Ls1 P38 Engine Conversion

**81stubee** · 21st August 2008, 03:06 PM

Once I get back from NZ in November, I'm going to need to do something with my 4.6. $2000 to rebuild the Short Motor, plus other bits and pieces probably end up close to $4000. So i'm back to the Idea of a Gen III 5.7 or Gen IV 6.0 out of a commodore ($4900 new), They're very cheap for the power you can get out, and have been done to Classic Range's, my mechanic has one at the moment. Plus as someone has already mentioned they are a much more modern engine and the PCM would be much more refined as it was designed roughly 8 years after GEMS. This may be just a pipe dream, but want to talk it out. It may all get put in the too hard basket, but at least there will be a thread that other people can look up, and find out why i didn't do it.

Problems I can see:

On an early P38 should be relatively easy to communicate to the BeCM (assuming no Immobiliser) as the ECM communicates by Hard Wired signals. Only problem here would be Converting Digital I/O's to different format, can be done. Later Bosch P38's communicate using CAN so these would be harder, I think.

Transmission - Would a rebuilt ZF 4HP24E handle the extra power say 300HP? I've read somewhere that they were fitted to the V12 BMW's. I would rather stick to the ZF as opposed to a 4L80E as installation would be easier.

Physical Installation shouldn't be too bad, as you can get adaptors to fit the ZF to the Gen III. Wondering what the engine mounts are like compared with the Classic.

Diffs/Axles - Can they be beefed up??? I already have the 4 pin diff on the rear, would they handle this power?

Transfer - Will the BW Transfer and Viscous take the power?

Cooling - I guess you could make the radiator into a tripple core

I'm trying to get hold of a Holden Workshop Manual to figure out how the PCM interfaces and what it controls.

Reason - I don't wan't to spend $5000 to fix the 4.6, when I could spend an extra $2K and get a heap more POWER

and better fuel economy. I really think the biggest problem is interfacing the electronics.

What problems haven't i thought of that could be encountered. Do you think a new 4.6 would be just as good?

Stu

**p38arover** · 21st August 2008, 05:42 PM

I wonder if you can buy some of the stuff you'll need from this mob: index

So what is involved?
Standard conversion

5.7 LS spec engine.
Custom bellhousing and torque convertor mountings
Bespoke engine mounts
Exhaust interface to standard RR exhaust.
Upgrade fuel delivery system
Relocation of standard ancillaries (Aircon, PAS)
Supply of new alternator and wiring
Modification of looms
Custom programming of GEMS engine management.
Airbox modifications and silicon intake hose
Electric fan and adjustable controller

**sclarke** · 21st August 2008, 07:14 PM

Baby Stu....
Go for it... your a smart fella and your electronics knowledge will work it out...

as for answering your question... Hell knows....

Clarkie.

BTW.... ring neil....he wants a chat..

**big guy** · 21st August 2008, 07:22 PM

Are you gonna rego here in australia?

I do believe in SA, you are not allowed to exceed 5l.
Other states may be similar.
I myself have gone that path and thats what my mechanic told me.

He also told me to look at a lexus v8.
They are bullet proof so he says and smooth and cheap.

Get your existing 4.6 built to a big bore job to say 5.2 from TRS.

Just a thought.

Great idea though.

**p38arover** · 21st August 2008, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by big guy

He also told me to look at a lexus v8.
They are bullet proof so he says and smooth and cheap.

Where does the torque come in? You don't want it up the rev band. I agree, they appear like a great engine and can be had at a reasonable price with a half clip.

**abaddonxi** · 21st August 2008, 07:26 PM

Seen this thread?

Engine Swap - TD5 90 to .......LS1/6......?

Cheers
Simon

**Utemad** · 21st August 2008, 07:43 PM

Sounds good if you get it done. Since it has been done before at least you know it is physically possible.

However didn't you get the P38 as the Disco was going to cost too much to fix?

$7k will get you another Disco.

**Vern** · 21st August 2008, 07:54 PM

There was a mob in England i think that do this conversion in a P38 and piggy back the computer or something like that. I think i saw it on RangeRovers. net or LR4x4. I emailed the guy but never got a reply.

**p38arover** · 21st August 2008, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by Vern

There was a mob in England i think that do this conversion in a P38 and piggy back the computer or something like that. I think i saw it on RangeRovers. net or LR4x4. I emailed the guy but never got a reply.

See my link above.

**Vern** · 21st August 2008, 08:16 PM

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