Hey fellas. I've been drooling about a 3rd gen LSx for probably around 10 years or so. Now that I've gradimated from college and got a big-boy job, I figure I can start realistically doing some research on a build.

Ideal car:
- Z28 or Iroc z equivalent (honestly would mostly be just badging and trim after mods)
- LS3 (LS1 would be ok I s'pose, but I'm definitely more a fan of the LS3) and supporting mods (driveline, LSD, SFC, real brakes, all that good stuff)
- Manual tranny (duh... )
- Better suspension for smoothness, but also handling (perhaps bags)
- Definitely a fan of a deep blue paint job
- Random interior mods (small sound system, perhaps a touch-screen panel, possibly aftermarket gauge cluster, etc)

With this end goal in mind, I'm trying to get a good idea of what routes would cost what kind of money. I'm pulling most of this out of my hat, but I believe it to be fairly close:

Full build:
- roller $500
- LS3 turn-key $4000
- T56 $2000
- Drivetrain $2000
- SFCs and other supporting mods $1000
- Brakes $1000
- Paint $4000
- Interior $3000
- Suspension $2000
- Random odds and ends $2000
- Total estimated cost: $21500

After looking at this list, I'm thinking my best bet is to find a properly swapped LSx camaro in the color I'm looking for maybe 8-10K and finishing up the build, which could take somewhere around $5000 for 13-15k total.

Another thought I had was to get a stock camaro for about 6k and drive it for a year or two (or do chassis upgrades) while I build up funds for a swap. Pulling from the list, an LS3 swap would be about 13k for a total of 19k. Subtract whatever I can sell from my original and I'm down to about $17k final.

I know some of these numbers might be a bit off, but I'm not really looking for a pin-point estimation as I know everyone's build is different and it depends on what deals I can strike in the graveyard. I'm just trying to get a grasp on what kind of money I can expect to spend going different routes for budgeting purposes. Am I generally on the right track with these numbers?

 

Buy BlueZ's car and thank me later, this thing is sweeeeeet

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/cama...-vert-6-a.html

 

I don't think a plug n play LS3 for $4k is a realistic figure. I'm at that $ mark already and have been very budget minded when piecing mine together.

L92/LS3 longblock - $2,000
LS3 controller kit -PN 19258270 - $1.1k
LS3 intake kit - PN 12638197 - $750 (i got mine $500 @sdpc)
LS3 accessories kit - PN 19155067 - $750

Thats still not complete but mostly what you need to build a plug n play running LS3.

 

I think you have a realistic view about cost considering what you want. Some things you have under estimated and some things you have over estimated but it balances.

That said, there is no way in hell I would ever spend that kind of money on a 3rd gen. The ONLY reason I sink money in mine is because it was the first car I ever bought and I've had it longer than you've been alive. If I were in your shoes, I would get a C5 'Vette and have fun right now until you figure out what you want long term.

 

Man, I want to! It's pretty much exactly what I'm after and he's even right across town from me!

Unfortunately, I can't drop that much change right now. Part of the reason for a build is so it will spread the cost out quite a bit. Plus, it's just fun to do a build yourself and say "I built that!" when you smoke the big-wig in his mucho $$$$$$ Porsche.


Yeah, it's a bit rough around the edges, but I'm thinking it's close enough.

I've wanted a 3rd gen ever since I was about 8. Just something about how they look and the balance between muscle and handling turns my jets on I guess. Some people's dream car is a $200,000 Zonda or Lambo. My dream car is a $20,000 camaro. Pretty good bargain if you ask me.

 

Well, looks like the build will be put on the back burner again for a while. I found a killer deal on a motorcycle I couldn't pass up.