If your Saturn SL1’s motor is just not cutting it anymore you might consider getting a little creative just like this builder did. He took a 2000 SL1 and swapped the 1.9 L inline-four to a 5.3 L LS4 V8 sourced from a 2006 Impala SS. The engine retains the stock 243 heads but has a LS9 valvetrain with DoD (displacement on demand) delete package and a Professional Products Typhoon intake manifold with a 102 mm throttle body. Power goes through a SPEC Stage 3+ clutch to a GM F23 Getrag five-speed manual transmission with a 60 degree bellhousing pattern from a 2002 Cavalier and then through custom axles. Considering the factory hood is able to shut, the only thing that might give this sleeper away is the dual exhaust and the sound coming from them.
Update 5/3/2016 – Added new photos and videos from owner
Source: LS1Tech
Now that’s what I’m talking about! Completely unique swap!
RWD FTW
Def not rwd.
About how much does this cost?
I want to don’t his to my z24
I’ve actually been thinking of doing the same swap into either a pre 95 saturn or cavalier station wagon, but building it into a mid engine car . Making a firewall right behind the front seats and blacking out all of the rear windows. And keeping hubcaps on the car and running drapes radials out back. Stepping it up like a fiero more or less. That would be the ultimate sleeper. At least I think so.
Sounds like an incredible project. I hope you are able to complete it one day.
The only question I have is how dose the engine harness work with the car and what modifications had to be made?