Hi people, still gathering intel (and prices!!) on a V8 conversion.

Last week i spoke to BAE, british american engines, got prices on a turnkey modified LS3 engine, 6.2l 550bhp and T56 box, they don't know of anyone who has dropped a V8 into an omega so couldn't advise much on what engineering would be involved to get the engine supported or if it would really 'fit'.

I know anything is possible.....but want to know roughly what lies ahead!

So far i've decided on a monaro lsd, i have an engineering friend who will make shafts and prop to suit, fuel tank will go in the bootspace to eliminate fire risk, give room for larger diff, and exhaust pipes.

one hurdle i'm a bit stumpped on is the steering box, it looks to be in the way, roughly going off block/box measurements.

has anyone on here managed to put a v8 in, and if so could they comment on the above at all?

Thanks

Rob

I'm tentatively exploring the idea for someone.

it's been done before, one just sold through ph & ebay.

biggest problem will be getting the brakes just so I reckon. Yu'll probably not get a reasonable brake pack under anything but 18" wheels, so if you're not into chavvery, then it could be a problem.

Engine/transmission cold be do-able from as little as £1500 if you're very selective about the parts.

Monaro axle won't fit unless you build a hybrid rear subframe from Carlton/Monaro, Omega and Monza parts.

Other than that, the electrics you might find problematical - ABS/traction control & drive-by wire and cruise control might be a problem for you.

I have to admit that I have a bit of an advantage in that I do this sort of thing for a living and already have a Holden Commodore.

p.s. I've just priced up getting a consignment of V8s over from the USA

Would probably have to convert to rack and pinion steering, I would have thought. I'd be surprised if the fuel tank was really in the way.

the one that sold still had a box  :o

hi mate, i've not paid a penny as yet as i want to get everything figured out and a parts list first, just looked at the monaro diff and thought i could be made to work.

£1500...what engine would that be using? its a snip of what i was looking at!

not planning on having TC/ABS, so thats one issue out the way.

wheels would be 18'' as you say, that doesn't worry me either.

cheers

Liam wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 20:36:

Would probably have to convert to rack and pinion steering, I would have thought. I'd be surprised if the fuel tank was really in the way.

had the car on a lift yesterday and the tank is in my way, as i want twin pipes all the way and a box/exit each side at the rear. :D

Use the truck version of the LS, still the same engine, but a few less cubes and iron block. BUT available in the USA for a couple of hundred quid.

LS1's start at around £1500 on the open market.

the last LS6 I bought was £4000 with trans and ecu.

you don't actually need a T56 either.

oh yes and YHM !

There was a thread a while back in which a member, omegadan67, I think, was describing an imminently finished V8 meggy made with various VXR8 and Monaro bits apparently. Supercharged too. Might be one to ask. Maybe I can find the thread...

2woody wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 20:50:

Use the truck version of the LS, still the same engine, but a few less cubes and iron block. BUT available in the USA for a couple of hundred quid. LS1's start at around £1500 on the open market. the last LS6 I bought was £4000 with trans and ecu. you don't actually need a T56 either.

where in the uk are these engines available?
ls6 with trans and ecu for £4k, sounds like a great deal.
what box options do i have apart from t56?
cheers

Liam wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 21:23:

There was a thread a while back in which a member, omegadan67, I think, was describing an imminently finished V8 meggy made with various VXR8 and Monaro bits apparently. Supercharged too. Might be one to ask. Maybe I can find the thread...

cheers mate, will knock up a pm otherwise  :y

Here it is. No juicy pics or anything though :(. As you can see I was quite excited! Would love to check it out.

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1278531605/0

Caw, how narrow that is, single cam heads, headers only stick out past the block by a couple of inches

http://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/chrisgixer/bc019e66.jpg

F1 9LFG wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 21:55:

2woody wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 20:50: Use the truck version of the LS, still the same engine, but a few less cubes and iron block. BUT available in the USA for a couple of hundred quid. LS1's start at around £1500 on the open market. the last LS6 I bought was £4000 with trans and ecu. you don't actually need a T56 either. where in the uk are these engines available? ls6 with trans and ecu for £4k, sounds like a great deal. what box options do i have apart from t56? cheers

not available in uk !

the LS6 was bought b a work colleague of mine - a direct import, all new LS2 actually come to think of it, with T56 and the GM ecu for £4K.

for the weight of an Omega, a T5 would suffice as a gearbox - and much cheaper to buy, too.

all being well, I'll have a batch of engines available about easter-time

2woody wrote on 13. Nov 2010 at 11:37:

F1 9LFG wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 21:55: 2woody wrote on 12. Nov 2010 at 20:50: Use the truck version of the LS, still the same engine, but a few less cubes and iron block. BUT available in the USA for a couple of hundred quid. LS1's start at around £1500 on the open market. the last LS6 I bought was £4000 with trans and ecu. you don't actually need a T56 either. where in the uk are these engines available? ls6 with trans and ecu for £4k, sounds like a great deal. what box options do i have apart from t56? cheers not available in uk ! the LS6 was bought b a work colleague of mine - a direct import, all new LS2 actually come to think of it, with T56 and the GM ecu for £4K. for the weight of an Omega, a T5 would suffice as a gearbox - and much cheaper to buy, too. all being well, I'll have a batch of engines available about easter-time

sounds good mate, keep a large one aside for me, and a box to suit ;) ;)

will call you later or tomorrow

cheers