I am looking to swap out my old L69 from my 84 Z28 for a new motor. I have been researching a lot of engines and I am finding myself most comfortable with a new stock small block chevy. I really don't have much knowledge in the area of valve lift and camshaft duration and how these things affect the cars "drivability". I am not planning on doing this project myself... I have had the car for 11 years and I love the car too much to attempt this on my own. I want to put an engine in that is true to the third generation camaro's roots... and my perception of this would be pro touring... a car that I can drag race, but that could still be a daily driver that idles normal. What is the third generation camaro's engine roots? The L69 motor came rated at 190 hp at 4,800 rpm, along with 240 lb-ft at 3,200 rpm. Is this considered low-mid rpm power or mid-high rpm power, etc.? I want a motor that true to the original motors spirit, with the power that it could obviously not achieve in its day for a number of reasons.


I am zeroing in on the three engines in the title: the LS3, LS376 480, and the LS376 525. Aside from the cost of these three specific engines, what is the difference here... It appears that they only changed the camshaft in each; a "hot cam" in the 480 and an ASA camshaft in the 525.

LS3: 430HP@5900 and 424TQ@4600
LS376 480: 480HP@5750 and 475TQ@4500
LS376 525:525HP@6300 AND 489TQ@4400

Which one is best for the application I described above. Instinct would tell me go for the 525, but I don't want it if it is not a street motor, and it requires a fast idle etc. Or... does none of what I even said matter at these power levels compared to the original L69 because they are so much powerful across the whole grid that they already have the "true camaro spirit" build in to its power band.

 

One of the newer LS trucks came with a larger engine that also had a 4L80E. Maybe a LQ9 or something.

 

Part numbers for several internals changed, but those could just be updates

Cam is the biggest difference and none really seem appealing outside of the circuit they were specced for

FWIW, the ASA cam isnt super street friendly. Id go with a custom cam or a proven off the shelf with moderate lift, so common valve springs can be used. The super high lift cams seem to be eating lifters/springs quickly which gets expensive in the LSx family

 

If you want something "true to it's roots" I would go for the "LS3: 430HP@5900 and 424TQ@4600" because thats the engine used in the 5th gen camaro. Then you still have an untouched f-body engine in your car. And you could always swap the cams later if you decide.
I'm planning an engine swap this summer, and I went with an engine and transmission from a crashed 13' Camaro and I like the idea that my car will still only have f-body parts inside after the swap. But thats maybe just me..

Edit: I just saw this was an old tread and not even posted in correct category...

 

do any one knows if those 376 fit on a 700r4? cause i was planning the same but i dont know if i should also change my transmission

 

It will fit and most likely demolish the 700R4 on the first hard drive. Same stuff is required for any older trans on the newer LSx

 

Hi guys I new to this iv got a 91 camaro plan on putting. Ls3 in it I need to know what kind of trans and rearend to put in it idk how to make my own post on this place to I just replay to tho one plz sum one help me