View Full Version : VIN 2022, LS Swap
Hey guys, I just wrapped up another LS Swap so I figured I would share here.
The owner of 2022 had seen a video of my car on Youtube and reached out me to ask if I would be interested in fixing up his car. It was all original and missing the engine. This original inquiry was in late 2016.
I thought about it for a year, and we worked out the details. He shipped me his car in late 2017 and work began. This was just shy of a two year project. It was not my only project as well - I still did some major work to 11408 and house renovations. To put it lightly, it was a very busy time for me. But in the end, I am extremely happy how 2022 turned out. It is very much a "hop in and drive" kind of car. Everything works as it should and the car has proven to be very reliable. All the gauges work, the power comes on in a subtle way, starts and warms up like any modern car, nice cold A/C, etc. I have also documented the car fairly well. I drew up a full wiring diagram and compiled a small "owners manual" including information such as replacement parts and the vehicles they came off of for future trouble shooting.
This build was very in depth and required a body off as it required a full restoration in addition to the engine swap. Futhermore, this is my first time working with this Porsche transmission so I had to start from scratch with all the mounts and whatnot. If this car had a stock UN1 transmission it would have sped the whole project up. The UN1 was originally going to be used in the swap but the transmission had been sitting for many years and had severe internal rust and pitting.
Build Details:
2006 GM LS4
2002 Porsche 911 6 speed transmission
GM factory EFI
Full emissions equipment (4 x O2 sensors, Charcoal can, evap valve, vent valve, etc)
Cruise control
6" Touchscreen android stereo
Full QA1 Coil over suspension (drivestainless)
Now on to the pictures:
The original pickup. The car had been sitting for almost 10 years in this state. No engine, all original parts. Everything needed replacing.
https://i.imgur.com/GhfIc8z.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bZWTKbe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bY0RAe0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ywdIdtm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zIFkRSM.jpg
Teardown and stock components buildup:
LS4 engine, right out of the junkyard
https://i.imgur.com/85hTeqt.jpg
Body removed from frame
https://i.imgur.com/7TDbCND.jpg
Cleaning the frame up. It is a desert car, the frame is in very good shape. Some touch ups needed but nothing major.
https://i.imgur.com/LckakcV.jpg
Front and rear brake and suspension setups. Miata brakes up front, QA1 coilovers all around. Using DeloreanGo LCA outriggers and refurbished stock LCAs by the talented Clint Wolff.
https://i.imgur.com/XRm8Ws3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mWXZYJg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2muBfGd.jpg
All new brake lines and master cylinder
https://i.imgur.com/4HBrd86.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UDGYORo.jpg
Wilwood clutch master cylinder, a smaller bore than stock to help lighten up the clutch pedal.
https://i.imgur.com/wPYORqb.jpg
Here are several pictures of the process of adapting the transmission to the engine, then making the mounts to fit it to the frame.
Used a 2002 Porsche 911 transmission. Most of the other swaps i am involved with use the stock UN1 transmission, but the one that came with 2022 was damaged beyond repair due to improper storage unfortunately.
Porsche Transmission and comparison to the stock transmission
https://imgur.com/CptTuw0.jpg
https://imgur.com/JeuFdhh.jpg
Shortened the transmission to allow room for the accessories. Front to back room is very tight!
https://imgur.com/lzd3O70.jpg
Installing the Adapter plate. This is not my design, I am working on another design that is much nicer. It will be a one piece setup, not three pieces like this.
https://imgur.com/WMkdgET.jpg
https://imgur.com/RW5C9s8.jpg
https://imgur.com/BrVarU6.jpg
https://imgur.com/Zt20ef0.jpg
https://imgur.com/K1VSdEL.jpg
The engine and transmission mounts
https://imgur.com/xTq8Sl8.jpg
https://imgur.com/bciYxaC.jpg
https://imgur.com/H3o5mF9.jpg
https://imgur.com/dZLYrVi.jpg
Overall pictures of the engine and transmission sitting in the frame
https://imgur.com/8MDovKL.jpg
https://imgur.com/yGa8Xz4.jpg
https://imgur.com/rzMlQ9l.jpg
https://imgur.com/1cxXI1J.jpg
https://imgur.com/XEISq5o.jpg
Shifter Mounting. This was a bit of a challenge as the Porsche uses a cable shifter.
