Thread: Topswap, but I got some questions?

I decided I will be doing a topswap within the next few months but I need to get some parts. I know what to get so thats not my question. What I am wanting to know is: On the l32 motor and the l26 motor are the head gaskets the same from factory? Is one more "durable" over the other? My next question is: What is the difference between the l32 heads and l26 heads besides the injectors being in the l32 heads? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

they are the same head gaskets.

the L26 heads are actually gonna flow a little nicer, but you cannot use them since you'll need the L32 injector ports.

do an entire motor swap with an L32. it's easier and way safer. L26 doesn't like boost. at all.

Originally Posted by Bio248

they are the same head gaskets.

the L26 heads are actually gonna flow a little nicer, but you cannot use them since you'll need the L32 injector ports.

do an entire motor swap with an L32. it's easier and way safer. L26 doesn't like boost. at all.

How come so many people like to do topswaps then on an l26 motor? Doesnt ZZP sell a lim that has the injector ports on it and can support a gen v?

Originally Posted by Classy Pontiac

How come so many people like to do topswaps then on an l26 motor? Doesnt ZZP sell a lim that has the injector ports on it and can support a gen v?

ZZP LIM does not support a full size Intercooler just a crappy short stack. If you go that route you are limiting yourself down the road.

I'm running a l26 block, l32 heads, VS cam, full Intercooler etc... Haven't blown it yet. Not sure how much weaker the rods/pistons are in a l26. Have heard there were failures but don't no if only issue was the piston/rod combination or if tuning and knock were involved.

I run no knock on 93 octane.

Originally Posted by sseilmnop

ZZP LIM does not support a full size Intercooler just a crappy short stack. If you go that route you are limiting yourself down the road.

I'm running a l26 block, l32 heads, VS cam, full Intercooler etc... Haven't blown it yet. Not sure how much weaker the rods/pistons are in a l26. Have heard there were failures but don't no if only issue was the piston/rod combination or if tuning and knock were involved.

I run no knock on 93 octane.

Isnt the short stack the same as the full stack intercooler except shorter? What would be limiting me?

It's smaller, less heat capacity. Get a full size for sure.

But though how can the short stack intercooler work but not the full stack intercooler with the zzp lim?

The ssm90 lower intake manifold has machined in injector holes. The short stack heat exchanger is small enough that it does not hit the injectors. The full size intercoolers have a much wider heat exchanger and it will hit the injectors.

The short stack is at best 1/3 the capacity of the full size.

Originally Posted by matt5112

thats with a SSM90 kit.

Post #3 he is talking about zzp making manifold with injector holes in it.

Ssm90

Do you have to go with the full SSM90 set up or can you just buy the LIM and throw on a gen III or IV with the L67 fuel rail and injectors? Cause that would be hella easy.

God damn it.

Oh crap so basically what you guys are saying is just do it correctly and get l32 heads and lim then a full stack intercooler?

Yes

Same goes for ported exhaust manifolds versus headers.

And changing the harmonic balancer doesnt throw the motor out of balance correct?

nope, plenty of us have done it.