Adrian2898

I'm new to this but I have a 1989 camaro iroc-z with around 174k miles on the engine. The cheapest place I found can rebuild my engine for $1900 . I was also considering on getting a lt1 swap but I'm not sure what I need in order to do the swap. I have a $2k budget. Im trying to at least make 300 hp so what should I do? Thanks

Jacobaxeman

Idea: save the $1900 and rebuilt it yourself, it's winter and cold outside so why not rebuilt it in the warm kitchen!

lt1 has what like 275 horse? (Article below) This does get you closer. Read this: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-lsx/55526-swaping-lt1-1993-a.html

Looks pretty cheap Imo. BUT THEN you can do something like this after! http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hrdp-0705-pitstop-1996-chevrolet-camaro-performance-lt1/amp/

Pretty wide array of things to do. You could do a cam swap on the original engine too. All really what you wanna do now and what you wanna do later.

GTA1990

iTrader: (1)

If you can stretch the budget a little more, a L31R swap looks to be gaining traction in the thirdgen world and I'm pretty serious about it for my lb9 car.

A crate engine can be had from summit/ jegs for slightly more than 2k but you will also need a vortec TPI intake manifold which does come in at about 400. I believe the rest of the stuff from your L98 engine should be able to be swapped over.

Power wise you'll be a little short of 300hp but you'll have a base with which people have seen well north of 300hp with cam and head spring work. I'd expect it installed as is to still exceed the power of the L98 because of the better breathing heads

You'll also need to think about tuning which would be another 500 or so for RobB's EBL system.

So basically this may be a pointless post as realistically you'll be nearer 3k for something which doesn't meet your power goals...

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

The LT-1 has swapping hurdles that would need to be contended with. If you want an engine swap you'd be better off going with a truck 5.3. Swapping a 5.3 is more for guys who want a project and are into racing, making high dyno numbers or getting lots of attention at car shows. If you aren't one of those guys then just rebuild the 350 TPI with better heads, compression, cam and rear gears(3.27 or 3.45 is all TPI needs). You can buy almost all those parts used since so lots or people are switching to LS based. Still today a built TPI with good gears and suspension is a blast to drive in town and on autocross and can compete on short blasts with newer sports cars. Yes the newer cars make more power but they need it when they weigh 1000 pounds more.

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

I don't think you'll get 300 hp on $2000 unless you're VERY thrifty, mechanically capable and a touch lucky. I think a lot of research is in order for you.
Can you do an engine swap? Any crate out there will require you to change something somewhere. Depends on what you purchase. $2000 doesn't buy much of a crate. Though the vortec is best bang for the buck, intake change is required. On a TPI that gets expensive fast. And converting to a different style intake (carb, TB) costs too. Not to mention any tuning.


A rebuild will make your budget under certain conditions. Can you rebuild an engine? Would it be reliable? Who would do your machining? What parts are you using to rebuild with, are they the cheapo rebuilder stuff? Looking for 300hp requires some changes. Again back to tuning as well.


The LT1 is my favorite engine, but finding a still good one, paying for it, changing exhaust (which I would recommend to anyone looking for 300hp in our cars) wiring the new electronics in (which questions again if you are capable of that task) etc. turns into more than a hassle than first expected. Will it make you power goals? Easily. Can you do the swap?


I've read it many times on here. Cheap/reliable/fast. You can have fast and reliable, but it's not cheap. Fast and cheap, but it's not reliable. Reliable and cheap, but it's not fast. Take your pick

LT1/TA

Are you doing this job yourself? That would be a big factor.
I feel that $1900 for just rebuilding your engine seems a bit steep,is that for someone else removing,rebuilding,and installing the engine?

I am partial to the LT1 swap because that is what I did and I am very pleased with it.
If you go with an LT1 you would be best off to get a complete pullout(engine,wiring harness,Pcm,accessory bracket,alt,Ps pump,a/c comp,water pump,mass air sensor)because buying these parts separate will add up quick.
You can use your exhaust,motor mounts,radiator,and I think your fuel pump.
You will need a 93 f-body throttle body for the TV cable.

sofakingdom

iTrader: (1)

Surely those aren't the only choices?

I wouldn't do either. The L98 is severely limited, at best, as you probably well know by now; and the LT1 is "fragile", in the sense that it's easy to break the ignition, and there aren't many of them in the world, and parts in general will disappear faster for them, than for most other possibilities, as time goes on. Runs good and all that; that's not the issue; it's more the long-term serviceability implications.

Personally I think the best choice for your budget might be a 5.3/4L60E pullout. It comes out of the truck with 300 HP even with its stock manifolds, and then headers, which you'll need for 300 HP no matter what motor you put in there, are good for another 25ish on top of that.

92droptopws6

iTrader: (10)

For starters we should stop the BS about the opti, many of us longtime Lt1 people have had 0 issues with the "fragile" lol opti. 12 years of owning the same car never 1 issue opti related 6100 rpm shifts on the regular destroyed many clutches and sets of 4.10s until I built my 8.8......1.6 rockers, tune, 1 3/4 longtubes, cold air kit ran consistent 12.9/13.0 at 106 at 3000' DA. At good DA 15' I ran 12.3@114
The Lt1 is a great platform just old by design now. The part that will get expensive for you will be the harness conversion. Spend the extra cash and use a 4L60e or have the harness pigtails for the transmission controls modded during the construction to use a 4L80e trans. Get a tune from PCM4less or another well known tuner and enjoy your new found power...
if I find another clean 3rd gen I will be doing the same..
Now with all that said, should you happen to come across a 5.3-6.2 get the entire drivetrain and use it again you will not be let down with performance capabilities.

Thirdgen89GTA

iTrader: (5)

Skip the LT1. No reason to go to it anymore. It was a great intermediate deal when LS was expensive, but LS is not expensive anymore. So either choose to stay old school and build SBC, or move to LS.

LT1 shouldn't be considered unless one drops in your lap for free.

This is coming from someone who HAS a built LT1 making good power.

92droptopws6

iTrader: (10)

Just by the title alone, OP has delivered his choices so to be supportive is what we are supposed to do. Suggestions are great and most times appreciated.
I guess what I am saying is staying on topic reduces the amount of debate. Sadly, I have been wasting money on these cars since the late 80s but it is a drug and I am addicted lol.

85gulstrandTA

IMHO, LT1 should go in a car that came with one, other wise we have better options.
Please allow me to clarify MHO they only made LT1s a short time and its harder to get parts for and more cash, plus computer and wiring harness.
AND 300 hp its just not needed. when a 350,383,400 or a 350/383 factory roller cam block may be within reach too.

OK So, the Word Cheap at my age is taken with a grain of salt!
Is it the cheapest if the work is crap or parts, or support?
cheap rebuilts?? what is included? chinese bearing, cheap gaskets, missing machine work or steps? what is your desired out come? short term then sell? or pride in ownership and keep it.

The motor needs pulled to really see what is needed. example, if the crank needs turned and the rods resized and the block bored and new pistons...well just get a balanced 383 assembly the quality you need. OR if the car is able to be driven while you, Build another motor. Time is money! if you have time to look you will find a good deal. many of us have stuff we don't need any more.
In my garage i have 305, 350s, 400s, a 454, parts to make 383, 434 ect.

In a nut shell focus on a short block done right, then work from there.
That is what I would have done and, and still doing.

I really hope this helps