https://imgur.com/RfK5DXz.jpg
A few pictures of the removable rear crossmember. I also incorporated exhaust hangers.
https://imgur.com/8CS1VQh.jpg
https://imgur.com/DaTXRoC.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sLKyTev.jpg
After the engine was in, the body went back on. It sure would be nice to have a proper 2 post lift!
https://i.imgur.com/B2ntyN1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HLFAUp3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/R6Vul4t.jpg
With the body on, I needed to finish up plumbing the coolant and fuel systems. I made many custom components for the coolant system, such as pipes to neatly run the lines around the engine and transmission and a header bottle to work with the LS4. As for the fuel system is is much simpler than the stock one.
Fuel pump and filter/regulator. Only 3 lines used in total.
https://i.imgur.com/v0K2UOw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9JV55Ao.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SVhO3w4.jpg
The GM emissions devices are hidden in the pontoon
https://i.imgur.com/L8pLnDO.jpg
Some pictures of the custom coolant pipes and routing
https://i.imgur.com/9cWEeKG.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/c3aY91f.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hUbs4pd.jpg
Custom coolant header bottle. My next iteration will look more like stock. Non pressurized as the LS4 waterpump has a pressurized cap built into it.
https://i.imgur.com/WjnUMt1.jpg
Some more custom components
Air filter housing, incorporating the MAF sensor
https://i.imgur.com/fud8CPY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/y3DU5lN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/N2v91H5.jpg
Since the engine bay is cramped front to back, an elbow for the throttle body was fabricated. There are provisons for the cruise control cable as well as the MAP sensor.
https://i.imgur.com/nTWp0ww.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ufpYbDS.jpg
Now for my favorite part - Wiring. Besides working all the GM related engine wiring I reworked the chassis harness fairly extensively. A new stereo system, climate controls, blower fan wiring, AC wiring, keyless entry, among other things were added.
Engine Wiring harness pulled from a pickup truck at the junkyard
https://i.imgur.com/sgeRsju.jpg
Harness laid in the car ready to tie in and clean up.
https://i.imgur.com/7qH1chp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CsxuwQl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tkeLuND.jpg
Finished results of the wiring. I cleaned up the main fuse and relay box as well. All engine related fuses and relays are in the ECU compartment with the ECU, cruise control module, and OBD2 port.
https://i.imgur.com/hBsnJ6N.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/h14ohjT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/J7v9uLn.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/t70KBeC.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/EHrKUO7.jpg
Retrofitted Vehicle speed sensor for the ECU and cruise control
https://i.imgur.com/lLRyRIB.jpg
Relocated lighting controls as well as cruise control buttons
https://i.imgur.com/xmxiAXJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Vz1igq2.jpg
The last major hurdle was the exhaust. I hired this out to a local shop and i was very please with the results. He fit a lot of components in a very small area. All stainless components.
the exhause houses 4 o2 sensors to retain all the emissions equipment. This means both banks have a upstream and downstream 02 sensor.
https://i.imgur.com/0afysGf.jpg
https://imgur.com/LPdBazz.jpg
https://imgur.com/CvOzJxG.jpg
https://imgur.com/OuVigxf.jpg
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https://imgur.com/NXG0LOv.jpg
https://imgur.com/dYPTwtr.jpg
https://imgur.com/3VkipIW.jpg
Last but not least, here are some finished pictures of 2022:
Mind the unloomed wiring and mismatched spark plug plug wire, I took these engine pictures before I was 100% finished
https://i.imgur.com/WJeW3kb.jpg
https://imgur.com/sdpYIPx.jpg
https://imgur.com/Y0ljcbR.jpg
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https://i.imgur.com/JgGusXa.jpg
Rich_NYS
11-15-2019, 02:55 PM
Wow...super impressive Josh!
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mr_maxime
11-15-2019, 03:38 PM
This is beautiful. I'll be looking at this more in depth once I get home.
I got some questions about lifting the body since I'm about to do it to my car.
powerline84
11-15-2019, 06:35 PM
Love it
mr_maxime
11-15-2019, 08:11 PM
Are the A/C controls still vacuum actuated? and how did you lift the body without a lift? I'm thinking of using bottle jacks.
Michael
11-15-2019, 08:36 PM
This is my density.
