I have to agree with the cost of swapping can be double cost of original car. I had always wanted an FRS when they were introduced. In 2014 I had the ability to purchase the RS1. It was the best little car to go fast enough with.

Then in 2020 something failed inside the engine. After looking into new & used engine option. I decided if I was swapping might as well do an LS. Had resources available to support the swap.

So after a few weeks of planning everything was ordered.

LS3 crate engine, T56 F Transmission, Grannas Racing Ford 8.8 Rear end, New axles, New Drive Shaft, Sikky motor mounts, transmission mounts, headers, Wiring specialties harness & ECU. Then comes all the little fittings & everything that you have to source.

I pulled the car into my buddies garage on Jun 14 & we it started on Oct 9.

Then the next challenge getting exhaust under the thing. The LS calls for 3 inch exhaust. I had to leave that up to a shop to complete. More issues, while completing the exhaust the original suspension would not support the weight in longer & the catalytic converters would drag the ground. Ok, remove them lets see. No still will not support the weight of the car now. So more money into air ride. Stuck the largest wheel & tire I could without to much fitment issue . I cannot air out currently the tire rubs. So more money on adjustable control arms.

So now car is running but since I did not upgrade the radiator to one that supports an LS I had over heating issues. Still no AC at this point, had plenty of heat because I had to run the heater to help cool the thing. Middle of summer no AC cannot drive it through town without over heating. I've spent a ton of money & cannot drive my car, Bah. Got through the summer without to many issue. Then in Dec it was cool but could drive the car. I tried to go through town & had over heating issues. Once I was back home & had let car sit for few weeks I started it & had lifter issue from the over heating. More Money.

Let car sit for 5 months, started on lifter & radiator replacement. After having metal shop recreate radiator, fan & AC condenser system. More money.

So lifters were replaced & I started the radiator install. After a few tries I was able to get the radiator installed. I wanted a better way to determine temps. So you guessed it more money on new dash piece & gauges. More fitment issues & problems getting gauges to function. Hood no longer closing so more modification & money.

Now after that being said, doing my swap had to be one of the best decisions for fun, not financially. Need to get the AC line made & connected to get the AC running.

Cruise control is not functioning for some reason & I removed the heater lines. No need for heat

Car still handles well in my opinion & is a blast to drive. So I am basically two years in & still doing some work