Hello there, i bought a 1989 camaro iroc with no engine under the hood. I was wondering, what engine should i put in it? i don't want a racing engine, i just want the car to sound really good and have some speed to it.

 

you didn't mention what kind of tranny , not that it really matters . you can't go to far wrong with a new G.M. crate eng. . depends on what you want to spend . good luck .

 

Welcome to TGO. Uncle's correct. Check GM crates, on perhaps Summit or Jeg's, for ci, hp and cost.

JamesC

 

yeah thanks guys, it didnt come with a transmission, its totally gutted out. i want to spend about 3 grand on a nice engine and trans. like i say, i'm not trying to race it, i just want it to be quick and sound nice.

 

Do you live in an emissions inspection or testing area?

 

if its completely gutted out your going to have alot more expenses than the engine and transmission...

 

I think you'll be closer to $5k by the time you have a turnkey engine and tranny
I'd look at a 383 with ~350HP crate engine. The 'lower' hp versions can probably run regular fuel, vs the 425HP variant that would require premium (and the engine costs more). Toss in a 700R4 with upgraded converter and shift kit and you're laughing.

 

yeah, i think so too. i'm just concerned with what engine i want to put in it. i'm thinking about an ls1 tho? you guys think i should do an ls1?

 

An ls1 would be very cool but its going to cost alot more than 3k to get it up and running!

 

Because your car is 89, you cannot run a Gen 0 or I GM crate engine under federal law.

You have to run at least an LT or newer Vortec fuel injection of some sort, or even LS-series.


If you don't care then by far the cheapest way is get the cheapest 350 crate engine from Jegs. For $2k+shipping you will have a complete long block with intake, carb, and distributor.

 

so you mean to tell me that i can't put an ls1 in my car? well does anyone have any suggestions? i'm willing to put about 7 grand into this car.what kind of engine? what kind of trans?

 

um he can run whatever came in his car or newer. ur saying that if i bought an 1989 camaro with tbi, but had the motor taken out, its ILLEGAL to run a tpi motor?
----------
572 bbc . but seriously an ls1 would be a great choice, easy to get more power out of later if you want, and good gas mileage, and light weight. you could run an auto that come with the ls1 (forget the name....) or a t56 manual, or adapt a 700r4 auto, it depends what you want

 

yeah thanks bro, now all i have to do is find the ls1 motor. what year car should i take it out of?

 

'98-'02 f-body V8's had the LS1. While all are capable, the '01-'02 are slightly better.

See the sticky in the top section of this forum. This is hardly a "bolt-in", but many have done it.