JBaker4981
11-15-2019, 08:59 PM
Very impressive Josh! Just curious, how much was invested into this LS Swap from start to finish?
Also, that is absolutely the electrical compartment I've seen in a DeLorean
opethmike
11-15-2019, 10:53 PM
Very impressive Josh! Just curious, how much was invested into this LS Swap from start to finish?
Also, that is absolutely the electrical compartment I've seen in a DeLorean
When I did my LS swap, I ended up spending about $13,000.
adam_knox
11-16-2019, 06:32 AM
Wow, thanks for sharing the write up and pictures! This is going to be a dumb question, is this, or a similar type of engine, just as "easily" feasible with an automatic transmission or can you not really mix match motors with different brands of automatic trannies?
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Jonathan
11-16-2019, 08:19 AM
That's really impressive, Josh. Great work. You sir, have got some rare, rare talent and abilities.
opethmike
11-16-2019, 10:33 AM
Wow, thanks for sharing the write up and pictures! This is going to be a dumb question, is this, or a similar type of engine, just as "easily" feasible with an automatic transmission or can you not really mix match motors with different brands of automatic trannies?
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Automatic transmissions are MUCH larger than manuals. As it is, there is barely enough room for manuals in the DMC's frame when you figure in the repositioning of the gearboxes for the swap.
Bitsyncmaster
11-16-2019, 11:03 AM
Automatic transmissions are MUCH larger than manuals. As it is, there is barely enough room for manuals in the DMC's frame when you figure in the repositioning of the gearboxes for the swap.
And you have to find one on a rear engine car unless you want many reverse gears and one forward.
jackb
11-16-2019, 07:53 PM
Holy jesus, that is a monster of a job summed up so fast.
Incredibly impressive work. Wow!
vwdmc16
11-16-2019, 09:40 PM
Its possible the automatic version of the 996 transmission that Josh used could be used, but physically fitting it would be a big hurdle as they are even taller and longer than the manual. Plus you need to figure out a standalone computer for it. Any auto transmission after the mid 90s are not going to be "dumb" and will require a functioning computer. Just another big amount of work.
Besides the Porsche 911, there aren't many rear engine cars with Auto transmissions.
The first proper automatic transmission for the 911 was in the '88 964 generation. This was a ZF 4HP22, used they go for about $1000 and should bolt up to the same adapter plate. This is a very common and decent quality transmission used in a lot of German cars in the late 80s and early 90s; very simple transmission compared to a modern automatic. it would not be that difficult to wire up electronically. However it is only a 4-speed and is only good for about 220 newton meters of torque hence the name for 4(speeds)HP22 (power rating.)
That transmission would be under a lot of stress with a stock GM V8. But it's possible somebody can rebuild it to handle more power.
However making it physically fit is still the big challeng As there is a drive shaft on the right side that would really dig into the frame where the passenger side trailing arm bolt is.
[End off topic ramble]
..., is this, or a similar type of engine, just as "easily" feasible with an automatic transmission or can you not really mix match motors with different brands of automatic trannies?
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Bitsyncmaster
11-17-2019, 07:17 AM
One thing I see with these V8 conversions is the axle shafts have a pretty large angle since the mounting must push it further forward. Is this going to cause reliability problems with the CV joints? I would think your goal is to make the engine mount a far back as possible.
vwdmc16
11-17-2019, 09:28 AM
Aren't these axles longer than stock too Josh?
One thing I see with these V8 conversions is the axle shafts have a pretty large angle since the mounting must push it further forward. Is this going to cause reliability problems with the CV joints? I would think your goal is to make the engine mount a far back as possible.
They have a spacer to increase their length (to provide adequate plunge) and larger cv joint boots to prevent ripping at the increased angle. Otherwise these are stock axles and CVs
The angle you are observing is approximately 10-12 degrees, Porsche 930 style joints like these can be run up to 26 degrees before you run into major issues.
Furthermore I have tens of thousands of miles on this increased angle setup in multiple cars, without an issue. I will agree they will wear out sooner but nothing in the realm of premature.
