2012 V6 Engine Swap to LSX 454

[aquariumsoul]

Hey guys. First post here. So I have a 2012 v6, and I am wanting more power. Essentially, I want the most possible power out of it and money is not exactly an issue. I'm not really interested in trading up to the v8, as I am wanting to do an engine swap. I want to swap to an LSX 454. First, is that even possible or will it be too big? Second, if ti is possible, what are we talking in terms of overall cost for fitting, fabricating, new headers, exhaust, and all that fun stuff? I was considering just supercharging the car, but I'm sure that won't be enough for me. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[blake-b]

Physically it will fit. However, you will be money and time ahead trading up to a V8 and going from there.

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[aquariumsoul]

Why is that? Is it just because it would require more modification than if it were already a v8? What kind of modifications are required? You wouldn't happen to know an engine builder I could consult or something? I just got such a screaming deal on my v6. I also, have modified the body quite a bit and would hate to start over.

[ChibiBlackSheep]

It's not like the older days where you could just swap an engine and fire it all up. Nowadays there are so many electronics and aids in cars, that you physically have to rewire everything to talk to the new engine and components.

If you really want to keep your v6, there is nothing wrong with going to an overkilled supercharger set up, you will push the same numbers as a v8, you just won't get that v8 rumble, AND it can all be done in a weekend, instead of months and months of time.

[blake-b]

You basically need a V8 donor car to get the entire driveline; ECM, BCM, etc. If you got a screaming deal on a wrecked SS, it might be worth it. In the long run, it will be less stressful (and likely less $) to just sell your car, buy an SS and redo the body mods or remove them from the V6. If you look in the classifieds, many people remove the mods prior to selling or trading in because they aren't worth much to a new buyer unless you find a buyer who wants EXACTLY what you have.

If you are set on an LSX454, The MSRP is around $13k and can be found for a little less. You can buy a used SS for $15-20K. Sell your current car and you won't be out much at all. Add headers and exhaust and cam if you want a deep V8 rumble. You might even find one that already has all that done. Here is on with 500whp for 20K

Look back through the vehicle sales, there are many big power cars that are or were for sale. Most of the owners took a big loss from the sale after you factor in how much they spent on powertrain stuff.

For example, I just had a 427 LSX built for my car and it has AGP turbos going on. The rest of the drivetrain and suspension have been gone through also (Gforce 9", RPM Lvl 6 TR6060, etc); has 18" Weld wheels and only has 18k on the body and there are many more mods I have. I wouldn't expect to get more than $35k for mine if I were to sell it and I promise I have spent much, much more than that to get it where it is and I have done much of the work myself as far as installation.

You'll be money and time ahead picking up an SS and moving the body mods over to it.

[aquariumsoul]

If I were to swap to a different v6 engine, would that be a better route? Are there any good v6 engines that you guys would recommend?

[ChibiBlackSheep]

I don't think an engine swap is the answer. There is plenty of power being pushed out of these LFX engines. Twin Turbo setups pushing over 600 to the wheels, supercharger setups pushing 400, and installs are quicker and costs are cheaper.

[aquariumsoul]

Okay. I have been looking into a twin turbo. I've seen two variants. One type is placed by the engine block, and the other placed remotely at the end of the exhaust replacing the mufflers. Which is better? Is there a difference?

[ChibiBlackSheep]

Better is hard to define. I prefer set ups that are under the hood, because I show cars and you always pop the hood to show it off (one of the reasons that I love the procharger kit for these cars, I just love the look of that thing). I also feel like everything is less exposed to nature that way.

Rear mount turbos have the benefit of running cooler, and are usually easier to install, since you aren't working within the confines of an engine bay. But I believe they require a little more boost to make the same numbers, with how much travel there is from outlet to intake.

[blake-b]

Rear mount turbos have noticeable lag.

[Kenny Camaro]

Under the hood is preferable.

[aquariumsoul]

Okay. Thanks for your input guys. It's not like there's that much space restriction under the hood anyways. Does anyone have any recommendations for an all in one twin turbo charger kit? I just want to buy everything all at once and not have to worry about ordering things separately. Unless there's different components that work best together. Performance comes first for me.

[ChibiBlackSheep]

I have not done the turbo research, because if I was boosting my LFX, I would be procharging it.

I would send a PM to this guy: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=377642

See if they created a "kit" yet.

[aquariumsoul]

What exactly is procharging? Is it better than supercharging?