I have a 91 camaro rs. i have done everything you can think of to the car. new transmission from gm, new alternator, new rotors breaks,wiring spark plugs. i have 260K miles on the car. Just recently my neighbor backed into the side so im getting a new paint job so basically the car is perfect inside and out.

So this is where i need some help/ideas im only 22 years old i dont have a lot of money and i use this car everyday for work so i love good gas mileage. Ive heard of LS1 ideas but then i would need a parts car and a new transmission parts would kill me. or rebuilding my v6 or finding another used v6. only have 3000$ total that includes labor and i heard it cost about 600 to pull a engine and 600 to install one. So im lost dont know what to do. Few people have told me to just sell it but i cant this is my 1st car im always going to keep it. Any help or suggestions

 

I am not sure that it would cost to remove and install an engine for $1200.. when I had my engine swap done a whilke ago a mechanic charge me $550 to do my engine swap which included taking out the old engine and installing my rebuilld motor...

On the LS swap I think it is a good thing but u will need some more money for that swap... I heard from a friends which is currently doing his swap that is close to $5000 in his swap, plus he has been working on his swap for a while..

A first car is usually meaningful to someone.. I know that to well.. eventhough my 84Z is my second camaro I still look at her as my first camaro

I would say to you is what are ur plans for ur car.. what would u like to get out of it and go from there..

 

Maybe keep the "91 till you decide what you want to do with it, take the $3000 and get another THIRD GEN. Win win all around.

 

First take the number of miles you drive yearly divide it by the mileage your car gets. That will give you gallons/year, multiply that by $3.40 currant gas price.
Then do the same for the mileage you expect to get (think realistically) of the vehicle/motor you are considering. An additional 5mpg is not gonna cost that much more in gas. A V6 gets pretty good mileage.

A good rebuild of your currant motor might be your best bet. Don't get too wild with the performance mods as CARB keeps lowering the pass numbers and they are planning to add a AC check to the smog check.

Me, I would bank the money and drive your car till it quits. Who knows maybe 2 years from now you have won the lottery and can buy a new vette.

 

its just i have done everything on the car, just got a new paint job because neighbor bumped into me so got a fresh paint job. brand new transmission from gm and the engine still runs strong. new break pads, rotors, alternator, wiring spark pl ugs, you name it, AC. Im going to keep driving until it dies i see it going to 350K with no problems. I have a custom built in touch screen navi. Would be so hard for me to sell it and inside is perfect. seats were re-filled with foam. AHH just dont know what to do.

 

1. Buy a Craftsman tool box set for about $150 and go to work. Saves you labor of removal and reinstall plus its a valuable learning process(specially if you are going to keep the car which will inevitably need repairs).

Spend the rest on a complete drop-in engine or rebuild your stock motor.

2. Talk to Gene @ ProStreet Assasins(new 3rd gen friendly shop looking for new customers) 714-650-0042 and let him know your situation and budget. He'll give you some good advice.

 

Leave it alone. Drive it and maintain it till the engine
pukes, then go from there. If you dont care much about performance, then when the motor dies swap in a used 3.4L from a 4th gen. Done.