Thank you for the comments guys feel free to ask questions
Mark D
11-18-2019, 09:10 AM
Epic build. Thanks for sharing the photos and detailing the process for the rest of us. :jawdrop:
DavidProehl
11-18-2019, 02:32 PM
Love this! Certainly a dream build. Very well done, so clean! What a transformation!
opethmike
11-18-2019, 07:36 PM
niiiiiiiiiice
BABIS
11-19-2019, 10:51 AM
awesome engine swap!
a quick question about this piece:
Wilwood clutch master cylinder, a smaller bore than stock to help lighten up the clutch pedal.
https://i.imgur.com/wPYORqb.jpg
is this master cylinder plug and play on the stock location? same thread for the clutch hose and reservoir hose adaptor?
is the pedal feeling lighter?
Thanks!
awesome engine swap!
a quick question about this piece:
is this master cylinder plug and play on the stock location? same thread for the clutch hose and reservoir hose adaptor?
is the pedal feeling lighter?
Thanks!
I would not use a smaller bore master cylinder with the stock transmission and slave cylinder setup. it would result in only partial disengagement of the pressure plate due to lack of stoke.
As for the wilwood master it bolts up, but the clevis needs to be modified and a adapter fitting used to interface with the delorean clutch line. I just made a new line front to back.
It also only comes in bores smaller than stock. Once again you would only use this in applications that do not use the stock transmission.
BABIS
11-20-2019, 04:56 AM
I would not use a smaller bore master cylinder with the stock transmission and slave cylinder setup. it would result in only partial disengagement of the pressure plate due to lack of stoke.
As for the wilwood master it bolts up, but the clevis needs to be modified and a adapter fitting used to interface with the delorean clutch line. I just made a new line front to back.
It also only comes in bores smaller than stock. Once again you would only use this in applications that do not use the stock transmission.
not the answer I wanted to hear but thanks anyway! it looks like that the key will be to find a softer spring for stock master ;)
dn010
11-20-2019, 10:11 AM
I still haven't completed a permanent air filter setup for my EFI conversion. My filter currently sits above the exhaust by the expansion tank - pretty awful since it's sucking in all that hot air and my MAF/IAT is right after the filter reading it all. I'd like to make something like you have pictured, Josh, where the filter goes into the pontoon. I'd need to cut into the passenger side since that is the direction all my piping is going. My question is, do you block off the vent that goes to the exterior of the rear quarter panel so the filter remains dry should the vehicle get caught in the rain or during a wash? Have you noticed more dirt or dust with the filter in the pontoon?
FABombjoy
11-20-2019, 02:14 PM
I have an AEM Dry Flo filter in about the same spot as Josh's build here.
I also have the AEM 1-4000 prefilter sock on it for good measure, but the last inspection didn't show strong evidence of getting wet. Dust was as expected but the prefilter caught most of it.
That's after maybe 2500-3000 miles in varying conditions.
not the answer I wanted to hear but thanks anyway! it looks like that the key will be to find a softer spring for stock master ;)
I have tried a softer spring in the stock master with poor results. Hopefully your experience is better.
I still haven't completed a permanent air filter setup for my EFI conversion. My filter currently sits above the exhaust by the expansion tank - pretty awful since it's sucking in all that hot air and my MAF/IAT is right after the filter reading it all. I'd like to make something like you have pictured, Josh, where the filter goes into the pontoon. I'd need to cut into the passenger side since that is the direction all my piping is going. My question is, do you block off the vent that goes to the exterior of the rear quarter panel so the filter remains dry should the vehicle get caught in the rain or during a wash? Have you noticed more dirt or dust with the filter in the pontoon?
I have been running a filter in the pontoon the entire ownership of my car. This would be about 30-40k miles. It does get a bit dusty in there, but if you keep on top of the filter you should be fine. I drive gravel roads from time to time as well.
It would be best to use a dryflow filter as Luke specified, i think I tired to run one but it did not come in the size i wanted so i went with the K&N. You need to be careful with oiled filters on MAF based systems as over oiling can contaminate the element in the sensor.
BABIS
11-21-2019, 12:12 PM
I have tried a softer spring in the stock master with poor results. Hopefully your experience is better.
I don't want to go OT more than necessary, so I'll end saying that when I drove a Renault Alpine (basically same engine same gearbox same clutch and even same slave cyl) the clutch pedal effort was equal to a modern car.. the experience made me think that the problem was all in our master cyl..
