Temps have been fine, even in the hot Florida summer. With the GM factory thermostat, the LS runs about 194-198 degrees. The hottest it has ever been was 205 with the A/C on full-blast in stop-go traffic. That has been running with the Rover factory fan and a partially-cut fan shroud. You could potentially go to an electric fan if you think you needed more cooling performance for trail riding. The LS cooling system is a lot more stable, the temps don't vary nearly as much as they did with the stock Rover system.

 

Update: We're making progress. Our third in-house build is underway. We are using headers instead of manifolds this time, which has meant some changes to the motor mounts and exhaust. We're also trying one of the eBay LS harnesses. Upon visual inspection, it looks well-built and at $330 shipped, it's worth the try. If it works well, that's a $200 savings over using the harnesses we were using before.

The second-round beta test kits are being built right now. Most changes from the first set were minor changes to the brackets. In addition, we are also working on a slight change to the adapter system that will help move the engine slightly back further in the engine bay, which should help with a little more fan clearance and make installation easier, and reduce our materials cost.

 

Ace- what does it take to get on the list for a beta kit?

 

Any results yet from the first round betas?

 

This set is spoken for at the moment. But send us an email if you're interested.

 

So far, most of the feedback that we have received has been minor fitment issues and some needs for clarification in the instructions. I'll ask for permission to share some of their build pictures.

 

In case anyone else is in Texas, I recently figured out that the year of the engine being swapped in does not matter when it comes to registering the car.
As long as the car can pass a safety and emissions (if applicable to your county) inspection, you're good to go. You just need to fill out a rebuilt vehicle statement form VTR-61. Be sure to get a bill of sale when purchasing your engine as you'll need to include that with the form.

 

Hey ACE I requested access to the google drive link you posted up. email has my username in it. Looking forward to doing this in the near future with my 00’ D2

 

Anyone in WA that wants to tackle this with me? I have a 2000 D2

 

thank you! I’m in Austin. Where are you? And I’d love to check your swap out!