I have a 1982 Z28 Camaro with the 5.0L Crossfire Fuel Injection engine. The car has about 25,000 original miles and the body is in excellent condition, however, it blew a rod and it has been recommended that the engine be replaced.

I am unsure which route to take in this project. I want to upgrade from the 305 and would like to stay with a GM factory engine, however, I am unsure whether to tear out the computers and install a carburated engine like the ZZ4, or if it would be better to do an LS swap as I have read on several forums.

The idea has been put into my head that I should install a LS3 into this car to keep up with the 5th gens. I am not that mechanically inclined, but would like to get this car back on the road at reasonable costs. It is my understanding that I would have to replace the engine brackets, transmission, starter, fuel pump, and install a new wiring harness to make the LS3 possible.

I've never done anything like this before so if anyone has an idea on how much this might end up costing, if this is even a way to go, what parts I need, where I should get them, and any other thoughts on this project would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Joe

 

An LS engine swap would no doubt be the most costly. As well as the parts you listed, a bunch of small things like fittings,fluids,the front engine accesories would rack up a lot of $$ too.

The cheapest would be like a ZZ4 engine like you had said. That way you could keep the same tranny,motor mounts,and fuel pump/wiring. All you really would need is a fuel pressure regulator and a carb if that crate motor doesnt come with one,oh yea and headers.

 

For these two reasons I would advise you to go with the ZZ4, et.al.

 

or just find a decent running tpi motor with wireing harness and drop it right in using stock trans and manifolds etc.

 

How awesome of shape is the car in? I personally wouldn't wanna take an original low mile 82 z28 and tear it apart. I would definitely keep the original numbers matching 305 block and set it on the side. Then I would slide a 350 like the ZZ4 (mentioned above) under the existing CFI setup. That way You can drive it and have a little more fun than You would with the stock 305. Then if You wanna convert it back to stock, You can always rebuild the original 305 for rather cheap and toss her back in. That car, if kept clean with original low miles ougtta be worth something in about 10 years!

 

Sounds like a good plan.