hammertime

iTrader: (1)

I've been researching LSx conversions for a while now. It seems that G-bodies are pretty easy to do. Good aftermarket support means there's not much fabrication, mostly the exhaust.

So, is it absurd to sell a perfectly fine, low mileage Camaro SS and start over with an MCSS or Malibu? Benefits include more rear seat room, more usable trunk space, the ability to tow some stuff, plus it weighs less than a loaded F-bod. I'm thinking a stock LS1 should run a pretty easy high 12 second pass, and a stock LS2 mid 12's just as easy.

Thoughts?

cherryelky305

iTrader: (2)

Cant wait to get mine done, although fourth gen F-bodies are cool, I dont know what I would do in your situation.

Only if you could find a nice clean g-body, they are starting to rust away.

deeloc1

iTrader: (20)

Go g-body baby!!!...i personally would get the malibu or maybe an elco. Auto insurance would also be cheaper.

Sharpe

iTrader: (7)

It's funny. I built a G-Body in high school and there was like no aftermarket. I sell it and now look what happens!!!

QSPres

iTrader: (15)

Other than a GN, they aren't worth squat. Something to consider when its time to sell...

But they are nice cars to work with.....

John B

iTrader: (10)

One man's opinion!
You haven't sold that damn 4th Gen yet! I can't tell you the number of people that compliment my car EVERYWHERE I go and they're clueless as t what's under the hood or they'd really crap their pants. The 4th Gen F-bodies may handle a bit better but when it comes to looks, 4th Gen "G" all the way!

Verz

iTrader: (21)

I say MCSS is the way to go, might even end up making money if you can find a car in good shape.

ryanvv355

iTrader: (17)

Do an Olds Cutlass, they look better than a MCSS anyday. You'll lose your handling from the 4th gen, but everyone expects a camaro to be quick. When you start smoking F-bods and every other cookie cutter sports car out there with a g-body you will be happy.

matt1976

Forget the money argument. Do what you like. F-bodies are really common, but I have one. My 67 nova always turns more heads though, because there aren't 1200 of them at the car show. So the G-body may be the same. And if all of us were honest with our selves and did some accounting on our build costs, we are all crazy! No one said hobbies were cheap.

hammertime

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all of the replies. The unique factor is one I overlooked. I get some looks in the Camaro, but nothing like I did in my Malibu. This picture is from around 1995.

There's a lot of things I'd do different now, but suspension and braking upgrades will hopefully put it on par with a 4th gen. And I've spent way too much time trying to pick H/C combos for my camaro to go back to a gen I SBC.

Thanks again, and keep 'em coming!

transamkid1985

iTrader: (1)

just get the almighty GRAND NATIONAL and destroy all!!!!!!!!!!!

hammertime

iTrader: (1)

I would never buy a GN with the intention of swapping the drivertrain. Nice cars, and still bringing good money, as stated in another post.

Otherwise, I'm not opposed to Cutlass or Regals, but I'm more partial to the Malibu or Monte SS.

DFAUTO

Just buy a cheap g body and keep the camaro as a daily driver. That way you have plenty of time to set it up the right way.

hammertime

iTrader: (1)

Camaro isn't my daily driver. It's a garage queen with 20k on it. My daily driver is a company car that can't get out of it's own way, nor can it tow, which is why I'm looking to a G-body for the best of both worlds.

tj1986c

iTrader: (1)

I would either get a regal or MCSS. Both are nice looking cars. You would probably fool more people with a LS1 powered regal than a LS1 powered MCSS. But a MCSS would probably be worth more in the end. Just go with what body style appeals more to you. But if it was me, I'd go with a LS1 Regal with a T56 (and T tops of course). Good luck with your decision.

TJ

Mcheap

I would go Regal big brake kit, GNX cladding, LSx & 6 speed and you would have my dream car

dogger

iTrader: (1)

Honestly I would try to keep the camaro and build the g-body but if you can't then go for it.
I sold my camaro when I bought a house last year but I've since picked up a conv 87 monte ss which is a very rare car to swap out. the car is a total basket case but it's worth saving because you just don't see them.

Horsepwraddict

iTrader: (12)

really? a convertable MCSS? ive never even heard of them, got any pics?

oh ya, g-bodies rule, go for it.

NAIvan

iTrader: (1)

if you decide to use a malibu, I'm thinking about selling my 79. its a texas car so its pretty solid. I really want a second gen nova.

jfman

iTrader: (6)

I would love to build a GNX clone (minus the badges of course)