bought it from put it in there himself. Of course, back then it was a lot easier to make stuff like that work (no computers to fool with). The Triumph I owned was so light it would whip around in a heartbeat with a little throttle - main reason I got rid of it.

I hope no one thought I was dogging the guy - just trying to inject some levity in there. I applaud anyone who has the time and compunction to do a major overhaul like an engine mod. It will be interesting to see who does it first (may have already been done and we just don't know about it).

-- Best, John

[WormGod]

My reply wasnt exactly "constructive" as it was more sarctastic. But, I see that you are quite the gung-ho project guru, so I say go for it. Any mod you make will surely be a make or break for your money (MAKE is, of course, the option that I hope you lean on).

As for anyone dogging this cat, I dont think that's the intention. Anyone that appears to be doggong is just adding the "hard bet" and telling him it is a tough task ahead for him. Trust me.... I think any of us would love to have an LT1 shoved in our VX's belly.

My main quirk is handling. That much adrenaline going through that tight wheelbase and suspension, you may very well land that thing on it's roof in a ditch. Lot's, and I mean LOT'S to think about.

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

I think it would've been a well received-talked about post if the project were done and the pics were posted. Instead...it's an odds on favorite to end up alongside the endless posts about Northstar conversions, electric motor conversions, Hydrogen fuel cell conversions, blah, blah, blah.

I would welcome a bright, enthusiastic "realistic" attempt at upgrading the VX to a new Axiom Direct Injection 3.5L with Alpine blower and PV exhaust....

Now that would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.---Sorry if I seem too sarcastic here...kudos if you follow through with it....I just doubt that it will ever happen.