_LXJET_
Posted 06 July 2016 - 11:16 AM
So I am going to go down the path of putting an LS2 or LS3 into an LX Coupe. Can this be legally done and engineered in Victoria still after all the new laws? Has anyone done this who may want to give a few tips on the best way forward and maybe even recommend an engineer?
Thanks in advance! 
Craig
Socially Distant
Posted 06 July 2016 - 01:06 PM
But it will depend entirely on the engineer and what weight he or she will accept as the "heaviest sedan variant" (note that they use the sedan weight whether it be a sedan or hatch).
If you refer to Dr Terry's book "60 Years of Holden", the weight of the heaviest sedan (being the A9X) is 1306kg, so 5x that gives a maximum capacity of 6530cc, meaning an LS3 should pass no problem.
However, I've seen a list from the NSW LVCOP which only has an SL/R5000 listed as the heaviest variant at 1205kg, so if you 5x that it's only 6025cc capacity, meaning an LS2/L76/L77/L98 is okay but an LS3 is not.
And then there are examples on this forum of engineers approving a supercharged LSA in a Torana which is WAY outside the guidelines!
So the bottom line is, don't take anything for granted unless it comes direct from an engineer's mouth (and even then you should get it in writing) and remember you can shop around and interview a few different engineers, you will probably find each has a different interpretation of the "guidelines".
_LXJET_
Posted 06 July 2016 - 03:31 PM
Thank you so much Andrew! That's awesome. Much appreciated!
Makes sense now why I hear so many conflicting stories! They are all probably true!
Pain in the ar$e
Posted 06 July 2016 - 04:07 PM
Good information Andrew , I would keep to the 5ltr carby motor . I would pay more for a lx hatch with a 5ltr carby motor . That's just me . Commodore chev motors in a Torana . yes I can see the value but is this going to be a every day driver ?
_LXJET_
Posted 06 July 2016 - 04:36 PM
I won't be selling this one so I don't need to worry about what others would buy.
I have always wanted to build a turbo v8 lx ss coupe and the LS2 & 3 motors are amazing for it so I have decided to go that way.
I will drive it most days as long as it's not raining. The car hasn't seen rain in 20 years.
Pain in the ar$e
Posted 06 July 2016 - 04:55 PM
Hope it all goes well Craig , As you said , its what you want . I sure respect that . With Turbo ( very nice )
_LXJET_
Posted 06 July 2016 - 05:07 PM
Thanks mate, reliving a childhood dream as I sold one which I regret but now have the funds to do it properly!
Pain in the ar$e
Posted 06 July 2016 - 05:15 PM
I can see why you have JET in your number plate lol . Will you require a chassis kit ?
Pain in the ar$e
Posted 06 July 2016 - 05:43 PM
Have you found the hatch Craig ? Any pics please .
_LXJET_
Posted 06 July 2016 - 05:54 PM
I haven't even picked up the car as yet so I am not sure what is on it. I am sure I will need something however. A lot to learn and read about!
Have you found the hatch Craig ? Any pics please .
I have found the hatch but I haven't paid for it in full as yet. I will post pics the second I own it! I don't want to get my hopes up too high just yet!
Socially Distant
Posted 06 July 2016 - 09:32 PM
If you're feeling bored Craig, there's some light reading here:
http://www.infrastru...n/vsb_ncop.aspx
This is the National Code Of Practice (NCOP) for Light Vehicle Modification that Victoria has adopted. If you scroll down the page you can open the various sections in PDF format.
Depending on how much modification you do, you may also want to refer to the Second Edition ADRs here:
https://www.infrastr...ition_adrs.aspx
And attached below is a list of Victorian Engineering Signatories (sorry I can't recommend any one in particular).
VASS_signatories_by_location.pdf 104.81K
5 downloads
Hopefully someone else here can chime in with their personal experiences? Otherwise, as previously mentioned, you can approach a few different engineers and see who you think is the best choice, it will all go heaps easier if you're working with someone who's interested in what you're doing.
Most important thing is to get an engineer on-board before you do anything else, there's no point going out and buying an LS3 crate engine if you can't get it passed!
_LXJET_
Posted 07 July 2016 - 07:35 AM
Thanks again Andrew, I will definitely take your advice and go on the hunt for an engineer!
Looks like I have a bit of reading to do!
_LS2 Hatch_
Posted 07 July 2016 - 11:38 AM
on a side note Craig, even though you are not intending to sell this car, if you are paying anywhere near the price you have discussed in the thread about insurance, you are going to MAJORLY over capitalise on this car.
Regardless on how its done, unless you do every last part of the conversion yourself, its an expensive exercise.
The $15 odd grand you spend on the engine change, spent on a $60-$70K car is dead money.
Your car your choice, just saying
_LXJET_
Posted 07 July 2016 - 10:44 PM
_LS1 Taxi_
Posted 07 July 2016 - 11:39 PM
_fli304_
Posted 08 July 2016 - 06:19 AM
Hey LS2hatch, I totally get that it is dead money. I'm doing it all over a while with spare cash for enjoyment and learning. I love it. Worked my ass of 7 days a week for years and now it's time to enjoy it a little. Owned nice new cars but they don't make you feel anywhere as good as owning a Torana. Now time to play.
Also need a hobby so meeting some of you guys and getting out in the Torana community sounds like fun.
Edited by fli304, 08 July 2016 - 06:20 AM.
_parsons5000_
Posted 08 July 2016 - 07:26 AM
lxjet if u can u should build a 6 litre block and stroke it out to 408 would be awesome power and then throw a harrop 2300 on it and u will make 800 hp easy
_LXJET_
Posted 08 July 2016 - 02:55 PM
lxjet if u can u should build a 6 litre block and stroke it out to 408 would be awesome power and then throw a harrop 2300 on it and u will make 800 hp easy
Not sure if I need 800hp! haha. Sounds like it would be amazing however. I am more after something that is a heap of fun, loud and bulletproof. I will end up with a turbo LS3 the way it is going. Not a big HP one, just a super reliable car which is fun and is something different.
_parsons5000_
Posted 08 July 2016 - 05:54 PM
_LS2 Hatch_
Posted 08 July 2016 - 07:46 PM
Hey LS2hatch, I totally get that it is dead money. I'm doing it all over a while with spare cash for enjoyment and learning. I love it. Worked my ass of 7 days a week for years and now it's time to enjoy it a little. Owned nice new cars but they don't make you feel anywhere as good as owning a Torana. Now time to play.
Also need a hobby so meeting some of you guys and getting out in the Torana community sounds like fun.
Forum Participant
Posted Yesterday, 02:18 PM
Sorry to bring up an old thread but figured it was better to do so rather than start a new one.
I have a 4dr LX that I am hoping to get down to Melbourne so I can continue the project. I am trying to figure out the path I want to take but wondering if anyone has had any luck getting an LS3 engineered in VIC and who they went through and how hard it was? Tossing up between L98 and LS3.
LS3's are a bit easier to find secondhand vs an L98 engine from my research.
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