I made a thread called "Potential Camaro owner...." in the Tech section, but I thought this would be more relevant to this section. Switching it up and all.

Turns out the funds aren't there this year for the parents to lend me enough for a car, so it looks like any summer job I find will have to be within walking, biking, or public transportation distance.

However, I will have access to my sister's Saturn L200 for the fall semester. So I thought to myself, why not go ahead and build a Camaro the way I want it to begin with, and not worry about absolutely needing it as a daily driver?

My thoughts are, if I start with the engine I want and build it, then purchase a roller (which are not hard to find), I should be able to build it as I go, meaning I can hold a summer job and work on this at the same time. Of course, if it doesn't get done in time for the fall semester, no worries, I have the Saturn.

One of the things I would love to build is a 454 bbc, since my father has one in his '80's Silverado dually. At one time, he bought a lot of literature on the Chevy rat engines and had a complete restoration planned out. Unfortunately, he hasn't started the project yet, and I don't know if he will. I thought it would be cool to build the same engine he's been dreaming about, and I can get his help and knowledge when I need it.

I know that the LT1 and LS1 are popular swaps for TGO, but I don't want to necessarily follow the crowd, and those swaps are upwards of $5000 to do. Would a 454 swap be just as pricey, or does it really depend on what I want to do with it? I had hoped to do whatever internal work I want to do while the engine is out of the car, but leave the door open for a turbo or supercharger in the future.

Also, is starting with the engine the best way? I figured once the engine is done, the roller is purchased next, then once the swap is done, the whole car is stripped down, the outside and bay are painted, etc. I may be messing up the chronological order of things, though...

And finally, would I be able to complete this project in the 3.5 years or so that I have left at college? It would be a shame to abandon yet another project while I'm off to graduate school. Also, suggestions on what other engine choices or base platform to start with for the roller would be great too.

 

I'd start with the motor. You have to decide what you want and what kind of money you want to spend.
I spent more time researching fitting a big block into a thirdgen then it took me to actually get the motor in the car. It's easy until you put the exhaust manifolds/headers on. The one thing nobody mentioned was frame rail clearance with the big block exhaust manifolds (and the headers start at $500+, then you need a mini starter, and when all is said and done it's like a grand for a set of headers).

Big block or small block?
I personally think the big blocks build mild power cheaper then the small blocks, but it's a matter of how you build the motor and budget. If you desire a big block, build one. It's nice to have that low end torque that can roast the tires and make everybody think you have a big wee-wee.

I've built a few from ground up, if you are dedicated it can easily be built on weekends within the time period you are giving yourself.

 

Chevy blocks are a dime a dozen. big blocks are harder to find but if you already have one, keep it! youre right, everyone and their mother wants an LS conversion of some sort now. reason being, it is an amazing technology. but you can keep it old school and be surprised how much power you can make! power is in the cubes. You can build an absolute beast if you know how and are willing to search for the best deals. just dont go too cheap or you may end up paying more later! if youre a newbie, i suggest a book by david vizard called "how to build max hp chevy blocks on a budget" or something like that. read it cover to cover. if i were you, i would start with the frame while the engine and tranny are pulled. its easier to work on suspension that way. besides, you dont want a car that cant handle your motor. so upgrade the suspension and get the engine bay all nice and pretty for the new rat. as far as getting it done in 3.5 years... it all depends on your budget. if you have the money than definately. if i had all the money i needed for mine, it would be done in about six months! but study up first, know what you want to do with it, know how to do it or where you can get it done, and start one step at a time. dont rush it, and search and weigh all available options as far as parts go. good luck!

 

Oh, and I'm not looking for mild power. I'm looking for 500+ HP. Just to clarify.

 

expensive.
An all motor small block will cost you a pretty penny to build that kind of power, a big block can do it pretty easily.

I might change my heads and slap a 871 blower on it, should see 600+ horses on a crappy set of heads.

 

That's why I'm thinking of starting with the 454. Get decent power to begin with, then the blower at a later date when I have the funds.

 

ya a blower can get you to that hp range easily. get your block and crank sonic tested, then look into getting it bored if you have enouhg meat. if the crank is good, keep it. if not, get a whole new rotating assembly. get some good used heads and port the hell out of them or buy some new ones with huge valves and runners. as far as aspiration, you should know what youre going with right off the bat because the cam and valvetrain will need to change when you put a blower on it. you will also need a tranny, driveshaft and rear diff that can handle 500+ horses. you got a lot of work to do to get there but the ride is well worth it!