Hello, my name is Steve and im new here to thirdgen.org. I recently got a real sweet deal on a 1992 Z28 that is in perfect condition. The car came with an L98 and an automatic transmission already out of the car because the previous owner was in the middle of rebuilding the engine when he ran out of time to put it back together.

My original plan was to sell both the engine and the transmission and do a LS1 and T56 swap. Here is where my questions come in and where I hope some of you with experience would be able to steer me in the right direction. What would be the best course of action to do this? Should I try to buy a complete camaro that was in an accident and take the engine and trans out of there? Where would I go about finding something like this? Is there a better way to get a engine and trans combo like this for a good price?

Another route that I found on Ls1tech while doing some research was this article (http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...de-1500-a.html) I like the Idea of using one of these truck motors because of the cost advantage, but at the same time it seems like a hassel to get the different accessories and a different oil pan. I know this is probably a silly question but would the accesories that I have from my L98 work on the 5.3 or 6.0 block?

I am sorry for the long winded post but I can not wait to start this swap this summer and just want to make sure that I go about it right the first time so I dont regret my work and have to go back and do it again. Thanks for reading

 

I always vote for the complete wrecked ls1 car if doing the swap in a 3rdgen because not only do the accessories and oil pan work so much else swaps over like the gas tank, rear axle, seats, etc.
Now if you were doing this car on a different car then sure maybe a 5.3 but even then I'd go for the 6.0 at least since they are also cheaper.
But no your l98 accesories wont' work.
We have a bunch of threads on cost.
One being mine.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...wap-costs.html

 

X100000

Full donor all the way if you can find one.

J.

 

Yeah i figured that would be the best way to go. I guess my next question would be what is the best way to find one of these wrecked cars? I tried to look on Ebay and Craigslist but am having difficulties finding anything like this. Anyone have a good source for these types of cars?

 

I found mine by posting a wanted ad on LS1tech.com. If you arent registered over there, you definatly want to go check it out. Between this site, and that site, you have all the info you could possibly need to perform this swap.

Anyway, there are wrecked cars, and driveline packages for sale over there quite often.

J.

 

im doing the ls1 t56 swap i would suggest grtting the donor car if possible. I have converted everything over and installed te ls1 and after i get her going im going to source a 6.0 short block add a cam ls3 heads and l76 intake and have her sittin on the stand 6.0 hard to beat for the money

 

where are you located? i can get you a donor. i deal alot with 98-02 ls1 f-bodys. pm me if your interested. also, im andrew69_04 on LS1tech

 

The donor car is the way I am trying to go. If you need another option check out www.hawksthirdgenparts.com. They part out salvage cars. They told me $4500 for the LS1/T56, the computer and wiring harness, and all the front accesories. They will also have all the conversion parts you need to do the swap.

 

And that right there is the problem with 99% of people selling pull outs.
I can get a clean titled no damage complete running ls1 camaro off craigslist for $4800
I can get a repaired complete running firebird off ls1tech for $3800.
Why the hell would I pay $4500 for just a pull and end up losing out on being able to sell $1000+ in parts?

I can't wait till the 5thgen comes out and 4thgen prices go even lower.

I've bought 2 ls1 cars. The more expensive one was the t56 car and it cost me $2500, but heck it was an SS.
Then I bought a Ws6 ls1 for even less.
I'm pretty sure prices haven't appreciated since then.

andrew69 it looks like your in kansas at times. I'm always looking for another wrecked ls1 car if the price is in the reasonable range. I don't care if the car has 100,000+ miles and frame damaged beyond repair.
I looked on the KC craigslist.
Someone just sold a ws6 clone(hood and hatch) wrecked ls1 for $2500.
I checked that against your ls1tech posts but it looks like all the cars you sell you want more for. If I'm wrong let me know.

 

Amen!!! aaron!! people treat the pull outs like gold coated in sugar and 10kilos of crack hidden in the block too boot! Who in there right mind would pay close too the full price off a whole functioning undamaged car....just for the drivetrain???! In my opinion everyone needs too stop forking over the stupid amounts of money for these pull outs and maybe theyll drop cheaper when people find out they cant sell a engine for 6grand. Its a big reason why my swap isnt done because i will not pay that kind of price for a used engine the deals are out there its just finding them and having the money when you find them. I personally think we should let everyone out there asking huge amounts of money for there pull out just sit there stuck with that engine until they make fair prices for the average hot rodder because thats what 90% of us are average hot rodders! where not in the hilton family!

 

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/1087436230.html

2002 ss wrecked.
70,000 miles
drivetrain all there and is fine

3000$

near st.louis

took me 2 mins of searching there out there and he is open to negotiations i emailed him.

 

Yeah I am with you man. I have found good deals in past searching but now that I finally have most of the funds in place I cant find a good price for the life of me. I will be more than happy to join you in the boycotting of the high prices, simply because i cant affoard them

 

http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/cto/1103083550.html

1998 z28
6 speed

not wrecked! runs full car

3000$

 

I agree, but in my case I live an an army post and already have two Camaros and a Buick. I have no room for a fourth car, nor would they let me keep a smashed up car anywhere on post. It is going to be hard enough to do the engine swap with our getting in trouble. I was putting the idea out there for anyone else that doesn't have the room for a hole car. And to be honest I haven't been able to find any deals on hole cars until today.

a1009camarors, good looking out for us stupid people getting ready to over pay. Maybe if I can work out keeping it at a friends house I'll look into it.

 

not stupid people just people that are led to belive that 4500$ is a "fair" price for a engine. $4500 is a "fair" price for car..lol