It doesn't matter how much it cost, what does matter is that you're happy with the results. And secondly, that you're not going to sell that car anytime soon. Because I'm sure you know that you will never, ever get the money back you spend on this swap if you sell it So definitely keep that car until that engine can't go another mile. Your enjoyment is what matters now.
Kimberlyexpects it matters to people that don’t have endless amounts of money to spend and are considering different cars to spend their hard earned money on and get most bang for their buck.
Gen 01 Lee most people who are on a budget don’t do builds, way too expensive usually. To an extent you are right, money still matters but for around 6k this guy came out on top. This build because what beats the builder is money or the work involved.certainly money does play a huge part in it but this swap really isn’t that bad considering the car he went with, the hours of research and digging, when easily there are car builds that get you at price range well over 10k not even including the car itself.
I made my own motor mounts and trans mount. I used exhaust manifolds so I did not need a tubular engine cardle. I used the factory harness and a used pcm for $110 with vats deleted. I used a radiator from a 1993 barretta. My tune was $175. My engine and transfer was $1500. My point is you don't have to buy any fancy parts!
Just finished a 5.3 swap on my '69 Chevelle SS. Punted the non matching 9 mpg 396 to make it a daily. Have a drawer full of receipts. Thinking about adding them up tonight. Not gonna tell my wife though...
@@charlesfoster9530 You could get those numbers out of a 383E Vortec with a cam and decent heads. Grab a harness out of a 96 to 98 pickup, flash the computer for EGR delete and let her rip for a hell of a lot less money.
great info. i totaled my build to $2200-$2500 with a 5.3 LS1 intake f body oilpan and keeping my 700r4 and tuned. Reason i kept my 700r4 it was already built. So i saved a couple of hundreds there. but 6k sounds very reasonable especially with the great stuff you have in that car.
I'm building my 91 Z from the ground up for big power. $9200 just in motor, $3000 in the Ford 9 and around $4000 in the transmission, $2000 in the fuel system. Still a ways to go too. It's expensive but worth every penny
I know its been 3 years since your comment. Did you get it finished? Were there other things that cost you more than you thought? Ive got 5 years of eating Ramon noodles and spending money on my car. Everything costs so much today, im about to give up....life happens.
Yeah I've got $25k in my swap. $14k on the LS3 stroker with Frankenstein Stage 3 LS3 heads and BTR Stage 3 cam, all forged Callies and Wiseco bottom end. All labor done by me.
There were a lot of new parts that would not be necessary to use that added a lot of cost. I did a ls1 swap into a 1991 mustang and did not buy any after market parts at all. I purchased a used pcm for $105 and used the factory wiring harness. I did not buy headers or any custom motor mounts. I paid $1500 for my Ls1 with a 350 turbo trans and a tci 3500 stall converter. My cost on the complete swap was right at $2000.
Nice man. Definitely ways of keeping the cost down, but I didn't want to spend the time to strip a harness or make the stock fuse box work. The psi harness is super nice and saved me a lot of time.
I kept a log when I started modding my TBSS, all in all I spent $18,930 CDN, that was maybe just under $15G USD at the time. That bought me a cnc 416", hp tuners, e fans, full exh with headers, drag radials, built 4l70e... enough to run all motor 11's. Only because I bought that with a dead engine I managed to make money when I sold it. The V8 builds I'm currently doing are budget 6.0 turbo setups, I'm hoping a fraction of the cost and faster!
It may not be cheap but if your not constantly beating the shit out of it and change oil and mantain it well it will last at least 3 times as long as any old style smallblock it will be more reliable and more efficient it's built very well with 6 bolt main crank caps the crankshaft do not flex it will really take a beating before it ever breaks my opinion is you made the right choice there isn't a doubt in my mind at all
I bounce back and forth..I bought a ZZ4 then though I should of gotten a 6.0. But I think I’ll stick with the ZZ4 and do a few things to it. I’d be happy with 350-400hp.
It’s that nickel and dime stuff that gets you. most people don't know how much they spend because they don't itemize the list like you do. Thanks for sharing and good video.
Like your breakdown on cost. I have a 1981 firebird which I'm considering the swap. I have a complete 2010 Colorado with the aluminum 5.3 that's being considered for the donor. The transmission will be the one part I will need to source. Truck is a 4x4 and car Pontiac pattern 400.
BrokeBoiTjj 1700 motor trans ecu fuse box guage cluster and pedal. Motor at 134k Truck was 600 The kit with motor mounts,oil pan and headers from summit was 500. Radiator and fans, 150 off ebay speeddaddys. Vett fuel filter was 60, All the rest was new headlights taillights grill tailgate hood and random interior dash pieces.
I went with psi as well. Worked great. I used all the stock original sensors on my motor from the recycler, no issues after 5 years and 6000 miles. Only changed the spark plugs.
Some say you over paid and some say you didn’t. All I can say is I spent $7k on my swap. Used motor but very low miles and I got all new item with A/C. Also rebuilt 4L60E. I also got a cts2 monitor with tune storing on it. Builds can’t be cheap as $2k to unlimited. I’d say your build for new parts was good price. Keep up the good work
Could have build a stroker 496 bbc with aluminum heads and big cam and big carburetor 1050 dominator. Pushing about 600 hp or more for less than a ls Lot of people have done ls swaps for 2500
My buddy runs 10's with an LS for less than that bbc you speak of and he ran 10's with a BBC last season but now his car is much more steerable and lighter not to mention tunable so better on fuel or mad fast. To each his own.
