Hello, I've been searching and researching for a new vehicle to get. I've considered the following options as my main wants:

1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS/Z28 t56
1998-2002 Pontiac Trans Am Ws6

OR

1982-1992 Chevrolet Camaro LM7 t56 swap
1982-1992 Pontiac Firebird/Trans am LM7 t56 swap

OR

1982-1992 Chevrolet Camaro LT-1 t56 swap
1982-1992 Pontiac Firebird/Trans am LT-1 t56 swap

I'm having a hard time deciding on what would be the most cost effective. I understand the 4th gens are so good in terms of looks, but at the cost of 10k for an unmolested one is hard to come by and aren't that easy to find. The 3rd gens have such amazing character but I've heard that a swap can get really costly even with the cheaper 5.3 engine or 5.7 LT-1 engine.

What i want to know is what experiences people have had with either the swaps or the 4th gens. For the swaps i want to know how costly (both mentally and to your wallet) the swap was. The car's gonna be a daily driver for most of the part and occasionally head to the track for a test-and-tune.

 

I own an 84 Z28 & 96 Z28, for for speed & fun it's the 96 hands down, for great looks ,handling, & ease to work on it's the 84, My 84 is my daily driver & this June I plan to swap the drive train from the 96 into the 84 etc. The best of both worlds for me I hope. I have not owned an LS1 F-body, but can only assume it's even fasted/better than my LT1. Money will not be a problem as I picked up my 84 for $1000 & got my 96 from trading an 87 SWB chevy truck. I enjoy my 84 so much I'm gonna move ahead w/swap & ditch what's left of the 96, best wishes whichever way you go

 

I think the saying goes...

It is easy to make a 3rd Gen go fast but hard to make a 4th Gen look good.

 

that seems to be the central theme to this forum.
i've noticed you have something for fuel injection.
i have to ask why a swap? for the money you shell out for an ls1 car or most swaps you could build up a tuned port car that would serve your needs just fine.
this is a good thread if you decided to not forsake the old sbc.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/afte...-l98-mods.html

personally i think theres alot to be said about focusing on your converter, and your gear ratio in terms of making a fun DD. you dont have to have a 12 second swap car to beat mustangs and 4th gens light to light.

 

The 3rd gen swap will cost more if you're looking for a clean, unmolested car to begin with. Hell, just the 3rd gen itself is nearly the same price OR even more expensive than a comparable 4th gen.