I have an 89' IROC with the 5.7L and it is becoming to much of a hassle to keep up with while in college. I would like to do a swap to a LS1 or LS2 but i have done some research an by what i see it will cost nearly $12K with all the accessories needed to get the car running. I would rather not go with the same L98 if i am going to swap just for the reason of parts becoming more scarce and expensive. And although the engine i have has a decent amount of miles i was thinking about saving it and rebuilding it to oem spec to replace in the car if i ever wanted to sell it in all original state. So if i was to do a swap and still gain a decent amount of horsepower, what engine do you think i should buy within the range of $7500. I am accounting for headers, fuel system, electrical, and any other conversions i will need to do within that total amount. thanks in advance for any input it is much appreciated! gig'em, class of 2012!

 

Which parts are becoming scarce and expensive?

 

I disagree about 350 parts becoming scarce? I mean new intake platforms are still coming out. LSx are the "new" thing, but the aftermarket parts aren't perfected like the 350 parts are.

 

I guess I would go through the bottom end and then buy some heads, cam and intake. It would be cheaper and less room to keep the original parts in a box or something. You would also have money left over to have the suspension, tranny and rear end built to handle the extra horsepower.

 

I would do something similar!

OR, if you don't wanna build one, but a short or long block from a reputable place, put a cam/headers on it and roll out with reliability and more power!

 

Basic LS1/4L60E swap:

'98-'02 f-body engine/trans/harness/PCM drop-out - $3k (can find them for less, can spend more)
Swap engine mounts and transmission crossmember - $200
Fuel parts (assuming Vette regulating fuel filter, disconnects, misc fittings, and the TPI fuel pump is in good shape) - $200
Exhaust (assuming you use the f-body LS1 exhaust manifolds and have a decent cat-back now) - $500-$1000, depending upon the shop you find to do the custom y-pipe, O2 bungs, etc.
Air inlet system (elbows, clamps, aluminum tube, air filter) - $200
Wire splicing supplies (assuming you have a soldering iron, wire strippers, etc.) - $50
Misc. hoses, fittings, clamps, sending units, etc. - $300
I forget if the '89 Camaros had electronic or cable drive speedometers; if cable, add a few hundred more.
PCM reflash for emissions delete, gear ratio/tire size/tach output reset, etc. - $100

Assuming the engine and transmission are in good running order, and you have a place to work on it yourself, you're looking at around $5k for a no bells & whistles swap. Biggest issue with returning it back to factory with the original L98 is the K-member typically needs to be notched for oil pan clearance.

 

if you want a big gain in HP, do a big cube sbc swap. either a 400 block or a dart SHP block. easy 500-600 reliable HP. nothing to exotic, HR cam, middle of the road parts.

If your tranny is in good shape, do a HP rebuild while everything is still in good shape.

But then again if your goal is only a moderate performance gain, as ls1, ls2 swap would be good as well.

 

$12,000 ??? I'm not sure where you live but where I live, that would get you a 4th gen LS1 powered in decent shape and another engine put into your car by a mechanic so you'd have 2 vehicles and 1 repowered.

Anyway, if you are looking at this as an investment then don't do it. f you are doing it for yourself then consider what else must be done to properly support the additional torque. So, all things considered, I'd drop a crate, turn-key, carb'd stroker and not look back. But, if you have the 700R4, be sure to beef up the sunshell and servo during the rebuild. My LT1 4th gen tore up the 4L60E. It now has been built to withstand more than i'm throwing at it. I don't expect the same with the 3rd gen 700R4 as that vehicle has the 305 TBI

 

Dude if you never pulled an engine out of a car or just have little knowledge about working on a car, the labor charge is going to be out of this world. Stick to the basics.

 

If I were to go best bang for the buck.. I would do the following.
-'96-02 Vortec block (from junkyard) [Stronger rods, and great flowing heads]
-Vortec Heads (JY)
-small cam
-clean up block
-edelbrock intake
-600cfm carb

 

Don't downgrade to a carb.

 

Actually, i'm just talking about from scratch with no parts from another engine. Would it be feasible to buy an aftermarket injection system. I am learning a ton about engines, but my dad nor I know anything about the fuel injection. I'm not going to jack this thread, but what are the advantages of fuel injection over carb? Guess I'm going to do some more research. In my build, i was planing on using a 750cfm carb that is on my car atm, and was just going to use that.

 

Fuel injection allows for more accurate metering of the fuel under varying conditions, which allows for better mileage. Correctly tuned, it'll provide the same peak HP as a correctly tuned carb.

 

Hello guys!

the 5.0 with AOD is a popular swap but there is lots more wiring to contend with. it will even get the same or better gas mileage than the six.

 

350 vortec with a carb. wonderful set up