I've picked up 2 ls engines for less than a forged 496 stroker kit would cost alone. Much less good aluminum heads and machine work would cost on top of that. I like a big block as much as the next guy, but these engines start off at 285 hp (4.8) and up. Any junkyard 454 you find is doing good to make 230hp lol. I have a tpi 305 that does that 😆
Hmm, im at 700 after buying donor vehicle, stripped it, sold body for scrap, did my own harness from donor, 30$ mounts, a few sensors, oilpan, and few extras. You can do these swap on a budget and be very reliable. Built not bought.
I have an 87 Trans Am GTA with a locked up L98 350 TPI. I have the option to buy a 95 Camaro(no title) at a local junk yard with a LT1 and 4L60 that supposedly starts and drives, currently sitting in the mud on no wheels, for $450. I know if it does start that the Motor and trans are worth more than that alone (150,000 on odo) but I'm only working with about $1500 to get the GTA back on the road. Would you recommend the LT1 swap or should I just take my motor apart and see what's wrong with the block? I want to do the swap but not sure how much money it'll take, but if I did, I wouldn't need A/C so could be easier than I'm thinking.
Nice car. 3rd gens are still my favorite camaro. Had 3 of them but moved on to a heavily modded 9sec 4th gen. Debating on finding a good 3rd gen roller and swap entire 4th gen drive train in the 3rd gen....pro street setup. Lol
This all depends on who and what you know and what your goal is with the swap... If you buy a wrecked car you won't need a lot of parts. I know a guy that will set two cars side by side and swap what ever... It really comes down to you and what you are trying to do with the project
If it makes you feel better, I spent $2,000 on a stock 5.0 TBI V8 engine oil leak for my 91 Camaro RS. It was leaking oil from several areas including the rear main seal. After I paid to have it fixed I wished instead I would of just swapped out the engine for an LS!
Appreciate the video. Love the looks of that car. Color is the bomb. One question about your th400 swap. What dipstick did you use or did you fabricate one? Am swapping in a 4l80e into a third gen firebird and looking for ideas for the dipstick tube. Have been told the th400 and 4l80 are similar transmissions so maybe what you did for yours will work for mine. Thanks 👍 Gb
hot rod magazine did an article about a "junkyard" ls1 an granted he even mentions he left a few costs out but he showed a pic of the end result an it looked like a brand new crate small block with headers on an engine stand obviously no trans included. had a full valve kit, new hot cam from GM, new intake (tunnel ram style) all the goodies for 1200$. look it up, "hot rod magazine 1200$ ls1"
Thats good. If your torque arm is on tail of trans that poly is a must. Not sure where your arm is mounted but it really needs its own mount behind trans and a shorter arm. Warren Engines from Clinton Nc may give Exact length. Jeff or Joey Warren. Look em Up. They Win with those cars.
Everyone complaining ab how he didn’t say the full price till the end... this video was for people that are looking to do this swap and getting a price range not for the shock factor of the 6000$ he spent😂🤦🏽♂️
Hi there thank you for the info I think the $6,000 engine swap sounds reasonable I myself was going to do a LS build project car it was going to be a 72 Chevelle I had a body shell of one and was going to start making videos of the build except do to me having living Arrangement changing how to get rid of the the car only thing I have left is the rear window but that will do the project in a later time
I’m about to swap my 70’ Nova bought a 1998 Camaro as a donor. Has the LS1 and T56 got it for $2000 already sold $500 off it and plan to use the cooling system like you were saying as well. Did your Ls1 oil pan fit? I’ve heard of people using the car oil pans for swaps with no problems
Not an LS swap or in general chevy fan, but IMHO, this is a great video and I'll probably do a similar breakdown on my channel and reference you. Great advice. Good ideas all around. I did start my swap with a parts list and unlike you (I was green as hell) not that great of a mechanic ;) But everything you say here should be reviewed by someone attempting something like this. Great video man.
i put 11000 in a new ls drive train with just a few thousand miles. But I put it in a 1935 coupe 2,500 pounds if it is a nice car, the swap is worth it, or if you are going to keep the car. I have more money in my paint job compared to any ls build here.
1st rule of hot rodding never add up your receipts, set up a budget for your build and if you spend more, than you under funded your build if you spend less than you are one smart cookie!
i got a stock 95 camaro its a little wearing, im thinking about getting a tube k member from spohn .... thats going to be the start of the build ... id like to build the original motor but i dont want to stop driving my car because its a work horse daily driver ... this car has been in my family for 24 years as of may 2019... i grew up with this car ive bled sweat pissed shit puked and fucked in the damn thing, it is literally a piece of me. ive been fittling in my mind with just leaving it stock but i really wanna upgrade it... i need tires bad so im about to pay 700 bucks for tires and i went on and bought some iroc replica rims off ebay and ceramic coated them .... those will be on the car. but my parts list for this car is 65,000 dollars .... i dont think i will ever make that.... but im looking at a serious around 10 grand in getting that motor built and 10 grand for chassis and suspension parts...
