Please forgive my ignorance as this is my first post. I am coming from the Corvette crowd where I just sold my 1991 ZR-1. Before that, I owned a 1978 Silver Anniversary edition with an LT1 and 4L60E stuffed into it. I have been looking for another car that will satisfy my desire for powerful cars, and I am really taking a shine to the first generation Camaro. I have always been pretty "old school", but I like the technology out there today. I know engine/transmission swaps are more common today, so I was hoping some of you might be able to give me some direction.

First of all, what should I look for when buying a first gen? Is there anything to watch out for? I plan on buying one that is pretty far gone basically to use the shell and start over. Is there any particular model that I should look for over another?

Second, where can I find replacement/upgrade parts? I was thinking something along the line of an LS1/T56 assisted by twin turbos. I would also like to do a Dana 44/Vette IRS setup for the rear with a Vette or similar setup for the front. Is there any kind of "pro-touring" company out there like Pauls Newman's Car Creations does for vintage Vettes? Can anyone point me in the direction of some good websites for that kind of stuff? What about quality replacement body panels? Is there anyone out there producing body panels that are a good fit should I need to replace some? What about fiberglass parts?

Again, thanks for bearing with a noobie. I welcome any comments!

Bryan

 

Welcome to the board.

An TT LS1/T56 1st gen would definetly be a sweet ride.

I think a good bet for info on this is the LS1tech hybrid forum : http://ls1tech.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=28

Lots of people who have done swaps and know what it takes and very knowledgable. Also the forced induction forum at LS1tech should beable to help you with what those twin turbos would entail. Would definetly be alot easier in a 1st gen with the extra room under the hood.

 

Thanks for the info! I figured such a swap is more common now than when I did my LT1 in the '78. I am not completely sure I want to do an LS1 or even a T56, but that is one option. I have also seen 4L80E swaps for monster power with manual valve bodies so you can still shift them. Gale Banks also offers twin turbo setups that might be pretty cool. I like the TT idea simply because the car could still be a cruiser around town while being a bruiser on the drag strip. Again, thanks for the heads up.

Bryan