Hey guys, I'm just looking for some opinions on a swap for my Camaro (and possibly another car). Let me fill you in with what I've got right now:

1998 Formula: has the LS1 and slushbox auto in it. Stock.
1988 Camaro: 305 and a T-5 that needs to burn in hell

Current options:
454 block; needs machine work.
350 block; needs machine work.
LS7 complete
400 block possibly??

The question is - what should I do with the Camaro? I have a LS7 swapped in my 89 GTA, so this HAS been done on my end before albeit I had some people close to me help me with that (I did not take part in this, it was a present given to me..) I like just about everything, but the truth is that the LS7 is the quickest way for some good HP gains. The downside is that now I need to do some serious rewiring and fabrication will be needed to seat this thing is there properly along with the fact that I'm also going to need a new transmission ontop of the fact my stock crap rearend will need to be changed out as well to handle that kind of power. I've considered running a MSD box on the LS7 and going carbureted to make things a little easier if I choose to swap into the Camaro.

So what this really comes down to is: I was originally going to drop the LS7 in that formula, sell the LS1 & trans, then use that money to buy a T56 and a set of headers and exhaust to match the LS7. If I choose to go with one of my blocks I'll need to get them machined, parts ordered, and I'll still need a new transmission so that's really inavoidable. What would you guys do in my situation? I am not partial to anything as I love all kinds of different stuff, so offer any and all suggestions.

There's alot that is going on here, and I really am just not sure what to do.. Also - I'll take some pictures for you guys when I can since I know a 3rd gen swap isn't very common with that LS7. The car is coming back home in March because it's had all it's work done in Hanover, PA and I'm nowhere near there. Like I said any advice appreciated. I'm not completely concerned with power, I really just want to know what you guys would do in my position since I really have no clue where to start. Way too much stuff on my plate

 

I don't understand the part where the LS7 comes out of the GTA.

What fabrication? Why would the GTA need fabrication that you wouldn't have to do in the GTA?

I also don't understand the carb part. That's an expensive way to kill driveability and economy while gaining nothing. Instead of putting effort into a downgrade, put it into learning about the EFI.

Are you trying to get down to one car?

Fix the GTA. Whatever work it needs is less than what it would take to put it in the Camaro. Sounds like you're willing to part with the '98 - use the proceeds for the parts the LS7 needs.

 

What exaactly are you shooting for, a street strip car, a fast daily driver, a primarily drag car. Each of these engines has its place, and your budget and goals play a huge role in your decision, I think it is safe to say the ls motor will be the most streetable power, and probably the most expensive. a big block is the way to go if you want a real fast streetable power, you can stuff a stroker crank in it, some decent heads, and a decent cam and run 10s, all while keeping power brakes, decent gears and small converter.I would run a carb on the big block, I do not see how a carb kills driveability myself, if it is cold you have to pump it before you start it, thats about it, a carb with a good choke on it can be very effective. I have seen plenty of carbs with poor driveability, but not beacuse it is a carb, but because it was poorly maintained, and that will kill anything. Carbs can even get fair econamy if set up correctly, it is just that to many people throw an edelbrock on there car and never adjust it, then complain about performance and economy, suprise suprise.
The small block would be cheap, but you will have to give up the most driveability for performance, but if all you want to do is run 13s that is not much of an issue.

 

A carb on an LS7 is a downgrade.

 

say's who? if its what the kid wants who are you or i to say ya or na! hell most kids today start with fi and a ecu then backup and try a carb motor.

 

I will agree that an ls7 should be left injected.

 

all right a carbed ls7 in a 3rd gen f-body may be alittle ho hum;but in my 66 chevy ll with richmond pro 5sd could turn a head or two.

 

I think that he is trying to say that if the motor already has all the injection stuff then in would be a downgrade in performance, driveability, and economy which I think is a accepted fact. If you are going to spend money to make the carb work and decrease all the above mentioned attributes then why not spend the time and money to keep the injection. I think you would be happier in the long run with the injection setup not to mention you would learn some usefull skills along the way.

 

Let me clarify: The GTA is another car of mine. The '98 Formula is a seperate car. The GTA doesn't have any problems at all, in fact it's operating and functioning perfectly. I was saying that they (the LS7 into the 3rd gen) aren't just direct drop-in's like the older blocks, so that needs to be taken into consideration. The GTA also is running fuel injected on it with good results, but I've ran fuel injected on everything I have and I wanted to get into something a tad different as I do like carbureted as well and have less experience with those and could use some sharpening in that area. If you all agree to do fuel injected which is what seems to be true, I'll probably just throw that in the Formula and sell the LS1 out of it then since that would be an easier swap and fairly straight forward.

Which now leads to the original question: the Camaro will need an engine. Right now I've got a 350 block and a 454 block that need parts and machining. Haven't bought me a 400 block yet but I've considered it based on lots of good results from others I've met. I'm aware that adding a carburetor will kill gas mileage, but I'm not overly concerned about that as I just want a fast street car that is reliable to drive on the weekends and very basic to work on (not that EFI is bad, but you get what I'm saying..) I guess it's really a toss up, but I'd like to do this ONE time and be happy with the results.

Either way, I am leaning towards a 400 block for the Camaro and running it all carb'd with a t-56 behind it since I think it's a given that T-5 will explode to bits under any pressure at all. I don't really care about economy because the Camaro will be parked most of the time only to tear it up at the strip and the street on the weekends or on nights. The 98' Formula will most likely be my daily driver because of how well those LSx's get such great MPG for what they are. The LS7 will be swapped into it soon though since I have everything available to me aside from relocating the car to do the swap at this point.

 

That helps explain what you're looking to accomplish a little better.

A carb'd 400 or 454 with a T56 behind it makes more sense than taking EFI off of the LS7.