I got a 02 ls 5.3 the whole truck for 700 bucks with 90k on it sold the truck parts for 850 so I got the motor for a profit of 150 I used everything from the Tahoe ac and everything Ecu
Depends what you want out of the car. If yours runs great, I wouldn't worry about it. If you want to make 600+ hp then i would. The fuel injection is nice and so is the reliability. Modern gasketd are also way better and reliable. Gas milage is also around 26 freeway if you have overdrive.
"GM techs" AKA car mechanics, say all kinds of crap. Like you can only use GM fluid in your NP transfer case. Never mind that GM does not have a refinery, never mind that Dodge and Ford use NP transmissions and transfer cases too. Go ahead pay four times what a quart of ATF costs at the parts store, because they're experts. Oh BTW not a penny of that comes out of their pocket and they are simply mouthing what their trainers told them to say. My point? Fel Pro only makes gaskets, and probably makes many (as well as many other brands) of the factory gaskets that GM sells and simply puts their name on the package. Like the cheap ATF they put in a plastic bottle with GM emblazoned on it. So go ahead and waste your money, GM probably needs it. P.T. Barnum said it best when he said there was one born every minute.
Probably will get a new Camaro one day but I really like the Genesis it’s a well built car and fun to drive so plan on keeping it and putting the supercharged ls3 or newer LS in it.Its just different than a Camaro or Mustang that you see everywhere. I like all cars but sometimes you just need something different to tinker with that someone not expecting to have 650 or more hp.
Hey man I am about to start getting my parts together to boost and build my gto, I also just picked up a turbo 400. My question is what kind of flexplate and spacer should I use to fit it to the ls1 and if you have some part numbers.
Catfish camaros are ugly AF and definitely don't look as good and sexy as a third gen hands down the fourth gens are the ugliest camero ever made and 90 percent of gearheads agree lol
I was going to ls swap my 87 monte, but decided to just have a 383 stroker built, to save some doe, but with everything, and I'm not even done yet I'm around 6000-7000 should have just swamped it lol
Yes it does.. If you want the cheapest pathway, first plan, next set a soft budget (you will go over), then accumulate parts and allow for alternates parts that achieve your goals. The rabbit hole can get deep fast. Gotta lay out everything you want then understand how to get it all and make it fit together and determine if its even worth it. Avoid costly redo's. The right donor car can be really cheap and sometimes actually make you money after you get what you need. I am 35K into a special purpose build (I don't get to do much of my own wrenching), but actually under budget. I have a friend that doesn't plan as well and while his car is bad ass, (like been on the cover of many a magazine bad ass), he is well into 6 figs on his build and admits with hindsight that he could have saved a good $20K if he planned better. A lot comes down to your willingness to accept good enough over exactly what you think you want.
Ford's 5.0 makes 460 hp. in the new mustang. GMs 5.3 makes 355 hp. GMs red line is 6500. Ford's red line is 8000. So what exactly is your fucking point, noob?
@@DemsRdisguisedredcoats ya but thats not really a real comparison comparing to the ls3 or lt1 would be a way more realistic comparison you know the small truck motor with way less compression vs the high performance i dont know sports car motor
Damn I got $14k just in my LS3 stroker. Haha. I have spent a total of $25k but upgraded the rear end with an S60 also to handle the power and already had a ProBuilt Stage 3 700R4.
Do you know what part numbers I would need to make a lq9 500hp naturally? Like what head & cam setup should I get? Rods, gaskets, exhaust & intake manifolds. I'm still deciding if I want to build the 4L60e I got or get a t56, for the truck I have in the profile pic.
Idk dude...all I can think of is....how much you have invested in your 3rd gen before the swap. Then add all you spent on the LS swap. Then take a step back and look at what your car is for how much you’ve spent. Better off just buying a 98-02 Camaro/Firebird. Unless you have some kind of attachment to the car...I don’t see how the cost justifies the end result. No offense just my opinion
Trust me man I feel you. Im at the point to where I can never sell it because of the amount of money invested into it. I have a 4th gen as well actually.
Because 3rd gen look is so unique! It's something I would like to have some day. Even if it cost the same or even more than a 4th gen!(first of all: there is nothing rational here: it's a matter of taste and passion!)
So hold up $6000 G okay all new sensors ! Life time warranty ? I think that is smart. Some shop will charge you that much for a 4 cylinder just to get it running! Thank you for information nice car!
I have a question. If I got a 1991 and if I have a 2005 2500 GMC van, Cant I just take all the parts out of my van and drop it right in the Camaro without buying any parts
6k is not bad, but rebuilding my ls1 is definitely more expensive than 6k, 500 for the 3rd gen and 400 for a block and JUST heads, and so far my bottom end alone is around 1400 dollars, but mine is also going to be a small tire nitrous ls1 car, so theres that.
Love the car!!! Check out my 99 trans am! Ill be doing some really cool upgrades hooker headers, tick master cylinder, BMR pan hard bar/lower control arms/subframe connectors, umi coil overs! To much to list! Already have all the parts. Ill be uploading a new video every Saturday.
