Ok so I'll be starting my LSX swap come February-ish, when I come back from bootcamp(I leave a week from tomorrow). But anyways I'll be buying a donor for the swap and I was wondering what would be best to do with engine while its out? I at least want to put new gaskets and clean it up but is there anything else I should be doing as well? Not sure if it'll be modded yet might be going for stock right now, as the car needs new body panels and a paint job since it was recently wrecked. The mods will depend on how money goes, but what are your opinions on what should be done?

 

if you are keeping it stock and it was good then just leave it alone put it in and wait

what are you going into

 

I've been in National Gaurd Reserves for a year now Ive just had problems with high school so I was able to ship until now.

But to me it seems like asking for somethin to happen if I dont at least check out the motor, and new gaskets are never a bad thing....

 

I wouldnt pull the heads off unless you suspect damage. Pull the valve covers and oil pan to inspect. Both gaskets are reusable, but lots of people have problems with the old ones leaking after being disturbed. I have not, so do what you feel is right

Personally, I wouldnt start this swap unless you have an excess of disposable cash. If you just want a cheap LS1, buy a 4th gen. They're nearly out of season and prices will be dropping quickly. Since your camaro is wrecked, you can add the repairs to the total cost of the swap. A paint job (if it isnt DIY) will make this extremely expensive. By then you can buy a prebuilt swap car or modded 4th gen without the time and hassle of the swap. Believe me, after 4 LSx swaps, I can vouch for there being ALOT of both involved

 

Everything will be done myself, Ive already done body work, repainting, etc. on my 'restored' '95 z28. So that wont be an issue, Ill have the cash to do everything I just havent decided on modding the motor a lot yet. Dont want to spend a huge amount on motor mods when I could have a nice stock motor and spent the money on other car parts.

And buying a donor car is the plan, hoping to find a T56 car but if not, I can always do the auto swap and do a manual later, not a huge deal( other than my left foot being bored).

And I couldnt get rid of this car, has too much sentimental value and i have too much work into it (first camaro, learned damn near everything off of it).

I know I'm about to contradict myself here but since it will be an emissions car, what mods other than headers could I get away with in your mind?