Ben Jones

I am new to building a CAMARO and bought a 2000 z28 with no motor and was trying to figure out what would b the best motor to build for it any advice would b helpful

Injuneer

Welcome to CamaroZ28.com!!

Any engine out of the LSx family will work fine. Just a matter of budget... you can be looking at anywhere from a couple thousand for a good used LS1 engine (does the chassis have a trans?) from a 98-02 F-Body, to $20,000 for a well-build LSx engine approaching 1,000 HP. Remember, you will need a matching PCM and a harness. Does your chassis still have a PCM?

What is your budget?

Ben Jones

well I was trying to determine on going lt1 or ls1? I have a 5.3 ls1 and tryin to get around 600hp out of it and my budget is how much I want to spend but not willing to go way over the top. Any suggestions on the 5.3?

Ben Jones

My car does have the automatic trans that came in it which was a z28(not really sure what it is) and no it does not have the PCM I bought it just as a rolling chassis

blac94Z

first you need to find a pcm for your car 00+ should work make sure its auto (personally I would start there) im in the process of the exact same thing, I am going with a iron block 6.0 and what year is your 5.3 out of ?

Ben Jones

I think it's out of a 99 truck, well that's what we was told anyways

blac94Z

well if it is out of a 99 truck there's a couple thing you need make sure of that it is a lsx engine and not a older style vortec, if it is a ls engine then its easy because you already have A 24X ENGINE next would be finding/buying the accessory brackets and intake and you will need a aftermarket wiring harness or you can find someone to "rework" the wiring harness from your engine if there is one where are you located PS* 5.3 is not a ls1

Ben Jones

I meant to put 5.3 Ls instead of ls1 but do people have good luck out of these motors when building them

Injuneer

It would make no sense at all to install an LT1 engine in a 98-02 chassis. There are numerous differences including the fitment of the trans, motor mounts, fuel system, front suspension rates, etc. Many people who have an LT1 are now converting them to run an LS1 PCM and the 8 direct-fire coils, to get away from the problematic Optispark distributor.


Your 2000 Z28 would have the 4L60E automatic trans.


Easy to find, cheap, brawny.

5.3L LS Small Block Build - Here Comes Modern Mouse! - Super Chevy Magazine

blac94Z

well it depends on the type of truck it came out of 99 is a tricky one but if the 5.3 came out of a new body style Silverado then its a lsx but if it had the ck body its a gen 1

Ben Jones

The motor I have is a ls and its out of a 03

blac94Z

perfect an easy swap than are you planning on putting the stock motor in or putting a little power? if you do anything do it while the motor is on the ground and get it done right bc the lsx engines are a little different then putting a gen 1 350 back together,
does your engine has a wiring harness already ? bc I think your trans should work with no problems behind the 5.3

Ben Jones

I was going to try and get around 500hp out of it but no I don't have the wiring harness

Injuneer

You would be better off taking this subject to the "LS1 Based EngineTech" forum, or to "General 67-02 F-Body Tech". You aren't going to get a lot of people reading "New Member Introduction" to offer tech help.