And I’m sure he can do it cheaper if he had to do it over again. Agree with buying a wreck. Kindly disagree with only using GM performance gaskets. If staying in the LS1 world, buying a 5.3 makes more sense to me. Even if you get a iron block, it’s only 65lbs heavier. Some decked or LS6 heads and a z06 cam puts you over 400 at the crank for cheap. Dorman sells a cheap intake now. Probably shop around or salvage some car brackets somewhere.
Thanks for the info, I been thinking about to do it too, I have one question, what's the name of the gauge, I need one asp cuz I don't have one and I'm always thinking I'm running out of gas 😂😂😂
I mean it’s cool for a kids car, but why used crappy vortex heads this is a great project for a father son deal..happy to see another kid join the fold lol...I’m a 3xmaster tech and my youngest son couldn’t care less about cars my oldest loves them..it would of been so much nicer with so AFR HEADS AND FUEL INJECTED...
Kids car? I'm 36 and doing this.. it's a fucking classic.. but yea it is cheap and I can't afford a yenko today like you old timers used to pick up for 2 grand.. 🤣
Shit my grandpa picked up his 68 camaro RS/SS for 200 bucks in 78.. He hat rodded the shit out of it. Pro street class not knowing what a RS/SS would be worth more then alot of houses. lol
Hey I have a 86 camaro and I’m wanting to put a LS1 in it I can get the complete engine and computer and harness for $300. I’m not looking to do anything fancy, what would I have to do to make that work? would like to hear back thanks
Motor mounts, if your auto, the torque converter will need a spacer, then you have to figure out your fuel system, radiator hoses, intake. That's about it.
Blah Blah Blah... 6000. The answer is 6000. Fast forward to 13:25 if you want to hear him finally say it.
mikeakaspike OMG.. Thank yooouu..bro..Geez..
I hate your guts
Lmao
Saved me 15 mins!
The world needs more people like you
It doesn't matter how much it cost, what does matter is that you're happy with the results. And secondly, that you're not going to sell that car anytime soon. Because I'm sure you know that you will never, ever get the money back you spend on this swap if you sell it So definitely keep that car until that engine can't go another mile. Your enjoyment is what matters now.
Exactly!! Thats all that matters, as long as you are happy doesnt matter what anyone says.
Kimberlyexpects it matters to people that don’t have endless amounts of money to spend and are considering different cars to spend their hard earned money on and get most bang for their buck.
Oh people spend money for swaps thats already done so he'll get it back if he sales it
Gen 01 Lee most people who are on a budget don’t do builds, way too expensive usually. To an extent you are right, money still matters but for around 6k this guy came out on top. This build because what beats the builder is money or the work involved.certainly money does play a huge part in it but this swap really isn’t that bad considering the car he went with, the hours of research and digging, when easily there are car builds that get you at price range well over 10k not even including the car itself.
4 years later called. Look at the prices of used cars now.
I made my own motor mounts and trans mount. I used exhaust manifolds so I did not need a tubular engine cardle. I used the factory harness and a used pcm for $110 with vats deleted. I used a radiator from a 1993 barretta. My tune was $175. My engine and transfer was $1500. My point is you don't have to buy any fancy parts!
Doug Brozio sounds like my kind of set up lol
Just finished a 5.3 swap on my '69 Chevelle SS. Punted the non matching 9 mpg 396 to make it a daily. Have a drawer full of receipts. Thinking about adding them up tonight. Not gonna tell my wife though...
So around 400hp for less than 5-6k. Sounds like a reliable set up. I think your a winner
No kidding. Itll cost me over twice that to get my subie at those numbers. Plus it will still probably blow up. Going to rethink my life
400 horse for 6k? Fuckin stupid.
@@charlesfoster9530 Spoken like a broke man.
People who have the money build, the ones who don't just buy a stock car.
Try more like 500 horse. Cam, head work and a tune he did will get it there.@@charlesfoster9530
@@charlesfoster9530 You could get those numbers out of a 383E Vortec with a cam and decent heads. Grab a harness out of a 96 to 98 pickup, flash the computer for EGR delete and let her rip for a hell of a lot less money.
Thank you for your honesty. When you count everything in a project it becomes a lot more expensive than what you thought.
6000 not shit
great info. i totaled my build to $2200-$2500 with a 5.3 LS1 intake f body oilpan and keeping my 700r4 and tuned. Reason i kept my 700r4 it was already built. So i saved a couple of hundreds there. but 6k sounds very reasonable especially with the great stuff you have in that car.
How much hp where you getting out of it
Thanks for your honesty, so far the only video I could find that honestly gave a breakdown of the cost
I'm building my 91 Z from the ground up for big power. $9200 just in motor, $3000 in the Ford 9 and around $4000 in the transmission, $2000 in the fuel system. Still a ways to go too. It's expensive but worth every penny
I know its been 3 years since your comment. Did you get it finished? Were there other things that cost you more than you thought?
Ive got 5 years of eating Ramon noodles and spending money on my car.
Everything costs so much today, im about to give up....life happens.
Yeah I've got $25k in my swap. $14k on the LS3 stroker with Frankenstein Stage 3 LS3 heads and BTR Stage 3 cam, all forged Callies and Wiseco bottom end. All labor done by me.
