3.8L to LT1 in 97 Camaro

Im getting ready to put an LT1 engine in my 1997 Camaro. Im looking for anyone who has ever done this before or can offer any advise on how to do. Would like to find out the cost, if any special tools are needed, and if there are any parts (wiring harness, engine mounts, etc.)that I need to get before doing this.

Did you already buy an LT1? I will sell mine seperate from my car....

best bet would be find a totalled one at the junkyard, that originally had the engine, and pirate as many parts as possible. front springs, wiring harness. engine mounts, dunno if the trans bolt pattern is the same or not. so you might need the trans from the V8 car, radiator, intake setup, exhaust, and a few other odds and ends i cant think of.

IROC, won't he need the one-peice driveshaft as well, I don't think the stock 3800 shaft is strong enough. Honestly, you need a lot more parts than just the engine to make it work, I looked into it before deciding to sell my six for a nice LS1. It's a better route in the end.

never thought about the driveshaft, didnt know they were different to be honest. but there is definately alot involved in the swap. its no easy task.

Is such a swap even legal, or is that just a California smog thing? I know you can swap a newer motor into an older car, but not a v6 for an v8.

I think you are supposed to inform the insurence company to make it legit, and you might need an inspection too.

well i think i can be of great assistance to u. i just completed building an lt1 for my 95 camaro. The engine swap wasnt that difficult however many parts are needed. I bought a wrecked formula firebird and gutted the entire car. I strongly recommend u do this. Otherwise u will need to buy all the pulley brackets, motor mounts, drive shaft, y pipe, wiring harness and computer, and the subframe. Im sure im forgetting a ton too. Feel free to send an email with ne questions id love to help

dont worry about the insurance, what they dont know wont hurt them. u can enjoy the rewards of having a v6 vin and take the chance of loosing the money invested if ne thing happens to it( heaven forbid) or u can have the car appraised.

The springs are the exact same on both v6 and z28, as well as the rest of the suspension components, minus the subframe, u will need a z28 subframe because the v6 has different locations for the motor mounts. or call ramchargers and buy a tubular they cost about 500.00 just start looking for a f body thats been in an accident u should b able to find one for about 2000. i hope u have deep pockets this gets expensive

Yo, I have to admit you are way more "The Man" if you buid one yourself.