I have a 3rd gen(91 RS) and it has a 6 in it. I have already put 6 grand into the appearance and inside so i am planning on keeping it. Is there any V8 engine that is emmissions legal that i could put into my car and how much would the engine be? thanks

Well if you look at GM peformancxe engines I think they have a 330 horse 350 for like 2,000 dollars. Thatt is alot of bang for the buck. You also could go buy an old 350 and do some work to it yourself..its up to you. I hope this gives you some ideas, get summit of jegs and see for yourself.

GM makes a zz4 with 355hp for $3399 and a 350hp motor for
$2995.and a fast burn 385hp for $3895. they also make one engine with 430hp for $6375. try checking out car craftfor more prices

these are all 350ci engines

People, people, people. He specifically said "emissions legal". Why are you suggesting all these "off-road only" engines?

Find yourself a totalled '91 or '92 factory V8 donor car. A Camaro would be better than a Firebird since you have a Camaro. Take everything out of the donor car that's different and specific for the V8, and put it in your car. If you like, you can replace certain parts, like the exhaust, with emissions-certified parts like headers.

That's the only way it will be "emissions legal".

Well, at least i know that someone really reads my posts, and i guess that i will just look for one then but i was hoping that i could buy like a tpi or an ls1 to put in mine, thanks for the help

For TPI, just find a donor car with a TPI in it.

For LS1, same story, but the amount of work is going to be on a different scale entirely.

nevermind, i guess that i will just get my engine rebuilt and buy a corvette in like 3 years, thanks for the help though

GM sells LS1 crate engines for 6 to 7 grand. You would have to change your engine mounts but it would be legal. I don't know if it comes with a computer.

If you want a LT1 or LS1, I think you'll be better off finding a wreck and stripping it for parts.

you could always rebuild the engine, get a stroker kit for the engine, or drop in a 3.4.

THESE ARE EMMISIONS LEGAL.BUT NOW THAT I MOVED I FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY THAT THERE NOT LEGAL HERE.

depends on your state. In CA, the engine has to be from a similarly sized vehicle from the same year or newer.

Those engines are only "legal" in the technical sense in '75-older vehicles, and for off-road use.

The laws are Federal, not just California. Inspections and testing are the "local" part.

Unless from same year/model or newer, with all equipment that was certified by the manufacturer (or a part that is a certified aftermarket replacement), it isn't legal in ANY state. The only reason people get away with it is that they don't live in a state that is being blackmailed by the Feds to check.

So you're saying that a swap from any motor in a 3rd gen for an LS1 would be legal, since the LS1 came out of a newer vehicle?

SWEET, I didn't think it would be.

Check with your state to be sure, but the LS1 if its installed with all of the components it originally came with should be legal anywhere.

Technically in Cali it doesnt matter what size the car is the engine came out of. You could stick a 454 out of a suburban or something into a thirdgen and have it legal, as long as the engine is newer than the chassis and all the components of the engine/drivetrain/management are installed. You could also put in a newer 4 banger Honda engine if you wanted, but who would want to? All legal here in Smog-Naziland California.

I really doubt they'd let someone put in an engine from a 2500 truck. Maybe if its from a 1990 or so 454 SS 1500 or something.

i love michigan, we can do whatever the hell we want without any hassles GM also sells a conversion for thirdgens that uses the factory carb and emissions crap from an LG4. they are 350 engines and are emissions legal. my dad works at GM and brought a converted thirdgen home in the early 90s. we took it to milan dragway where he ran a 13.8 with a 5 speed. cool check the GM performance parts catalog. Don't rebuild that lame V6!!

That's a nationwide program but they want $5000 or something nuts for that 1986 techology. no thanks. You can find a LS1 and 6 speed with low miles for that. Brand new L05s are only $1500 from GM.

The truck big block won't work. Trucks and passenger cars have different emissions rules and standards. Sorry, no relief there.

But, the LS1 can work if it is tested as if your 3rd gen is now that year and model vehicle. That's the rub. You have to pass the standards for the year and model of the engine package.

The nice part about the HO 350 conversion kit is that it fits. LT1/LS1 requires a lot of YI.

Cars have different emissions requirements too. If you want to spend the time to try and find the specific part of the California code that expressly prohibits what you are saying, go look. Trust me, its not there. There are some loopholes in the system and the state knows about them too, but apparently hasnt had the opportunity to slam the door shut just yet.

It would be cool to do though. =) GM showed a 8.1L truck called the Coolside 2 at the L.A. auto show. 575HP, AWD, regular cab, sportside bed. It was niiiiice.