@@Mattax355 can make that same power on a 350 cheeper
That’s right. Some Gus spend more than that because they pay someone to do all the work
Ls1 swaps are great, I did a budget 5.3 ls swap and it is at about 2 grand rn to get the car running from l98 to 5.3 ls camaro
There were a lot of new parts that would not be necessary to use that added a lot of cost. I did a ls1 swap into a 1991 mustang and did not buy any after market parts at all. I purchased a used pcm for $105 and used the factory wiring harness. I did not buy headers or any custom motor mounts. I paid $1500 for my Ls1 with a 350 turbo trans and a tci 3500 stall converter. My cost on the complete swap was right at $2000.
Nice man. Definitely ways of keeping the cost down, but I didn't want to spend the time to strip a harness or make the stock fuse box work. The psi harness is super nice and saved me a lot of time.
Ford tough with Chevy stuff
hoopty799 Where did you get the complete swap from? I have a 1990 iroc z28
Nice!! Stangs with chevy power mean trouble on tracks
Ford tough with Chevy stuff
Great Vid. I think I will just go with a 383 for mine after watching this.
I kept a log when I started modding my TBSS, all in all I spent $18,930 CDN, that was maybe just under $15G USD at the time. That bought me a cnc 416", hp tuners, e fans, full exh with headers, drag radials, built 4l70e... enough to run all motor 11's. Only because I bought that with a dead engine I managed to make money when I sold it. The V8 builds I'm currently doing are budget 6.0 turbo setups, I'm hoping a fraction of the cost and faster!
It may not be cheap but if your not constantly beating the shit out of it and change oil and mantain it well it will last at least 3 times as long as any old style smallblock it will be more reliable and more efficient it's built very well with 6 bolt main crank caps the crankshaft do not flex it will really take a beating before it ever breaks my opinion is you made the right choice there isn't a doubt in my mind at all
I bounce back and forth..I bought a ZZ4 then though I should of gotten a 6.0. But I think I’ll stick with the ZZ4 and do a few things to it. I’d be happy with 350-400hp.
It’s that nickel and dime stuff that gets you. most people don't know how much they spend because they don't itemize the list like you do. Thanks for sharing and good video.
Could you post the parts list somewhere? That would be an amazing help. Thank you
Like your breakdown on cost. I have a 1981 firebird which I'm considering the swap. I have a complete 2010 Colorado with the aluminum 5.3 that's being considered for the donor. The transmission will be the one part I will need to source. Truck is a 4x4 and car Pontiac pattern 400.
I got 3900 in my 99 sonoma 5.3 lm7. Used the 5.3 harness and fuse box, gas pedal ect. 3900 includes truck.
C Stone how much was the truck
BrokeBoiTjj 600 bad 2.2
BrokeBoiTjj 1700 motor trans ecu fuse box guage cluster and pedal. Motor at 134k
Truck was 600
The kit with motor mounts,oil pan and headers from summit was 500. Radiator and fans, 150 off ebay speeddaddys.
Vett fuel filter was 60,
All the rest was new headlights taillights grill tailgate hood and random interior dash pieces.
I went with psi as well. Worked great. I used all the stock original sensors on my motor from the recycler, no issues after 5 years and 6000 miles. Only changed the spark plugs.
Some say you over paid and some say you didn’t. All I can say is I spent $7k on my swap. Used motor but very low miles and I got all new item with A/C. Also rebuilt 4L60E. I also got a cts2 monitor with tune storing on it. Builds can’t be cheap as $2k to unlimited. I’d say your build for new parts was good price. Keep up the good work
Griffin Brothers yep were about 6 k into a 6.0 un a s10 adds up quick if u start with a bare block
All told, not the cheapest way to do it, but he didn't get ripped off either.
I never expected a quality job to be inexpensive. Overall, doesn’t sound that outrageous.
Could have build a stroker 496 bbc with aluminum heads and big cam and big carburetor 1050 dominator. Pushing about 600 hp or more for less than a ls
Lot of people have done ls swaps for 2500
michael anderson
2miles per gallon
Justin Kerwin
Yep a hot car that runs 10s
My buddy runs 10's with an LS for less than that bbc you speak of and he ran 10's with a BBC last season but now his car is much more steerable and lighter not to mention tunable so better on fuel or mad fast.
To each his own.
Bryan Mayes kool
I've picked up 2 ls engines for less than a forged 496 stroker kit would cost alone. Much less good aluminum heads and machine work would cost on top of that. I like a big block as much as the next guy, but these engines start off at 285 hp (4.8) and up. Any junkyard 454 you find is doing good to make 230hp lol. I have a tpi 305 that does that 😆
Factory GM fans are the best! They will work a million times better then any after market garbage. Smart! They move like 8-10,000 CFM as well.
Great info. You did a real budget build. I am expecting to pay out at least 15-20K build in a S10 with a 6 auto. doing everything myself.
Wow!
Hmm, im at 700 after buying donor vehicle, stripped it, sold body for scrap, did my own harness from donor, 30$ mounts, a few sensors, oilpan, and few extras. You can do these swap on a budget and be very reliable. Built not bought.
I have an 87 Trans Am GTA with a locked up L98 350 TPI. I have the option to buy a 95 Camaro(no title) at a local junk yard with a LT1 and 4L60 that supposedly starts and drives, currently sitting in the mud on no wheels, for $450. I know if it does start that the Motor and trans are worth more than that alone (150,000 on odo) but I'm only working with about $1500 to get the GTA back on the road. Would you recommend the LT1 swap or should I just take my motor apart and see what's wrong with the block? I want to do the swap but not sure how much money it'll take, but if I did, I wouldn't need A/C so could be easier than I'm thinking.
