Thread: L67 Swap newbie

Hello everyone.
I'm a regular over on the G6 forums as I daily a Pontiac G6.
But that's not why I'm here.

I recently purchased an L67 that supposedly came from a 98 GTP.
And I'm currently working on swapping it into my RX-8

I'll start a thread for those interested elsewhere, but in the mean time I thought I'd come introduce myself.
I'm excited to read any tips and info you guys may have on these engines.
I tried to join 3800pro.com but that registration fails no matter what I try.

Here's a couple pics to get the ball rolling.

I actually picked up a gasket set from ZZP. Got the aluminum Coolant elbows and LIM gaskets with it. As well as a new pan gasket.
I also got the oil pan from a Camaro/Firebird 3800 for a little more clearance around the subframe.



I already picked up the flywheel, just need to get the rest of the parts together.

have you considered doing an intercooler, heads, or a cam? that L67 will make a lot more power if you do all the above.

Originally Posted by ScottyDoggs

one word of advice, stop buying little stuff from zzp. theres nothing special about their simple parts that you cant buy on line or local for cheaper. if you need performance parts then buy em, but gaskets and stuff, no way id buy them from there. to over priced, like its gold plated lol

back to the pan, if you didnt rtv the pan and the block then sandwich the gasket in rtv, its will leak again likely.

whats the plan for a tranny?

Yea I wasn't really jazzed about any of ZZP's parts. I just wanted a whole gasket set with the aluminum carriers and ZZP had everything, including seals in one package so I just went for it.
I recently discovered intense and may be getting some parts from them. But really I don't think there's anything else I'd need. Other than a tune.

The pan hasn't been fully installed yet. I didn't consider RTV but I think I will definitely add some seeing as these engines love to leak apparently. Would you suggest using RTV on the rocker cover gaskets as well? probably get messy ha.

The trans is the Aisin AR5 5 Speed from the Pontiac Solstice. I found that a 1997 Dodge Dakota Bell housing has GM's 60* pattern and the Aisin's pattern (same as a supra trans) So the engine bolts right up to that trans.
The only issue I have is the input shaft on the trans is a hair too short. I'm looking to maybe shave the ends of the bell housing a bit to get it closer. Might need to end up cutting it and welding it shorter...

Originally Posted by SgtMarshal

have you considered doing an intercooler, heads, or a cam? that L67 will make a lot more power if you do all the above.

I have looked into those things, but the ultimate plan is turbo or twin turbo. I was more after the beefier rods and lower compression than the supercharged bit, But because it's supercharged it'll have more power from the get go so thats why I'm running it that way for now.

As I build the car I can leave it supercharged and enjoy it and as I get more money I can build a proper turbo setup for it. I may put some money into building the internals as well... either way once it's turbo'd it'll definitely be intercooled, and I may look at a cam and/or rockers to get a better power range out of it.
Right now I figure the 3.3" pulley, 42# injectors and meth injection should keep things fairly safe and still pretty fun. Hopefully I don't run into too much KR with this setup.

I have an intake manifold that will work perfectly for your turbo setup, instead of having to do a custom "U" bend intake off the supercharger, it will face forward. it will bolt right up to your L67 intake manifold, and has a 75mm inlet. the outlet is probably bigger than the L67 intake manifold inlet, so it would probably be a good idea to open it up bigger. I'm asking 250 for it plus shipping.

The supercharger won't fit as it is without the throttle body even on.
The plan is to cut the tb flange off the blower and cut as much back as I can, then stuck a 3" pip in the side of it, just weld it on and move the throttle body forward that way.
It probably won't be pretty at all but I'm fairly certain it'll work out.

I want to just run turbo now, but I don't have the money for all those parts, and what good is a turbo engine if the car isn't built.
At this point I think it's more cost effective to work out the mounts, drive shaft, wiring. etc. Once I know it all works and is plenty of fun then I can focus on a real power build.

Thanks for the tips on the block, I know GM pumped out millions of these engines. I was pretty excited to see this one clean inside.
I know the N/A's can probably handle the boost, but side by side the L67 rods look so much better for the job.

I'll probably look for a newer manifold when that time comes too.
I was debating a custom build to mount to the existing LIM
But I think the Camaro LIM and Upper would work out fine, and it'll move the thermostat housing forward too so that doesn't sit right against the firewall.

The car is in horrible shape, rocker panels and quarters are rusted beyond repair. The frame is still solid and nothing is rusting inside yet.
I don't care about cutting into the firewall but I won't need to, If I did the throttle body and filter would lay inside the car, and that's not ideal.
I'm fairly confident I can get the supercharger to work with this setup, just need to do some cutting and massaging of the metal he.

What's a good way to clean up the rotors from the supercharger? I got mine apart and the EGR just made all of it nasty

Why not an LS swap?

Alright then I won't touch those rotors, I heard there was some kind of coating on them so I was hesitant to put anything on em.
And sweet thread, does give me some ideas for the supercharger.

I decided against an LS swap because EVERYONE and their mother's does an LS swap. I wanted to be different.