I currently have a 96 Camaro v-6 with every Z28 option except for the engine. My dad bought the car new and didn't want to pay the extra for the insurance for him or me since I got it and decided to get it all done Z28 style so it still rides better. I just got a Magnaflow exhaust installed.

Now to the point.

I am saving to get an LS1 conversion. Would you guys recommend the LS1, or LT1? I am running the 3.8L at the moment with the automatic transmission. Please, don't start dissing or laughing. I'd like to get a new, or lightly used/rebuilt motor with a transmission put in. I would prefer a manual, so I know that will also cost some....I would have room for this...correct? Can anyone give me a price estimate for about what it would cost for labor and parts? A new ECM/computer is needed, as well as wiring, motor mounts, a cluth...the list goes on. I was hoping for around 5-$6,000, am I way off?

Thanks for all your help, I really hope someone can respond. If anyone reads this from the Dallas, Texas area, let me know if you can try to get me a hookup anywhere. Thanks for all your help people...

 

The LS1 won't fit under your hood and will require much more modification because it wasn't made to fit your car. If you have to do it go with the lt1.

I had a v6 and considered the swap but decided it is a bad idea. If you have $5000-6000 to spend you can easily sell the car and buy a 95 or 96 z28. I think you can buy a used z28 for $6000-7000 without even selling your car. There is no reason to pull a perfectly good motor. If you really want a swap for insurance reasons you should sell the car and buy a v6 with a blown motor (fairly easy to find).

Remember that after you do the swap, your car will probably be worth less (resale) than before you started.

Good luck

Dustin

 

There are bunch of people who have done the LT1 conversion. Just do some searchin at V6 Tech.

I don't think it is worth it, but what ever floats your boat.

Good luck!

TS

 

If it were me, I'd probably just sell the V6 and buy a Z28 and go from there... unless you are particularly attached to this car, or want to do the swap for the fun of it...

 

Ah....I just dropped over 400 bucks into an exhaust system....so, wil the LS1 fit, or is the LT1 a better deal? If any of you know where i can find a nice camaro z28 for a nice price ($6000), give me a shout please.

 

It can be done and has been done. I was once going to do it. But there are many things to consider here.

As already mentioined it's easier to sell your car and buy the one you want. Even if that means selling your new exhaust. Cuz either way LT1 or LS1 you are going to want headers at some point.

Either engine will fit but you need V-8 crossmember to hold the trans and engine plus I believe that the main mounts are different and located differnet. Then there is the problem of the fuel lines I think they run to one side for the V-6 and the other for the V-8's. That is true for 3rd gens at least. You'll also need all new springs for the suspension as the v-8 weighs more, but this is a good chance to upgrade anyway. Money for parts is one thing, but all the labor is another....hope you have lots of tools cuz your going to use them all. Would be a fun challening project though!

Good luck!

 

Go to www.autotrader.com and do a search.

I actually made it even easier for you: here are some Z28's for under 7K within 100 miles of DFW.

Good luck!

TS

 

With a $5-6k budget, an LS1 swap or buying a '98+ LS1 F-Body is pretty much out of the question. Honestly, I wouldn't even consider a motor swap, too much of a PITA for the money.

There are plenty of LT1 F-Bodies out there for around $5-6 grand, as GRNZ posted. I think you'll be very happy with an LT1(performance-wise), especially coming from a V6. I loved my '96 Z, it ran strong and I never had a major problem with it. I bought it used, had it for over three years and about 50k miles. Good luck.

 

thanks for all the help, but no cars on there im interested in....=-(

 

Just for the heck of it, let's throw in a few TA's, too.

If you are not interested in any of the cars available, I guess then it actually is better that you make your own.

Good luck!

TS

 

I know a guy that went from an LS1 to an LS6, the motor was 5K and the install was 3K. Sell your car and get a 98-99 LS1 then you are set. The insurnce can't be that bad unless your record sucks and you are 16 years old. Going from the V-6 I had to a v-8 mine stayed the same cuz the newer car had discounts for airbags, ABS etc. Did you check all this out?

Another thing to consider is that if you change the engine you create a DMV probelm as your VIN says v-6 but under your hood is V-8. Do you have smog laws in your state....good luck if you do! She'll never pass!

So yes you can do what you plan but is it worth the hassle? Trust me I went through this debate over and over, start ordering parts and you'll quickly re-think things.

That's my .02 No flames or diss'n

 

Well if he does have to smog the car, and he drops a v8 into it, I don't know how it is where he is at, but you can get a v6 car upgraded to a v8 (here in California), by taking the car to a smog referre, but then before you do that, you have to put all the smog equipment from that same year car z28 in order for the Referee to even consider passing it..

Like everyone is suggesting, just go out and buy an LT1 based z28 and then sell your car to make up for it... Would be easier to swap and LT1 or LS1 into a 67 - 73 Camaro since there would not be 2 issues, 1. Smog and 2. Room...

 

How much do you guys I think I could get like a 97 TA or Z28 for? And how much could I probably get for my 96 V6 Auto with 112000 miles. Keep in mind everything on the car is Z28 except for the engine and 4wheel traction system.

 

You can pick up a really nice 97 LT1 in TX for about 7-9K, so not that much more than your planned swap budget.

Just keep your eye on Auto Trader and local newspapers and you'll find one sooner or later. Just try not to jump on the first one you see.

EDIT: Oh, and the 96 V6 w/112K miles... Sorry to say, but it is probably worth about 3-4K at the most.

Again, good luck!

TS