Nice car. 3rd gens are still my favorite camaro. Had 3 of them but moved on to a heavily modded 9sec 4th gen. Debating on finding a good 3rd gen roller and swap entire 4th gen drive train in the 3rd gen....pro street setup. Lol
Nothing is FREE MY FRIEND how bad do you want it. God bless America ✌️🙏👍🏼🌴🐫🌴
LSA in the yard are like 8500 bucks but you can buy a wrecked ctsV for less then half of that long as it's all there your good to go
Your absolutely rite Sir. I would love to run an Ls motor. I love your videos and appreciate the information
Or you could have bought the LS1 with the Transmission, Wiring Harness and Computer for $1500. You can Get some prothane Motor Mounts $60. Job done!
13:25 for the answer.
TY!
This all depends on who and what you know and what your goal is with the swap... If you buy a wrecked car you won't need a lot of parts. I know a guy that will set two cars side by side and swap what ever... It really comes down to you and what you are trying to do with the project
If it makes you feel better, I spent $2,000 on a stock 5.0 TBI V8 engine oil leak for my 91 Camaro RS. It was leaking oil from several areas including the rear main seal. After I paid to have it fixed I wished instead I would of just swapped out the engine for an LS!
I found a 88 trans am body, no engine no trans for 400 bucks yesterday. hell yeah, i'm on my way
For future reference. Check out schwanke short blocks. Harness, pcm ,and fuel system $950
Appreciate the video. Love the looks of that car. Color is the bomb. One question about your th400 swap. What dipstick did you use or did you fabricate one? Am swapping in a 4l80e into a third gen firebird and looking for ideas for the dipstick tube. Have been told the th400 and 4l80 are similar transmissions so maybe what you did for yours will work for mine. Thanks 👍
Gb
Thanks for the breakdown on cost, always sound easy and cheap until to get to it.
I’m pulling my 305 out of my 3rd gen and putting a 6.0 I will be posting video as well
Black beast any luck on that yet?
Just came across this video. Super clean build my friend. I have a soft spot for third gens.👍
Gotta pay to play I wanted to do the same thing to my Monte carlos but I just bought a 2002 camaro ss. Lol .. can't beat the t tops
My engine cost 6k alone
Yeah but it's a catfish bro
hot rod magazine did an article about a "junkyard" ls1 an granted he even mentions he left a few costs out but he showed a pic of the end result an it looked like a brand new crate small block with headers on an engine stand obviously no trans included. had a full valve kit, new hot cam from GM, new intake (tunnel ram style) all the goodies for 1200$. look it up, "hot rod magazine 1200$ ls1"
That motor look so good under that hood
torque arm needs its own crossmember behind trans.
Thats good. If your torque arm is on tail of trans that poly is a must. Not sure where your arm is mounted but it really needs its own mount behind trans and a shorter arm. Warren Engines from Clinton Nc may give Exact length. Jeff or Joey Warren. Look em Up. They Win with those cars.
I'm 6k in so far check out my build. I bought all new stuff too
Everyone complaining ab how he didn’t say the full price till the end... this video was for people that are looking to do this swap and getting a price range not for the shock factor of the 6000$ he spent😂🤦🏽♂️
Hi there thank you for the info I think the $6,000 engine swap sounds reasonable I myself was going to do a LS build project car it was going to be a 72 Chevelle I had a body shell of one and was going to start making videos of the build except do to me having living Arrangement changing how to get rid of the the car only thing I have left is the rear window but that will do the project in a later time
I’m about to swap my 70’ Nova bought a 1998 Camaro as a donor. Has the LS1 and T56 got it for $2000 already sold $500 off it and plan to use the cooling system like you were saying as well. Did your Ls1 oil pan fit? I’ve heard of people using the car oil pans for swaps with no problems
Can you put up that list you made with all the part numbers and websites?? Just so I can have a better idea
Not an LS swap or in general chevy fan, but IMHO, this is a great video and I'll probably do a similar breakdown on my channel and reference you. Great advice. Good ideas all around. I did start my swap with a parts list and unlike you (I was green as hell) not that great of a mechanic ;) But everything you say here should be reviewed by someone attempting something like this.
Great video man.
That's crazy i spent way way less and got a 6.0 n 4l80e running in a 96 impala ss
PsMoKe TV He probably overpaid for stuff and wanted perfection. Going that route always adds up to more money.
PsMoKe TV what's the rpm at 70mph on your SS? I'm thinking about going with a 4L80e for my 81 Vette with a 5.3LS
Dawan Antonio new parts are always more I do the same
ctheisen84 I got mostly new parts with the exception of the engine and trans, still not near what he's talking.
i put 11000 in a new ls drive train with just a few thousand miles. But I put it in a 1935 coupe 2,500 pounds if it is a nice car, the swap is worth it, or if you are going to keep the car. I have more money in my paint job compared to any ls build here.
1st rule of hot rodding never add up your receipts, set up a budget for your build and if you spend more, than you under funded your build if you spend less than you are one smart cookie!
