1996 z28
 

I have a 1996 z28 with the LT1. Runs decent but the motor is getting worn out. I have a 1979 z28 5.7litre engine sitting in my garage torn completely down. I was going to rebuild the 79 but lost interest and sold the body. I still have the engine and the 4 speed transmission. The 79 camaro engine is completely stripped and i have every thing to rebuild it and some high performance items and is bored out 40 over. To cut to the chase, i got the idea of building the 79 motor and putting that into my 1996 along with transmission. I know of all the work that is involved including putting the transmission in. Just want to know your guys ideas on this? good? bad? the reason why im considering this is because i already have everything for the 79 engine.

Just rebuild the LT1, a lot of the parts you have for the first gen will probably be usable. LT1 bottom end is all the same as gen1.

You won't be able to use the 96's fuel injection and ignition systems, since it requires the Optispark distributor. You could find a way to put the optical cam position sensor in a conventional distributor, then make sure you can fit the distributor under the cowl. Alternative would be a carb/conventional distributor system. You will need a low-rise setup for the carb to clear the hood, or a cowl hood.