I don't want to go OT more than necessary, so I'll end saying that when I drove a Renault Alpine (basically same engine same gearbox same clutch and even same slave cyl) the clutch pedal effort was equal to a modern car.. the experience made me think that the problem was all in our master cyl..
In my humble opinion the issue is the pedal box. the clutch pedal has an intermediate linkage that promotes slop in the setup and there is very little leverage. If you look at a clutch pedal in any other car, including that alpine (boy that would be a cool car to drive) you will find the clutch pedal setup is very different.
Hey there, been drooling over LS swapped DeLoreans for a while and the documentation you have provided will be an invaluable resource for me in the future. For now I'd like to ask, do you or anyone else make the engine mounts and crossmember to sell for those of us who want to do the swap ourselves? Been eyeing up a project DeLorean that will be in need of an engine so it seems like the perfect time to get an LS in there. I like the idea of using a Porsche 6 speed like you have here as well. I swapped an LS into a 1985 Trans Am a few years ago and my only real concern with swapping a DeLorean is getting the engine and trans mounted up properly. I work at a sheet metal fabrication shop, so I do have the resources to fabricate my own parts if needed. Even if I could get some measurements or a rough sketch from you that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Hey there, been drooling over LS swapped DeLoreans for a while and the documentation you have provided will be an invaluable resource for me in the future. For now I'd like to ask, do you or anyone else make the engine mounts and crossmember to sell for those of us who want to do the swap ourselves? Been eyeing up a project DeLorean that will be in need of an engine so it seems like the perfect time to get an LS in there. I like the idea of using a Porsche 6 speed like you have here as well. I swapped an LS into a 1985 Trans Am a few years ago and my only real concern with swapping a DeLorean is getting the engine and trans mounted up properly. I work at a sheet metal fabrication shop, so I do have the resources to fabricate my own parts if needed. Even if I could get some measurements or a rough sketch from you that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Sent you a pm
Recent picture of 2022 passing CO emissions testing. Once again I retailed all the LS specific emissions equipment in anticipation of this.
https://i.imgur.com/qy8f1zX.jpg
JOrchard
01-04-2021, 04:48 PM
Absolutely wonderful work. You sir, are quite talented.
orangecrrrush
01-05-2021, 03:51 PM
I want one! :)
Thanks guys. Im very happy how this car turned out. It was a lot of work.
Timeless
02-09-2021, 03:46 PM
Josh seems the LS/DMC king! :cheers: I love the light switches relocation and cruise control. Cruise is a must IMO.
Are those FoMoCo HVAC controls? How do they operate? Vac controlled?
Nicholas R
02-10-2021, 01:47 PM
Josh has undoubtedly turned LS swapping DeLoreans into a science.
If you have any legitimate interest in performing any type of LS swap on your car, I highly recommend you engage Josh as it's likely he can support you in getting the parts needed. Whether you're wanting to use an LS1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, A, or an LQ engine, and you want to use a Renault or a Porsche gearbox, Josh has got you covered. I'm sure he would also consult on other drivetrain options as well, but the LS setups are surely the go-to. Take the guesswork out and do what works!
bigmac
03-10-2021, 11:46 PM
Can an auto box be used in this swap?
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The stock automatic box, absolutely not.
I myself have not explored any automatic transaxles behind a LS in our cars. There are at least two people that are exploring the feasibility of a 911 7 speed PDK.
The automatics are very large transmissions, something that will hold power will be a tight fit in the frame (likely require invasive modifications to the frame)
Josh seems the LS/DMC king! :cheers: I love the light switches relocation and cruise control. Cruise is a must IMO.
Are those FoMoCo HVAC controls? How do they operate? Vac controlled?
Thanks for the kind works from you and Nick. i love my cruise control. Engine aside keyless entry and cruise control are some of the best upgrades Ive done to my car.
The HVAC controls are from a 90s for F150. They are vacuum controlled.
Timeless
03-12-2021, 10:45 AM
The stock automatic box, absolutely not.
I myself have not explored any automatic transaxles behind a LS in our cars. There are at least two people that are exploring the feasibility of a 911 7 speed PDK.
The automatics are very large transmissions, something that will hold power will be a tight fit in the frame (likely require invasive modifications to the frame)
PDK is something I think about a lot. Have some PDK-equipped Porsches in the the family - such a fantastic gearbox if someone can get it to work in a D. I assume the electronics/controls are a big hurdle.
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