Thinking about finding a third gen to do an engine swap...

For some reason this swap really intrigues me. I love the Third Gen body style (especially the IROC Z and RS) and am considering what I can do... I own a 94 Z28 right now with 195k miles and I like it, but since I need to rebuild it some time soon, and there are other small things wrong with it, I'm thinking about selling it and getting something else. I believe I will sell it and get a cheap(<$1000) beater car like a Ford Contour or old Nissan Maxima or something that just sips gas and will be easy on insurance. In the meantime I'll save for an 88-92 IROC/Z28/RS that is in good condition as far as interior and everything goes aside from the engine/tranny, which I'll be junking for something to make it fast.

If you recall, I made a thread about possibly sticking a carbed SBC into my 4th gen, well I figured a third gen would be easier to do that to. I'm also thinking about an LT1 third gen. A carbed 383 stroker would be cheaper to do I imagine, but the LT1 swap would be more street friendly and probably have the potential to go faster. Is the LT1 any easier to work on in a third gen engine bay than a 4th?

I'd like to know if this is possible to keep under $7000 total? I would like to get it done by the summer of 2007 and would do most all of the labor myself. Would it be cheaper to do a 4L60E or T56 swap?

Thanks!

If I were you, i'd find a broken down 3rd gen, or one thats on it's way out. Buy it and then rebuild your LT1 and then stick it in there, after that you could part out your 4th gen. The best thing is that you already have the LT1 and a transmission to fit it (That is unless you find a broken down 305 Camaro with the 700R4) If you do this im sure you'd keep the cost down, really.

But eh, lets wait for Dave to tell you whats up.

Thanks, yeah I was considering that. But I really doubt my parents would let me have 3 cars (daily driver, project car, and donor car). I think the closest I could do to your idea would be to rebuild my engine first, buy a 3rd gen, drive the 3rd gen around while I'm pulling all the crap out of the 4th gen, sell the 4th gen/part it out/whatever, buy a beater car, then drive that around while I'm doing the last part of the swap.

LOL. I will see if my votech teacher could possibly help me out by letting me use a lift and keep my car outside the shop. So I'd only have the beater at my house, and do all the work on Saturdays at votech.

if you sell your camaro I am interested

Eh, I think I know some locals who would be willing to buy it for $3k, which I dunno if you would go for. The more I think about it, the easier I think it would be to do what I can to my engine now, and then get a 3rd gen when the engine is rebuilt and all that good stuff.

I know everyone wants to find a nice 3rdgen project car with great interior and no rust while the engine is shitty so you can get it cheap. If there's anything i've learned in 2 months, expect to fix the front end, and if the engine is busted, there's probably plenty of rust around it. I don't want to scare ya because I like the idea of adding quality in when something's broken but just keep it in mind that you might need to fix more than the engine bay. Good luck with selling and purchase!!

There are so many different things I want to do, I'll just have to wait until the time comes. I have a feeling I'd end up regretting selling my first car. I'm thinking a daily driver + my current car will keep me happy.

And on a side note: I fixed my door today. A load of epoxy, 3 clamps, and 4 hours later :smile:

.......my car........305, 700r4, eibach 1" lowering springs, koni adjustable shocks. Interior is very nice only one small tear in the drivers side seat where you get in. Dash has no cracks. $1500. You just has to take a little drive down to florida to get it.

Got any photos? :smile:

.......my car........305, 700r4, eibach 1" lowering springs, koni adjustable shocks. Interior is very nice only one small tear in the drivers side seat where you get in. Dash has no cracks. $1500. You just has to take a little drive down to florida to get it.


You say 305, but your signature says 350 TPI. :eek7:

I saw that too, but I'm thinking maybe he's got 2 Camaros... :sly:

http://www.racingjunk.com/ui/9/4/598-1123250360094.jpg

CRAP! Of course that comes along when I don't have the money!!

http://www.racingjunk.com/exec/ca/view/467688/1990-Custom-IROC-Roller--BEST-OFFER.html

Me thinks when I've got the dough, I'll be browsing racing junk for a roller.

if you were still thinking of puting an lt1 in a 3rd gen i think this website could help you out www.hawksthirdgenparts.com

I do have two. My second one sold this weekend though. FINALLY. The guy is gonna pick it up next saturday.

I do have two. My second one sold this weekend though. FINALLY. The guy is gonna pick it up next saturday.

So you're selling both or just sold the one you were telling Flatlander about?

only my 89, the one i was telling flatlander about. my baby is stayin with me.

Oh, alright, I was about to take a road trip and slap you, because unless its a really good reason, you shouldnt get rid of a Camaro.

i owed my parents 2 grand from buying the new one. Thats why i sold the old one. Otherwise i poke around for a big block and stick it in there.