Got hurt, Had a kid, so I'm restarting work on my 84 z28. I'm far from a master mech so I'm unsure where to start on some things. So I have a few questions and need some guidance. Here is my build list and where I'm struggling. I will update the areas I'm struggling with once I have the knowledge I'm lacking. Making this list, I realize how little I know right now, and I can't help but feel I'm a bit over my head. It's not a lambo, but it's still my dream car, and rebuilding it with my own hands is part of the joy. Body/cutting/welding mods are on the table as well as long as it's not to extreme. I'm on a budget so if I don't have to get all kods of fancy pricey aftermarket hardware I'd be cool with considering it.

Pics coming by this weekend, don't have them on this phone.

Interior is empty, just the dash. Motor and trans are out, working on removing k member and front end now.

engine- 305 to 5.3 swap from gmc pickup(5.3 needs a bellhousing bolt removed from block)
cam, rods, lifters, rockers, springs- z06? Unsure
intake-undecided
Trans- 700r4(K) (having rebuilt with hardened gears and a modest shift kit)
k member- tubular or is there an alternative?
Caltracks- for rear end support
Rear end- 10or 12 bolt Moser, 30 spline, with disk conversion, but for now probably stock with beefed up internals, unless someone knows a cheaper alternative to moser.
turbo- undecided
suspension/brakes- I'm sure stock won't cut it but I'm not sure how this goes
the wiring harness- my biggest confusion of this build, I have the wiring harness for the 5.3, the ecm and pcm for it. And idk where to even start.
fuel pump- undecided
injectors- undecided
drivetrain- stock? (Id like to beef this up, but im unsure if its needed or if it's even an option)
if I'm missing anything else that's important for this swap please don't hesitate to slap my wrist and correct/inform me. I appreciate anyone who can help/ point me in the right direction, thanks in advance.

 

I'll start. What do you want to do with this car when you're "done" building it? You've got a turbo on that list, so I'm assuming some racing is in your plans.

Best advice I can give though if you're on a budget is to get the car put back together with the minimum you need parts-wise, still headed the direction you want that meets your goals, and then think about next steps you can do incrementally. These projects have a way of becoming an anchor around your neck if you go too far down the rabbit hole of disassembly or "making it right" at one time. You'll end up with a car on jack stands for a decade, reading your old posts from thirdgen trying to figure out what younger you did...

• I'd keep the 5.3 stock, potentially even using the truck intake if you've got a cowl hood (it may fit fine without it on Camaros, don't remember).
• If it has VVT, you'll want to get that disabled - you didn't mention what year it is. That means opening the engine up for work and at that point it's probably worth thinking about internal parts like you listed. Otherwise skip for round 1.
• Trans - people have made the older trans work, like the 700r4. I tried. Got a cheap 4L60e and I'm glad I did. If you feel good about the 700r4 and have read up on how to make it work, it's definitely doable. I ended up thinking it was more trouble (and parts) than it was worth just to get a newer transmission and use it.
• Wiring harness - there are some threads on this about how to go about labeling the harness and separating everything out so you end up keeping what you need. It's not too hard in the end, but seems overwhelming when you start.
• Fuel Pump - you'll need to upgrade the pump and the wiring to it

Just my thoughts. I'm still working on getting my GTA off those jackstands and reading my old posts

 

What is your end goal for the car, power?, usage? The best way to ground your mind is to read read and read on this site. It is free and there is no time limit, start with the stickies above in this forum. Browse all the various builds and you will start to see common obstacles, trends, and the like. I would first go through the car and fix all the current worn out or inadequate stuff now. It will help you familiarize yourself with the way these cars are built and also upgrade all the supporting items needed before any LS swap. Namely, you need to address the brakes and suspension/chassis first. Luckily, these can be weekend jobs and not render your car undriveable until you are fully ready for a swap. If you don't know exactly what type of power you want, don't buy anything yet. Meaning, if you go boost, than you'll start reading on blown 5.3's. If you want to stay naturally aspirated, you're money is better spent on a 6.0/6.2.

At the end of the day there are million ways to do an LS swap in these cars. There are plenty of kits that allow these to easily bolt in. As stated above, its really easy to spend money and it happens quickly. Formulate a plan and stick to it. When you decide how the car will be driven, and what type of power you want, you can then build a recipe that folks can help steer you on.