Ok, in the next six months im planning to swap a monster into my 91 RS, however I would like to know which is the better swap for ease, the ram jet 350 crate engine or the infamous LS1 swap? I have some money saved up and its going to be for the daily driver. Which would be easier to work with going into the third gen?

I know with the LS1 im gonna need engine mounts, new tranny, custom headers, custom crossmember for the transmission and a wide assortment of items. However the ramjet I know nothing of what will be needed. Will I be able to use a T56 with the ram jet? etc.. etc...

Which one will pay off more in the long run? Which requires more work and parts? Im not looking for a speed demon, but definatley something nice and sporty. Suggestions? Comments? Opinions? Thanks.

 

The RamJet is the easier swap. It is std SBC that will use the '81-'92 f-body motor and frame mounts. Also comes with an already programmed ECM. T56 wil work with it too.

RBob.

 

I dont know man the sbc has been done to death and really I would never own or put a chevy v8 in anything.
Buick V8 yes, chevy no.

[fyi Buick stoped making its own engines in 1980]

Matt

 

The last thing you want to do is put a Buick engine in. First the re-seale value is out the door and second, you better have penty of cash to upgrade anything Buick. Don't get me wrong, Buick made good engines, lots of torque, but in a F-body, put them in a Grand Sport where they belong...I would go with the RamJet...

 

Both engines are gonna be monster haulers in the f-body, the ram jet is much more tradiational in the hotrodders' eye, it's tried and proven. LS1 is the up and coming swap which has been done successfully, i've driven my friends 91' LS1-6spd camaro RS and the thing hauls like a demon, but i'd be willing to put a bet that the ramjet would destroy the LS1 atleast off the line (LT1's will take the LS1 off the line for TQ reasons).So, it'd be upto you, for me of course, im going LS1 for good gas millage and reliability of a new engine, but of course and ramjet 350 is also a new motor (just older design) and neither are "high tech"....good luck with ur choice (and yes, Ramjet=less work)

 

Get a TPI block and build a custom 383 for the $$ you'd plunk on the RamJet.

The RamJet is easier a swap than the LS1. If I had the $$, tho, the LS1 is a better engine!

 

Personally I'm not a Chevy fan. I would be more partial to the LS1 with its lighter cylinder heads and valve train, and its newer.

 

So basically the ramjet is a drop and lets roll motor? Im not too familiar with engine swaps, but would I need to route vacuum lines for the 350 and ls1? Wiring is not a problem. Only thing that scares me about the LS1 swap is buying new mounts, I suck at welding and don't know any good welders here in town i'd trust on my car. Oh, quick question, i know with the LS1 to have A/C im gonna have to do some fabrication with the mounting brackets, for the ram jet is their enoguh room for all accessories?

 

If i was going to go with the ramjet smallblock, id follow all the stock belt routing for a SBC in a f-body. This should take care of any problems you'd encounter w/ A/C power steering etc. As for with the LS1 a frame notch is needed to the front crossmember, soemthing that a welder would be good for. As for the Motor Mounts on the LS1 you could bolt them in just as easy as weld them, if not easier....those who i see on the net have done both, my friends were bolted to the crossmember however. Either swap is not just a drop and go situation, both would require work. Transmissions are a must for both swaps, rear ends arent' but are highly recommended (if you'd like traction). for a T-56 you'll need to do a special transmission crossmember that'll hold the t56 in the right location, also the shifter on the 6-speed sits about 3-4 inches further back than the stock 5 speed shifter location, and this means you'll be doing some mods on the inside also. As far as wiring is concerned, i know painless makes a setup for the LS1 engine/computer, not sure about hte ramjet, but if it was purchased new, i'm sure it'd include wiring and the computer. To put it simply, you've got your work cut out for you whichever route you choose, and best of luck choosing one.

 

Hmmm, I think im gonna go with the ram jet. Thanks guys.

 

Don't get me wrong I love my 2.8 but its like a similar term.

Once you go Buick, you never go back.
And a sb cheby is like owning a ford. why?

Matt

Course it could be all that torque going to my head.

 

When looking for an LS1 [just an fyi] Buick roadmaster have them under the hood. If you anyone would want one, that is a "cheaper" way to find one then asking about a camaro or vett motor.

Matt

 

I think the only way i'll go with the LS1 swap is if I can find the LS1 and manual tranny as a package and good price. Otherwise I think all the extra stuff for the LS1 would probably add up to the ram jet, not to mention it will probably be a pain to do all the fabrications for it. Thanks for the tip on the road master, didn't know that.

 

pretty sure roadmasters are LT1 cars, especially since there in the same family as the chevy caprice along w/ the Chevy Impala...And since Vettes weren't even coming w/ LS1s in 1996 or so, i'd have to doubt that the roadmaster would have....Did you ever consider the LT1 swap? Much cheaper than the LS1, and it's the last official chevy small block that powered the f-body.