Hello everyone, I'm David O.
This is my first post here, I've been lurking for a couple of weeks.
My son bought an '86 Camaro, and I want to do it right, to make it safe, reliable, and fun, without overdoing it.
He's not new to driving, so I trust him with decent power. More than a Goodwrench 350, by far.
I like the IROC hood louvers, but I also like the idea of a Ram Jet 502 poking through a hood.
OTOH, the LS9, LSA and newest LT4 all offer more power, and probably easier driveability.
The 502 probably sounds the best, through Hooker 2226-1s and a Hooker Blackheart true-dual system.
I really like the look of the Whipple for the LT4, and 775 HP is impressive, but I'm doubting it would clear the wiper motor and/or the brake booster and/or the a/c-heater box.
I'm also tempted to buy a '90-'95 ZR1, put a new crate engine in that, then put that LT5 in here.
But we need it to be a bolt-in that doesn't require a professional fabricator. I'm fine with hammering the firewall and/or floorpan, but bolt-together and bolt-in would be best.
Google hasn't delivered much about converting an LS9 from dry sump to wet sump, it seems noone bothers? Just a Holley 302-2 pan kit?
Which would you suggest, and why?
Thanks for your time and the opportunity to ask.

 

The LS9 has a very high capacity oil pump since it has oil squirters, plus the dret system is kind of nice to have. I want an LS9 in my 2nd gen eventually, so I am biased. I actually am planning on a hybrid dret system on my LS1 so I will be "ready" for the LS9 when I am ready. I love the power and driveability of the newer engines over the SBC/BBC. If Steilo can do it, so can I

 

LS9 and lots of frame bracing.

 

The ZR1 LT5 was one bad boy! Had a poster of that engine bay on my wall as a kid. I would def put one in a 3rd gen if I were to win the powerball.

 

I really enjoyed the 6.3L 383 I had w JL1 super ram

12.2 in 1/4 at 115 on Comp ta 245 tires Back in early 90s

Fun car, didn't break the bank, or break down
No big fabbing, either.

All options you list are going to crazy money when done.

 

Ah the hotroders dream... If money was no object, lol. My personal first choice if money was no object? Keep it simple and throw in a 1500hp twin turbo Nelson small block(like the one a member on here has). If you want more modern, built big turbo 6.0(800hp all day long easy). Yea, the latest ls engines are bad ***, but I'm all about the KISS system

 

I like power to a point, but nothing like what they're doing nowadays. It's cool, I get it, but it's not my thing.

I'd look for about 500 rwhp...and that last hundred would just be to say I had 500, lol. I bet my 383 puts down 350 ish maybe, and it's a blast! Anyhow, if it was a weekend driver, like mine is, I'd make power with a nice cam. For a DD, smaller cam, add a Whipple.....and put it in a truck! -DANG my knees couldn't take gettin in and out a a lowered thirdgen everyday!

 

I like the LSX 454. Easily 600 CHP normally aspirated and with plenty of room for expansion via forced induction. Swap parts are a plenty too.

 

This is my dream, one day.

http://paceperformance.com/i-2385108...00-rebate.html