I read the sticky... seems like a good place to start. I found a really cheap V6 Camaro in the year that I want... three digits cheap. So, now I'm wondering if it is worth buying to modify to a L98 Z28.

After reading the sticky, I get the impression that it is easier to find an L98 (out of a Vette, Camaro, or Firebird) that has all the equipment on it, as well as the transmission that came with it, and drop it into the V6 Camaro. And then there is the suspension rebuild (which I intended to do a performance mod to the suspension anyways even if it came with Z28).

Anyways, before this deal up and drives off, I'm wondering, for those who actually performed the upgrade or have first hand knowledge, how much did it end up costing you in the end? I'm thinking waiting for a running L98 Z28 Camaro will eventually come, and might get low but probably not 3 digit low.

 

Buying a cheap V6 camaro and modifying it is IMO the way to go, i wont do it any other way and i've had a half a dozen thirdgens. That being said, there is no way i would go through all of the hassle to install an L98, thats just shooting yourself in the foot. Buy it and install an LT1 or LS1, then you are on the right track, but buying a car and converting TO an L98 is a lot of work for little gain.

 

I personally don't care what engine is in it when I buy it; they ALL come out for me, anyway!

I would sooner go turbo Buick than L98. As stated above, the L98 has been surpassed long ago as a performance standard. A vortec small block is better, and there are the LTx/LSx swaps as well. I like turbo Buick, and it costs about the same as the rest of the swaps...

 

Turbo Buick makes a great choice too, too bad for me everything i've seen with them mated to a manual trans doesnt get down the track all that well. When im ready to drive a slushbox around the 3.8 will definetly come into consideration.

 

I'm gonna work those bugs out, trust me. If a stupid honda can run a turbo and a 5 speed, then so can I.

I think it hasn't been done a lot because the G-body application that held most turbo Buicks wasn't T-5 friendly (not to mention the engine isn't T5 friendly, either) and GM wasn't particulary interested in beefing up a standard trans for a chassis that was being discontinued (for an engine that was being discontinued [rear drive Buick block]). Add to that the fact that "going fast with class" has meant automatic trans for Buick guys for a long, long time and you get the drift. Pontiac was too lazy to design the option for a 1 year only package as well, so...

I see there are plent of 3800 5-speed cars from 95 to 02 so someone was willing to start exploring Buick V6/standard shift combos at one time.

I think the key will be just like the rice/import guys do it, using the proper turbo/blow off system will differ from the auto cars.

 

Thanks for your input guys. The reason I said L98 is because I wanted a Gen I engine. My plan is to tear the engine apart, slap on my AFR 195cc competition ported heads, and install a either a mini-ram or stealth-ram. There are more things I plan to do; however, those are the big ones.

LT1 would be cool but with the AFR heads, Mini-Ram, and an LT HOT cam; I'm thinking I will be as good if not better than a modded LT1.

I dont even want to think of what it takes to convert to and LSx engine. That would definately be ideal; however, with all the money and work most likely involved, I'd be better off waiting for someone to sell a Camaro/Firebird that came from the factory with an LS1.

 

Wish I could find one that cheap!

 

This is the same swap im working on!

I've got a 91 RS, 3.1L M/T.

I bought a block with heads and intake, but its out of a 85 Z28, so i can't use the intake, and the heads are pretty useless, everyone keeps telling me if I go with this 3.1L to the 305 5.0L v8 swap, just to leave it TBI, and run a dual port TBI, (double tbi pretty much i guess) i know they have beefed up throttle bodies at summit racing, and other places, I just dont know which way I should go, i want the 305 because it seems everyone that does this swap goes straight for the 350, so thats kinda boring in my book, it may be more power but im definetly not looking to be the fastest camaro on the road either, i want to be somewhat origonal and beef up a 305, cam, ported, boared like crazy, anyways we'll see how that goes....

I wouldn't mind hearing some feedback on how this project goes, shoot me an email @ kg6ncl@yahoo.com

 

i just finished up an 89firebird that was a v8 car but some genius put a 2.8 into it and twin turboed it... story goes he ran wayy too much boost and liked to do races from a gear drop.. he blew that engine horribly (not to mention he was trying this with a stock 200r4... now here i am with the shell and i finished putting a v8 mated to a streetfighter blah blah blah turn out the engien i had was strong as hell for its age but i raced it a bit hard and spun a bearing... other than those complications v6-v8 swapping is the way to go dont get me wrong im also a huge fan of german cars and turbos impress the hell outa me but we drive semi classic muscle cars that deserve no less than the meanest v8 on the block if anyone understands what i mean.

honestly if you have the money it doesnt matter what kind of block you get or miles ect. whatever v8 you get you can always go back and put whatever you please into it.. for the same price and buying and swapping an ls family engine into our cars why not just use that money beef the hell outa ur stock v8 rebuild and all and make equal or probably more power than an ls1

 

Oh ya i totally understand, people just kept telling me like at my buddies smog shop he just opened up, he kept telling me to stay away from the complications of taking the 3.1L v6 out to put in the 305 v8, ya its only a 5.0L but any v8 is better then a V6 =)

So i think i'll deal with the headache of the swap, and continue with my plans to turn the little 6'er into a monster 305.

I wouldn't mind having live chat with you guys via aim/msn/yahoo from those guys who have done the v6 to v8 swap, or are in the process of doing it, just so i can keep my head clear because this is the only engine swap i've ever done, so give me a ring on a instant messanger if ya got it..

 

still have a 49k l98/a4 with everything to get rid of $1500 obo, but i would go ls thats why this motors forsale