I think that price is pretty good... thank you for the video
i got a stock 95 camaro its a little wearing, im thinking about getting a tube k member from spohn .... thats going to be the start of the build ... id like to build the original motor but i dont want to stop driving my car because its a work horse daily driver ... this car has been in my family for 24 years as of may 2019... i grew up with this car ive bled sweat pissed shit puked and fucked in the damn thing, it is literally a piece of me. ive been fittling in my mind with just leaving it stock but i really wanna upgrade it... i need tires bad so im about to pay 700 bucks for tires and i went on and bought some iroc replica rims off ebay and ceramic coated them .... those will be on the car. but my parts list for this car is 65,000 dollars .... i dont think i will ever make that....
but im looking at a serious around 10 grand in getting that motor built and 10 grand for chassis and suspension parts...
Hey man awesome build but how much do you think it would cost to ls3 or ls7 swap a 92’ iroc z with a turbo doesn’t have to be the exact price
I got a 02 ls 5.3 the whole truck for 700 bucks with 90k on it sold the truck parts for 850 so I got the motor for a profit of 150 I used everything from the Tahoe ac and everything Ecu
I’m trying to Ls1 swap my 81 Trans am. Car runs and everything just don’t know how much it will be
I have a 400 hp sbc in great shape in my Monte Carlo G body. Is a ls swap worth it my friend I need help
Depends what you want out of the car. If yours runs great, I wouldn't worry about it. If you want to make 600+ hp then i would. The fuel injection is nice and so is the reliability. Modern gasketd are also way better and reliable. Gas milage is also around 26 freeway if you have overdrive.
Thanks bro
I have a 2015 Genesis Coupe looking forward to putting an LS3 in it one day.
fathertimenc just trade it on a 5th gen Camaro, it would be a lot less work and a better looking car in my opinion.
Korean junk won't out last the payments
"GM techs" AKA car mechanics, say all kinds of crap. Like you can only use GM fluid in your NP transfer case. Never mind that GM does not have a refinery, never mind that Dodge and Ford use NP transmissions and transfer cases too. Go ahead pay four times what a quart of ATF costs at the parts store, because they're experts. Oh BTW not a penny of that comes out of their pocket and they are simply mouthing what their trainers told them to say. My point? Fel Pro only makes gaskets, and probably makes many (as well as many other brands) of the factory gaskets that GM sells and simply puts their name on the package. Like the cheap ATF they put in a plastic bottle with GM emblazoned on it. So go ahead and waste your money, GM probably needs it. P.T. Barnum said it best when he said there was one born every minute.
Did you not think the 700R4 would’ve been compatible with the LS?
Probably will get a new Camaro one day but I really like the Genesis it’s a well built car and fun to drive so plan on keeping it and putting the supercharged ls3 or newer LS in it.Its just different than a Camaro or Mustang that you see everywhere. I like all cars but sometimes you just need something different to tinker with that someone not expecting to have 650 or more hp.
Hey man I am about to start getting my parts together to boost and build my gto, I also just picked up a turbo 400. My question is what kind of flexplate and spacer should I use to fit it to the ls1 and if you have some part numbers.
Would or did it pass smog I live in ca I have a 1988 caprice that I wang to LS swap thanks for your time
Great car great engine 👍 👏
Why didn’t you use the ls1 wiring harness?
After 25 years people still looking for this engines to swap,,thats why the catfish camaro its one of the best no matter what people say
Catfish camaros are ugly AF and definitely don't look as good and sexy as a third gen hands down the fourth gens are the ugliest camero ever made and 90 percent of gearheads agree lol
I’m doing a swap in a gbody wish I only had 6K in it lol
That's just the motor man. I'm like 3500 into my trans, and I still need a rear end. This shit adds quick!
I was going to ls swap my 87 monte, but decided to just have a 383 stroker built, to save some doe, but with everything, and I'm not even done yet I'm around 6000-7000 should have just swamped it lol
Matt Young you could do a simple swap for way cheaper. Shit 6.0 & a cam. Would be cheaper. But I built a 370 & did a full frame off
Yes it does.. If you want the cheapest pathway, first plan, next set a soft budget (you will go over), then accumulate parts and allow for alternates parts that achieve your goals. The rabbit hole can get deep fast. Gotta lay out everything you want then understand how to get it all and make it fit together and determine if its even worth it. Avoid costly redo's. The right donor car can be really cheap and sometimes actually make you money after you get what you need.
I am 35K into a special purpose build (I don't get to do much of my own wrenching), but actually under budget. I have a friend that doesn't plan as well and while his car is bad ass, (like been on the cover of many a magazine bad ass), he is well into 6 figs on his build and admits with hindsight that he could have saved a good $20K if he planned better. A lot comes down to your willingness to accept good enough over exactly what you think you want.
Ford is fn junk took 4 cams to tryn & do what gm is doing with 1 cam
Ford =🏃♀️🏃♂️🚶♂️🚶♀️😱
Yeah they really brought their engines up to modern day technology, by still being slower than a 20 year old LS motor. Great job Ford! MOAR CAMS!
Ford's 5.0 makes 460 hp. in the new mustang. GMs 5.3 makes 355 hp. GMs red line is 6500. Ford's red line is 8000. So what exactly is your fucking point, noob?
