hello i was wondering if someone here could guide me as to what would be the best engine swap for my price range I will have about $5000 to spend I have a 1990 305 fuel injected RS and im looking to swap the motor to something better im not really gonna race people I just want something with a fast take off and if anyone pull up at the light I can keep up with most 4th gen SS

 

An auto LS1 swap can easily be done for that, 6 speed manual is possible, but will be harder to pull off.

 

yeah what would you suggest i do to make it a little faster then the average LS1 and do you know a good place or website i can buy them from

 

Automatic is actually better for the launch. With the 6-speed you'll either bog the engine, spin the tires, or glaze the clutch. With the auto you can fine-tune it with the torque converter. However, auto being cheaper is a fallacy. You can find a good used T56 for $1200, you'll spend more than that getting the 4L60E rebuilt, not including a torque converter. Who's doing the labor? If you're paying for that, then you can't afford an LSx swap. In that scenario, you'll do well to manage a 350 with a power-adder. If you are doing the labor, what's your skill level? What help is available? And how soon do you want the car driveable again? The budget isn't just the engine and transmission, either. It also needs to include the fuel system, the exhaust system, maybe mounting, maybe cooling, and probably axle gearing.

 

yeah I wanna go automatic and yeah I was think 350 or LS1 and my uncle will be doing the labor all he works with is race cars and yeah that $5000 includes everything but i can get more cash if needed about an extra $2000

 

If you are going automatic $5000 should be an easy budget, i'd recommend putting the engine in stock, or with headers/full exhaust, then work from there.

Theres a lot of info if you click the LT1/LS1 swap section of the engine swap board.

 

from my understanding it will be an easier swap to a LT1 then the LS1 right

 

They both require virtually all of the same stuff to swap.

Neither is too hard, if you are good with wiring its not an issue, if you arent, have a harness made, if you are good, but have the money, have a harness made.

LT1 is cheaper, LS1 has a lot more power potential.

 

okay my uncle will be wiring everything he's very good with that I think ill go with a LS1 which year do you think it would be best to grab one from and what gears would you recommend

 

01-02 from a camaro / firebird

or 04 GTO, if you can find the right deal you may be able to swing an LS6 from a CTSV.

 

yeah I can get a LS1 for a fairly good price over here