Big Davve

I recently bought a 91 Z28 convertible, which has always been a car that I've loved a lot, since they were new-the same year I graduated from high school! The car is in great shape body and interior wise and runs fine, but like a lots of us guys here, I want to swap something else in for the motor. I'm totally open to anyone's suggestions here and although I know my way around cars pretty well, I'm pretty much a newbie as far as engine swaps go. I'd be most likely looking to have a shop do the swap for me, I don't mind wrenching on cars if I have to, but I'm a pretty busy guy and just don't have all the time required.

Here's what I'm looking at for what I want to end up with, budget, etc.

Budget: I'd like to keep it under $10,000 TOTAL, including the shop labor, the more under $10k I can go, the better!

Performance: Obviously, I want something faster than the stock 350 it as now, its a totally stock 350 now, I think they were 230hp or so in 91? I'm not looking for a 10 second car or anything like that, just some more power than stock, maybe 300 to 400 hp when done. I also like a motor with some torque, too!

Reliability: I want it to be reliable, again I'm not looking for crazy power

So, I'm wondering which engines do you guys think I should start looking around for and where to look? My brother's got a 2001 or 02 Tahoe with I think the 5.3 V8, which I'm still surprised how well it moves that big Tahoe around. I think that one came stock with 300hp and lots of torque, would something like that be an idea for a swap or ????? I'm totally open to any suggestions here.

Also, since my Z28 comes with the standard 4 speed auto (I think thats the 700R4 right?) should I be looking at swapping the tranny and rear end, too? Thanks!

watajob

iTrader: (29)

IMHO, if you're paying for labor and have a budget, an LSx swap can get to be spendy as there's a zillion little details that need to be attended to. A mildly built 383 with an after market/modified LTR TPI set up will give you good power, great torque and not break the bank as it basically falls in place of the 305. Your 700R4 should hold up pretty well as will your stock rear end as long as your right foot isn't crushing the carpet constantly. The ratio, though, is less than conducive to fun. It's a 2.73 which will yield a fabulous top end and improved fuel economy at the expense of acceleration. Check out this article: http://xtremecarzone.com.au/index.php?showtopic=386

Big Davve

watajob

iTrader: (29)

Those are numbers from a 383. Check out my sig for a mild 350. It's about 350 horse and 450 torque, flywheel. It's not the quickest car at the track but it's a hoot out on the street, with a TPI's instant throttle response and low end grunt.

drunck1

I took the easy way out... I just finished the setup of my 91 RS / LT1 4L60e swap. I have come out of pocked about 1K just on gasket kits, heads lapping, and Trany rebuild. the LT1 is a straight fit... small modifications must be done such as power steering lines need to be made and fuel lines. K member is the same, Trany one is the same. I started with a complete donor a 95 Trans Am which I bought for 400. I just need to finish up the wiring...

jwfirebird

iTrader: (2)

the 5.3 take out engines are pretty cheap and have power and efficiency. you just need the computer. you could use the 4l60 from a 2wd truck and just have the pcm tuned to run them both. no reason you shouldnt get mid 20's for fuel economy with that, maybe better the trucks get 20-22

watajob

iTrader: (29)

K-member and trans cross-member need major surgery or to be replaced, which ain't cheap either way if you're paying someone else to do the work.

brian p

I spent the better part of a year going back and forth on LS vs small block. Buying a 5.3 or 6.0 truck motor or even buying a wrecked van/truck still put me easily near 5k for the job. I finally decided on an L31 because all of my accessories and tranny bolt up. I bought an HSR (but there's lot of choice there including the TPI) and with reworked vortec heads or even aluminum and a mild cam, I think that's it'll be a lot fun for half the LS swap. I've got buddies with Z06's and CTSV's. I'm never gonna catch them anyway(the CTSV just keeps turning up the boost) so I decided to enjoy what I have and a few bucks left over.