draco

Car: 1987 Camaro SC roller, was a 2.8l with Automatic

Parts on hand : 305 from 88 camaro, matching 700r4, lots of misc 3rd gen underhood parts. Some hop up parts I can borrow from 327 build.

Missing from Roller : Fuel pump and Sender assembly

My dilemma is I have the 305 on hand now, but I really, Really want the reliability and convenience of an LS1 and F/I over the 305's carb. (Note, I also have two complete tpi intake set ups with ecms and harnesses, but I do not want to dump my $1000 budget into replacement sensors and injectors and such

Is there feasibility to obtain the LS1, plus swap components, for $1000 or less?

To keep that $1000 budget more realistic, I only need the motor to sit in the car, run and drive. Other things like headers, exhaust, dress up, suspension, can wait for more cash on hand.


Thanks for the input, direction, and mentoring fellas!

BrutalGTA

iTrader: (2)

I would suggest that you use what you have on hand for engine options and build up the chassis for the upcoming power plant upgrade as it WILL nickle and dime you to death beyond $1K.

I'm been slowly building my car with the parts that have bottomed out in price, buying quality used parts, and planning long term. I know you'd like instant gratification, however you need to be precise and do it right the 1st time.

Your drive train won't hold up to a stock LS swap, nor will your aging suspension or brakes. I know you want it to just run and drive, but you'll inevitably brake something and it will snowball on you.

draco

Sounds like good advice BrutalT/A , what are your thoughts on the tubular K member in your sig? I've considered the one from BMR with the tubular control arms and coil overs.

BrutalGTA

iTrader: (2)

My car isn't running yet, but it looks great, is very solid and fit like factory! Can't bitch for $390 to my door from jegs. I researched for awhile and couldn't find any current complaints. The ford guys love them, which from my experience is young guys beating on cars pretty hard. I don't foresee any issues once running. I just wish my factory K braces bolted up to them. I'll think about welding them on once I get closer to completion.
Btw it's an AJE k member.
http://www.jegs.com/p/AJE-Suspension...52071/10002/-1

SR71BLKBRD

iTrader: (1)

From everything I have seen you would be nowhere near close to what you would need to ls swap for 1000. say you get a 5.3 with wiring harness and ecu for 400 from a junkyard. you would still need cross member motor mounts say roughly 300 (optimistically) another 300 for headers, a oil pan another 200. thats 1300 and theres a bunch of little things thatll nickle and dime you to death. also what tranny would you run? im sure im missing some other necessities as well. that was just quick off the top of my head. im building my 383 hsr for what seems like forever now. its always something. I would save aside atleast 3k before i even stuck my foot in the water. Also looking back i would have gone ls instead of keeping the original motor. so at least your in the right boat. for under a grand you could swap a cam some lifters and rockers and even a set of aftermarket runners and have a quick 305. just my .02

cosmick

The easy way to make it work is find someone who has an LSx they're fed up with (like me) and trade. I'd be happy to revert to a TPI on my 305, and I already scored a plenum, but the rest of it is both rare and grossly overpriced. Also, if you can't find someone local, you would spend all your money on travel / shipping.
Maybe putting a Chinese turbo on a TPI 305 can't run with the big dogs, but it beats most of the cheap alternatives. You can't include the turbo in your initial budget, but boost is easier with mpefi than with a carb.