i am going to get 3500 dollars on january and wanted to know what i can put on my completely stock 305 automatic camaro to make it faster. i have asked this question but i only had 500 dollars to spend now i have 3k more and wanted some suggestions. Also can you pick things that are easy to install i am not mechanically gifted at all. thanks in advance

 

Swap out the engine for a LT1 or L98 (If you find a decent deal, anything over $800 and you might want to look into something better). Swap out the rear for a 3/4th gen 3.23/3.43.

I am under $1500 and gonna end up well. Got my 97 LT1 78k miles for $625. Re-using exhaust from 305 (Hedman 68460>Summit X-pipe>Summit Glasspacks). Re-using 700R4. My 9 bolt 3:27 Posi PBR 88k miles rear cost me $225. With other small costs like A/C delete pulley, Plug cables, Cap & rotor. With all this it should get me anywhere from low to mid 13's. Not counting the fact that my LT1 was tuned and I will have Et streets.

Most will say go LSX but it will probably be close to your budget and might depend on you finding deals otherwise being short and having it sit around until funds come up. Some will say get a L98, I will not do that. For one to get a decent L98 with low miles and everything you need to drop it in, it will be anywhere from $750-$900. Which to me is not worth it. Some will say work on the 305 but that will end up with headaches and disappointment.


I personally went the LT1 route as you can see and I wont be disappointed. I went looking for L98s and for the price and end results it wont be worth it.


You did say you are not that experienced in the auto field. That to me raises the alert about swapping engines, rear ends, trans, etc. If you wont venture into that. Save your money and go to a Automotive school and learn some more and get the confidence to work in the deeper fields with cars. If you planned to spend that 3 grand on the 305. Save your money.

 

ey thanks man its just that ive been saving this money for a loooooong time and now im anxious and i dont want to make mistakes. LT1 swap sounds good but will it just drop in in or will i have to do other things. i had a friend that was selling an ls1 engine for 100 because it takes up space but no tranny. to me its an awesome deal but i dont kno wut tranny to get.

 

You will have to do other things, depending on year and then having to adapt the 700R4. Doing harness work, and of course yanking out the L03. $100 for a LS1? Pick it up fast. Probably a 1000 typo but even then for $1000 depending on condition is a good deal. A T56 would mate with that LS1 perfectly or a 4L60E, T56s prices can be anywhere from $800 to $2000 depending on condition, while 4L's can be found for $250-$800. Hell there is one locally from the guy who sold me my LT1 for $700 that is performance built.


If you do want to spend some $ on that 305 to make it funner, make sure you get things that you can carry over later on if you ever swap a 5.7 350, weather being a L98 or LT1. If I would of kept my 305, I would of done full exhaust (Headers to Catback), EBL tune, LT1 Cam & Rear end swap and Trans go Shift kit.

 

in my opinion it all depends man.... depends on your skill level and budget. yes swapping a ltx or lsx is definitly an awsome bang for your buck, especially for daily driver were mpg power and reliability all become factors. but if your not real experienced with engine swaps and wiring and stuff, id just go to the junkyard and get a healthy 350 4 bolt main. if you know what your doing and were to spend your money you can build a damn healthy 400 horse 350 for 2 grand. i just build my 355 aluminum heads, forged pistons and all for just shy of 3 grand. you can probably find a nice healthy one for around 400 or 500 from a junk yard. then get you a set of vortec heads while your there( another maybe 300) and get rid of those 76cc heavy truck heads. take those new vortecs to your favorite machine man and have him do do a lil port and bowl work as well as install some springs rated for .500 lift. dont forget your center bolt valve covers and self aligning rockers. throw in a decent mild cam and a set of flat top pistons and you will have a motor that will love the street ,could be driven daily if needed, and will make lots of hp and tq. i did this exact same build 2 years ago on a budget of 2000 dollars and if you play your cards right you wont even spend quite 2 grand. i had a similiar " junkyard dog" vortec head build i threw together a couple years ago for an 89 s10 i had and man that thing was fun. had lots of power, sounded mean, and ran on cheap gas with no pings. just my 2 cents

 

wait did you say 1000 dollars for an ls1??? thats a pretty good deal! wish i could find a deal like that on a ls1. i got a 82 chevette ive been thinking about swappin an ls1 and t 56 in, would be pretty wicked. currently has junkyard 350 4 bbl in it and peels tires like its the cars only meaning lol

 

the ls1 is not an online sell
my friends brother put a 383 stroker on his camaro and said i could have the LS1
i couldn't take it so i offered him $100 dollars yes ONE HUNDRED not $1000
only thing is that i don't have anywhere to do an engine swap or know how to do one.
Another question. Do any of you know of a good mechanic in the Los Angeles area?

 

You need to decide exactly what you wanna do with the car. Then distribute the funds. Be honest with yourself. Do you want a 14 sec car, 13 sec, 12 sec etc...you want a stock style engine, or some other engine combination. Do you also need a transmission, etc. Just think about it and dont make rash decisions.

 

for someone not mechanically inclined, but wants a decent ride. id spend $800 on nitrous. $500 on fuel delivery and related. $500 on tuning. maybe a cam $400, there not hard to install! $1000 on some slightly used sticky tires /wheels. get a nice racing jacket, helmet, seat-belts. and have fun at the track. if you have any left, save it for when it breaks! take care

 

I would advise against nitrous for a newcomer. I see him being more happy with a H/C/I upgrade and a tranny beef up or manual swap with gears.

 

Ah your no fun. . But i guess you have a valid point.
How many people out there knew that N20 is non-flammable by itself? I'm just curious?

N20 is like steroids for cars. ha ha

 

i knew nitrious its self isnt flammable. but ive done alot of re search on it and have a wet kit on my camaro. alot of people have it twisted nitrious isnt a flammable gas its basically an oxidizer. its makes oxygen which burns faster and draws more fuel... correct all you nitrious guys??