oK GEARHEADS, I've got $7,000.00 to spend on a new motor. What do I do buy a crate motor? or work with what I've got?
My existing motor is a 1991 Corvette L98 with approx. 32k on the motor. The lower end is stock and so are the heads except for some mild porting of the heads. I've got headers and 3 inch exhaust and flowmaster on it, ported plenum, runners and a 52 mm TB. and a Jet off road performance chip. What can I do with my L98? Anyone know anything about those all aluminum High Horsepower Crate motors they advertise in Super Chevy etc? I can not exceed the $7k. I know that I can have a 700 horsepower motor but if it can't hook up what's the point? A beefed up 700R4 and a stronger rear end and whatever It takes to help it bite the pavement has to be part of this budget. So I'm sure many of you fellow 3rd genner's have either had 7k to spend on your ride at one time or another or you have at least wrote your wish list down of what you would buy if you had $7k to spend.

All suggestions will be considered and appreciated.

I'm ready to shop guys, so hit me with your best advice!

CALIROCZ28

 

if its a daily driver, do your drivetrain first... then look at what you have left and make the motor.

no sence in building a 7k motor, only to frag the trans and rear.

 

Yea that is a good idea. Start with a full suspenion and a drivetrain that can handle your power goals. Your car will be faster with its current motor with just that. After that see how much money you have left over. I would go with a 383/396 LT1 set-up if it were me. My other choice would a be a 406 with a miniram set-up. So in essence I would go with a big inch small block with multi port. A bit cheaper to do than a LS1 swap but better than your current TPI. I would not rule out an LS1 swap but may be hard to do with the money you have left after the other stuff. Since your L98 has such low miles on it you could sell it for a nice chunk of change and use that towards your new motor.

 

Hey guys I just got back from looking a LS1 from a '99 Camaro. I found it in a local classified add. It's still in the Z28 and the car is smashed in front radiator all the way up to the engines pullies. The deal is for the complete drive train. Motor-Trans (4L80E) driveshaft, rear end axle to axle, wiring harness complete with all the computers and sensors plus interior for $4,700. I also own a '98 Z28.

I had read an article in Super_Chevy last month or before regarding converting a 3rd Gen Camaro with a LS1 Power package. This sounds like a very good deal. I think I am going to ****** it up and maybe just sell it for a profit. The car has 38K on it and belonged to an older gentleman. He said a drunk ran into it at 4 in the morning about a month ago doing about 50mph on the wrong side of the street. Totaled out the front end and the driers sidedoor and quater panel. Do we have anyone on this site that has done a 3rd gen LS1 conversion yet?

 

theres several people.... and a whole FAQ about it.


one of the sponcers sells LS1 motor mounts and trans mounts for your swap.... i dont recall what one though... heh..

 

3rdgen recourse along with spohn sell both. Don't forget about the cross memeber.

 

thats what i ment by trans mounts.. hehe

and it was TGresource i was thinking of....

 

I figured as such. You are always on the ball