$5k to invest in my car and no speed shops around

I've got a 94 Camaro and I cannot for the life of me find a speed shop around Dover Delaware that will do an overhaul on my engine! I just think I'm lacking the contacts..anyway. I've got $5k and I'm interested in the Grand AM 99+ top end swap. However, I cant find the parts I need around here (Dover). I have also been looking into the LS1 swap..like everyone else.

Anyone know a "East Coast Customs" around Delaware? lol.

sell your car and just buy a Z28, dont dump ur money into the v6 car..just my opinion:)

I have to agree, $5000 is a nice downpayment on a used LT1 or LS1.

well heres the thing, I've seen an SS or two around here for sale...knowing they have engine problems. So I'm going to have to tear down the engine anyway and have all of the internal oil leaks fixed. I dont mind being out of a car for a week as long as I know that when I get it back there wont be any bad surprises after i receive it.

I don't quite understand your logic. Get a car without "engine problems" and you won't have to tear down any engines, period. It's your cash though, spend it on what makes you happy.

I have to agree. You will be much better off selling the 3.4 and going out and buying the LT1 or LS1 f-body you really desire.

There are just so many things that need to be changed with a swap from v6 you will burn thru 5K in no time flat. Wiring harness, K memeber, engine and cooling system.... its just not worth it. the labor involved for pulling your engine, removing all wiring and K member, and front suspension reinstalling front suspension, k member, wiring harness, new used engine, cooling system, ect... at $70-80 an hour you will blow all you money on just the labor if you pay a shop to do it. Chances are you will be out of your car for much more than a week. And you still have a used engine that you really know nothing about. It came from a wrecked car or something like that...

as already stated, dont buy the car that you know already has "engine problems". You can pick p a nice used LT1 for around 6-8k that already has what you want.

Sell you v6 and put that money with the 5k and go shopping for a new car.

sell the v6.. thats 1-4k im guessing right there... sooo... 6-9k down on a ls1... jesus.. even a 2 yr note on that is near nothing... ill e-slap you if you put a penny into the v6, or even a engine swap(im in the process of doing it now, dont...)

jeez :)
cory

I definitely agree w/ all the above posts. Don't waste your time, money or effort on the V6, especially the 3.4L. Keep your money, sell the car and get a decent LT1 or LS1. Even if it needs work you will still have a faster car for less money. Unless you're swapping in a turbo V6 3.8L from a Buick, don't was your time.

Later,


Steve.

yup $5000 is enough for 90% of used lt1's on the market and I've seen 98 ls1 fbodies sell for as little as $5200 recently.

Well thanks for all of your opinions. I actually have more than 5k, its just I'd rather not start saving cash over again from $0. haha. I guess I just need to find someone that is selling their LS1. I'd really like to find a used SS. That would be very very nice! Do any of you have an estimate of how much a possible overhaul would cost if there were internal oil leaks in an LS1? Just wondering.... maybe like a min/max price?

btw, I see a lot of PA guys out there. I guess DE is too small to have anyone respond. lol.

you could try easternfbody.com

as far as rebuilding an ls1 blah blah blah dude I've seen many good running ls1's go for $6000

as far as wanting an ss, buy the hood & spoiler, done.

Keep your eye on the vehicle classifieds on the various F-Body boards, most of these guys are honest, know their cars, and won't try to gouge you. Also check out Internet sites like autotrader.com and cars-on-line.com and don't be afraid to drive a couple hundred miles for a good deal on a nice car.

Not quite sure what you mean by an "internal" oil leak.... never heard of that before. If its internal its not leaking.

If you have more than the 5k... just go get a used Fbody that already has what you want.

I just saw a sweet looking black TA on rt 73 South bound in marlton. There are a ton of used f-body cars around here for sale you just have to look. I am sure there are ones down your way too...

If you swap an LT or LS engine to your 3.4 you will be starting to save all over again cause you will dump all your money in it.

Now if you did the work yourself its another story you could easily make the swap for $2500 or so....

Hey thanks for all the posts

Good news..kinda.. I've found a 1997 SS with 75,000 miles on it exactly. I blue booked it and it came back with a retail value of 11,700 ( i rounded up). These guys are asking for $13,995!!!! Its a black T-Top, manual, fully loaded. Can any of you guys think why they would be charging 2+k more? Im heading there today to try and haggle with my trade in 3.4.. although I doubt they'd take the damn thing with 170,000 on it..but its a stout little car.

the "internal" oil leak thing is just what the dealer said it had. I dont think he really knew what he was talking about, but he just said it would cost too much for them (Honda) to fix it. So they are/were putting it up to auction around here...and that was a black SS also.

That seems a bit high for that car and the mileage. The only thing I could think why they want more is the style changes that occur in '98. I would keep looking for comparison sake. That car will probably be there for awhile.

The early LS1 engines have a rep. for pulling oil back into the manifold from the breather. But there are kits to fix the problem which includes a catch can. I'nm not any kind of LSx engine expert, but maybe PAGREGSS or KIDATHEART can go into more details.

There are a few V6 with lots of mods and $ invested athat are only able to keep up with stock LT1 and LS1 cars. Unless your building the engine for some special class your better off moding a V8.

As far as folks in your area there is a great group at that the NJ crew meet up from time to time. They DE crew also have some nice conveys to events:

http://www.firststatefbody.com/

the "internal" oil leak thing is just what the dealer said it had. I dont think he really knew what he was talking about, but he just said it would cost too much for them (Honda) to fix it. So they are/were putting it up to auction around here...and that was a black SS also.

Thats the kind of car you can jump all over. Most dealers (car salesman) have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to cars. They know how to make money moving them but when it actually comes down to it they for the most part dont have a clue when it comes to engines. Ask me how I know... my brother is a car salesman. He sells cars for Nissan. I love him to death but he is dumb as a brick when it comes to cars. And so is everyone he works with.

Most gear heads are not salesman...

And thats a bit much for a 97 even if its an ss. If they wong go below 10k id keep looking