Fordfanone stop explaining facts to this goof troop. He delusional😂😂😂. But this guy's 3rd Gen looks good. Coming from A Ford man!
@@DemsRdisguisedredcoats ya but thats not really a real comparison comparing to the ls3 or lt1 would be a way more realistic comparison you know the small truck motor with way less compression vs the high performance i dont know sports car motor
That’s what I’m trying to do to my 89 caprice ls swap
seems realistic for what you have....pretty sweet.
Damn I got $14k just in my LS3 stroker. Haha. I have spent a total of $25k but upgraded the rear end with an S60 also to handle the power and already had a ProBuilt Stage 3 700R4.
Do you know what part numbers I would need to make a lq9 500hp naturally? Like what head & cam setup should I get? Rods, gaskets, exhaust & intake manifolds. I'm still deciding if I want to build the 4L60e I got or get a t56, for the truck I have in the profile pic.
Thank you! I appreciate all the details!
Idk dude...all I can think of is....how much you have invested in your 3rd gen before the swap. Then add all you spent on the LS swap. Then take a step back and look at what your car is for how much you’ve spent. Better off just buying a 98-02 Camaro/Firebird. Unless you have some kind of attachment to the car...I don’t see how the cost justifies the end result. No offense just my opinion
Trust me man I feel you. Im at the point to where I can never sell it because of the amount of money invested into it. I have a 4th gen as well actually.
Yeah but thirdgens, especially this one look way better than any boat faced 4rth gen. Cost justified.
Because 3rd gen look is so unique!
It's something I would like to have some day. Even if it cost the same or even more than a 4th gen!(first of all: there is nothing rational here: it's a matter of taste and passion!)
Thanks. ! Is there a way to get your parts list ? 🙏
Got to remember he got stuff off bargain/auction sites so only the stuff you get from a actual store matters
So hold up $6000 G okay all new sensors ! Life time warranty ? I think that is smart. Some shop will charge you that much for a 4 cylinder just to get it running! Thank you for information nice car!
What is the name of the fuel lines again? And did the 2002 fuel tank fit right in?
I have a question. If I got a 1991 and if I have a 2005 2500 GMC van, Cant I just take all the parts out of my van and drop it right in the Camaro without buying any parts
Can I get a list of all the parts if possible
I’m so glad I did not do a LS swap six years ago wow
I have a Z-28 It has a v8 truck engine in it its CRAZY!
NO MAF sensor? lol this is the way to go all new stuff no corners cut!!
I subscribed for the detailed info!
6k is not bad, but rebuilding my ls1 is definitely more expensive than 6k, 500 for the 3rd gen and 400 for a block and JUST heads, and so far my bottom end alone is around 1400 dollars, but mine is also going to be a small tire nitrous ls1 car, so theres that.
Let me know when your ready to cruise bro im fixing my clutch situation on my iroc sometime this week
Love the car!!! Check out my 99 trans am! Ill be doing some really cool upgrades hooker headers, tick master cylinder, BMR pan hard bar/lower control arms/subframe connectors, umi coil overs! To much to list! Already have all the parts. Ill be uploading a new video every Saturday.
And I’m sure he can do it cheaper if he had to do it over again. Agree with buying a wreck. Kindly disagree with only using GM performance gaskets. If staying in the LS1 world, buying a 5.3 makes more sense to me. Even if you get a iron block, it’s only 65lbs heavier. Some decked or LS6 heads and a z06 cam puts you over 400 at the crank for cheap. Dorman sells a cheap intake now. Probably shop around or salvage some car brackets somewhere.
Thanks for the info, I been thinking about to do it too, I have one question, what's the name of the gauge, I need one asp cuz I don't have one and I'm always thinking I'm running out of gas 😂😂😂
I mean it’s cool for a kids car, but why used crappy vortex heads this is a great project for a father son deal..happy to see another kid join the fold lol...I’m a 3xmaster tech and my youngest son couldn’t care less about cars my oldest loves them..it would of been so much nicer with so AFR HEADS AND FUEL INJECTED...
Kids car? I'm 36 and doing this.. it's a fucking classic.. but yea it is cheap and I can't afford a yenko today like you old timers used to pick up for 2 grand.. 🤣
Shit my grandpa picked up his 68 camaro RS/SS for 200 bucks in 78.. He hat rodded the shit out of it. Pro street class not knowing what a RS/SS would be worth more then alot of houses. lol
Hey I have a 86 camaro and I’m wanting to put a LS1 in it I can get the complete engine and computer and harness for $300. I’m not looking to do anything fancy, what would I have to do to make that work? would like to hear back thanks
Motor mounts, if your auto, the torque converter will need a spacer, then you have to figure out your fuel system, radiator hoses, intake. That's about it.
I got $1240 into my car with turbo set up and includes buying the car I think I won haha
Ryan Gallegos what did you do to yours exactly? I’m getting one and I would like to spend the least amount of money for rn
What size rear tires do you run really love the fitment
Its around length of a ladder bar for drag racing
he did his on the cheap...my 615 aluminum bbc was $30.000...trans was another $4600
Dam!
Don't have that much in my 6.0 09 in my monte long tube headers and terminator x cam springs and ls 7 lifters 2800