I picked up a pretty nice 98 model Z-28 camaro from a dealer below Atlanta today. Runs real good, I was actually suprised at how strong the car is... which is a good thing. The interior is a little rough, besides having really nice black leather seats. The previous owner was a retard, glued the power window switch to the door handle with silicone. Along with some other retard things on the interior. I don't care though, all I'm using from the interior is the seats.

So it begins!

 

And for those that didn't see my engine bay post in the body section, its painted and prepped for the LS swap. All I have to do is get my k-member by the machine shop for them to weld in my notch plate. Gonna do that this coming week sometime... pics below.

 

the 4th gen is just a much better built car overall than 3rd gen. ive owned and sold/parted many 4th gens. so you will make some cash back parting the leftovers. i personally would never part a good running non wrecked 4th gen for a swap. but at least you will have any part available for the swap. easier if you look at it that way.

 

I don't think there better built... they have a better drivetrain but have the same old cheap plastic interior. This car is far from perfect, its been repainted and has overspray on all the weatherstripping. The interior needs a good bit of TLC... so its perfect for a swap. Now if it was an SS or something, then no I wouldn't swap it. I just think the thirdgen is a more capable platform for handling than the 4th, not saying its better but it definitely holds its own. So with an LS1 and T-56 it should be fun to drive.

 

My donor was a 2000 z28. the only thing wrong was some clear coat peeling on the hood, other than that it was in great shape. I had no problem gutting that ugly *** car for my 1992 z28 project. The way i see it, i did GM a favor by taking that eyesore 4th gen car off the road and making the nice looking 1992 have some *****. Good luck with your swap

 

i agree, the 4th gens, imo, by far the worst looking camaros and birds ever made ... i would only want one for parts

 

 

I'm with NemeSS, I would never use a perfectly good LS car as a donor. They are nicer cars all around. I have been collecting parts with isn't the easiest way but if I stumbled across a cheap, running 4th gen the 3rd gen would either be sold or junked.

 

Guess it all depends on what you like. I've owned several LS 4th gens and several third gens. I honestly like the third gens better, to me, it seems the interior in the third gen has more room. I feel kinda cramped in the 4th gens and I'm not that tall. Plus... I like that the motor isn't under the cowl, so you can work on it if necessary. And the body style of the third gen is beautiful. So having the best of both, LS drivetrain in a third gen body to me, seems like the way to go.

This car I bought, the 98 Z-28, isn't that great. The motor runs great, tons of power... but it has a crap paint job, seems to be bondo in the quarter panel. Also the ABS module is bad so it has lights on constantly. ( I know that could be fixed... still costly ). The carpet is worn out, headliner is falling down, dash pad is a POS aftermarket replacement that doesn't fit right. The power window switch is siliconed to the door panel. Among other things... It could be fixed, but why waste that money when I have a beautiful IROC with a brand new UMI suspension sitting in my garage.

Plus... having the whole car makes the swap cheaper and easier. Since I have everything I need minus a few necessary swap parts to finish the car. I would never tear apart an SS, as I couldn't do that to my 2001. But an old 98... Doesn't bother me one bit.

 

Thanks for the replies, its interesting to see everyones opinions.

 

Haha I dont think they're built much better. I feel like the same person that put together an 82 Firebird probably could have put together the 02 Firebird. Rear half of the cars are almost exactly the same save for some body work. Front end...extended cowl (pita) and coil over suspension with upper a-arms. Thats about the only difference. Otherwise, the unibody is still spot welded and flexes. The dimensions are almost identical. They only feel nicer because they are 20 years newer. In 2022 an 02 Firebird is gonna be a creaky dated feeling car that needs SFCs, new t-top seals, clear coat and rust repair

But more on topic...OP your engine bay looks great!!! I keep saying this, but every time one of you guys paints an engine bay body color, and really cleans everything, it makes me want to do the same thing vs having it black.

You'll find all sorts of little things to use from the donor. I used a ton of stuff from the front end to the gas tank. And I also used a lot of the wiring, since I was able to keep the colors matched any time I had to wire something. As far as wiring goes...my motor still thinks its in a 1999 Z28 Vert

J.

 

Here is another pic of the donor car. Had a loose fuse, car wouldn't start so I had to do a little troubleshooting. Luckily it was something simple. The motor is fairly clean, all stock and unmolested. Ordering a set of LS6 heads and a MS3 cam from Texas Speed in the next week. Also going to order a gasket set, rod and main bearings, LS7 lifters, LS2 timing chain and a ported LS6 oil pump. Going to freshen the short block up before I install it in my IROC.

 

I have to agree. 4th gen cars are only good for donor parts in an LS swap. My donor car was wrecked, but I would gladly do the same to one that wasn't...

 

 

just curious if you might have the t-top headliner and sun visors from that donor car? If you do are they sort of a medium grey?

 

The headliner and visors are a beige color. The headliner is coming apart on the passenger side next to the t-top seal. The visors are in good shape though. But unfortunately they are not grey... I can take pics if you want to see it.

 

I had to laugh... I feel the same way about it. Thanks!

 

Thanks but need grey for my 97