I want to LS swap my 3rd gen camaro but I am not sure which engine I wanna get. As strange as it sounds I am deciding between a 4.8L (LR4,LY2,L20) and a 6.2L (L92/L9H). I am also getting a T56 transmission. The main reason why I am LS swapping the car is to improve handling by make the front lighter hoping that it would improve weight distribution. I want a fun street car that I can occasionally bring to the track I can get both of these engines at the junkyard for the same price. Now I understand that the 6.2L (L92/L9H) is obviously better value for money and thats it is literally a budget LS3 but the thing is I am not sure if I can handle 400 hp. My daily is a 200 hp FWD car and the most powerful car I have ever driven had 330 hp but it was AWD. I can handle modern car with 400 hp no problem but 400 hp in an 80s car with a solid rear axle scares me a bit. Now for the handling aspect I plan on getting KONI yellow shocks with UMI lowering springs and all the other supporting mods the lower the car properly (RCLA relocation brackets, adjustable panhard bar...). I am also getting a wonder bar and I am considering getting some UMI subframe connectors. I am also planning on upgrading the brakes but I am not sure if I wanna go with dual piston C5 calipers or gen 1 4 piston brembo CTS-V calipers. Is the 4 piston CTS-V caliper overkill? Is the 2 piston C5 caliper good enough? The reason why I am considering a 4.8 is because its light and it doesn't make a lot of power so its beginner friendly. My heart says 6.2 but my brain says 4.8....

Let me know what you guys think.

 

Get the 6.2L. You'll be used to the power within two weeks of driving.

The key to driving any powerful car is the concept of throttle control. You're a danger until you learn it. Once you learn it you're fine.

Choice of tires and shocks make incredible difference in hooking up power.

 

you get what you can find.

i like to buy those 6.0s when i find them cheap, then i sell them to some sucker who thinks they need it, and use the money to buy a 4.8/5.3 and all the swap parts i need to get the vehicle running. --basically a near free swap.

Then, when you get bored of the 320 hp, you add a cam and turbo and now youve got 500RWHP, Ac, Ps, and 23MPgs..

its a no brainer

 

Get the bigger motor, you'll figure it out and want more before you know it. You are smart to consider chassis and brake upgrades. The power becomes dangerous/terrifying if you don't have the supporting systems around it to control it. CTSV brakes are not overkill, nor are any of the C5 and up brakes. Upgraded brakes are mandatory on these cars.

 

You can have 600hp, but is your right foot that controls how much you use. Get the bigger engine.