Dstryr

Alright I've been looking for a 72 camaro to buy and start my ls1 swap. However, while searching, I've found a 72 camaro body with an ls1 / 4L60E transmission installed but not hooked up. Since the car can not be started, I have no idea what shape it is in. 2002 block comes with no computer since the guy was going to run a carb setup. Also comes with a 10 bolt posi-rear end.

I was told the motor has about 45,000 on it. Body is clean with no rust and was recently primered gray.

Guy wants 3500? Is this a pretty decent price? Should I go ahead on jump on it?

Also, is there anything I can do to check for problems with the ls1?

Thanks,
Dennis.

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

If it is in decent shape and somewhat complete then jump on it. I paid 3700 for my ls1 and t56. You pay less and get a car for free. Do it. Josh

Dstryr

But there is still a chance the engine / tranny don't function properly.

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

True, but its a starting point. With the resources here anything that isnt major damage can be repaired. If it were me I would jump on it. 2nd gen camaros are becoming hard to find. I did the intial build on mine when there were more available. What is missing on the car? Body wise?

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

Even if you have to spend a little getting the trans and motor re-built, you should be way ahead.

Dstryr

Missing the front fenders and clip I think.

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

I still think its a good start, you can find fenders and parts for a decent price. Granted this isnt going to be a cheap project, but if its what you really want, then go for it.

Dstryr

Haha now to round up an extra grand.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

Yeah.. I saw that ad. There is a lot of work to do in either of them..
You can always do a compression test or a Leak down test to get a good idea of what condition the engine is in.

Dstryr

I'm going to try and borrow 1k from the parents and pay it back over time. This is something I dont really want to pass up.

67rsss

iTrader: (4)

You may want to really assess your budget before you jump into this. With the front end missing, the little things will add up unless you get real lucky and find a complete 72 front clip in a recycle yard. Fluid hookup, harness, computer work, driveshaft, and the silly little things like belts hoses, idler and tensioner will also add up.

Dstryr

Im deciding on whether I should buy the body for 600...Then throw in a lt1 swap with t/56 tranny and be happy. Do you guys think I will be upset later on if I don't go with the ls1?

Also, about how much cheaper is it? I have about 4-5000 to spend or I can decide to wait for a couple months before I start buying things.

Also, If you guys could point me in the way of good packages to buy.
Like suspension / bushing kits?
Motor mounts,
Stuff like that I'd really appreciate.

I'm also hesitant to buy this car because it is going to cost me like $1000, for 2 front fenders, hood, and front clip :/

ghettocruiser

iTrader: (17)

Here is my opinion... $3500 is a decent price. But try to offer him something alittle lower. See if he will budge. If you can get it for $3000...thats even better.

Anyway, I personally wouldnt do the LT1. They are ok engines, but for alittle more you can have an LS1, and if thats what you want, you wont be disappointed with it. Not tryin to start and LT1 vs LS1 debate tho...

I feel that the LS1 wiring is tons more simple than LT1 and right now the support and aftermarket for the LSx motors is BOOMING.

Anyway..back to my point. Get the body. Then search around for a wrecked donor car. You might have to look around, and you might have to have it towed from a good distance, but if you can find a 72 or compatable car thats been in a rear end accident, you will be good to go. Reason I say this is because if its hit hard enough, it will be cheap. And you will have EVERYTHING you need to get the front end together.

Like someone mentioned, the little things are going to kill you. If you find a decent donor car, you will have all the nuts and bolts and panels and brackets etc etc.

As for the existing LS motor and trans, maybe spin it over by hand and see if it feels ok. Otherwise, I wouldnt hesitate to buy it. Before you put too much work into it, you can do a compression test, check out the bearings, put alittle money to it and have it run fine for ya.

By the way...any pics of this thing you can post up???

Justin

Dstryr

Here are some pictures. There is a junk yard in San Jose Called Gm Sports Salvage that sell the front fenders for 350 a piece. Is that too much or should I try and snag 2 of those and get a hood from them for 389?

ghettocruiser

iTrader: (17)

Hard to tell but that thing looks pretty decent. The motor looks pretty clean which is a good sign. And its sitting inside instead of outside with a cover on it...

Definetly looks like a good start for someone. You just have to decide if its the starting point you want...and how much it will take to atleast get it back to a complete car.

Whats the interior like?? Does the current owner know what happened to all the front sheet metal? Seems kinda strange that someone would start swapping in a motor and not even have the whole car.

J.

RacnJsn95

iTrader: (4)

If it has interior that's halfway decent, I would buy it! I paid about the same for less with my 68 Chevelle, but they're hard to find around here that are rust free. I got the whole body and interior, but the engine was garbage, and it had a powerglide, which I had no intentions of using.

I had to buy my 5.3, and T56 seperately. There's another grand...

I say buy it.

Dstryr

No interior or rust. Pretty clean. I'll ask him today what happened to the rest of the front. I want to sell the auto tranny and setup the t56.

Or I was thinking of buying the car for like 500 bucks and putting a 5.3l and a t56 into it.
Would I be happy with a semi-built 5.3 vs a 5.7 ls1? There are just so many options that I don't know what to consider.

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

Thats way too much for used front fenders. I think you can get them from goodmark for cheaper. I would have to check. Like the above posts say, the small stuff is going to kill you. My car was done and running then I swapped the ls1 t56 in. I bought the motor and trans for 3750, then around 550 for headers with coating, probably around 350 for the fuel system, 475 for wiring harness, 550 for clutch and flywheels, almost 500 for cam and supporting hardware, 75 bucks for the cluctch master cylinder bracket, etc, etc, etc. I probably have 6000 in the swap alone and that is me doing everything except wiring it. I am not trying to discourage you, but you are going to have alot in doing a project. If there isnt any interior and missing the front sheetmetal plus everything, my wildest guess you will have $12,000- $15,000 or more in it, and thats you doing everything including paint. If you have any question pm me, Josh

qnitro

iTrader: (24)

LOL, I was surfing the boards and saw this... Now i know Im going to cheap...

Anyways... I have way to many camaro, 4 all together, but I now decided to keep the 73 Z28 and LS1 setup... So I will sell the 72 camaro shell for 600 if anyone knows of anyone looking... Its got a solid truck and floor pans, and a little runst in the typical rear rocker spot... I have another Z28 thats at paint now that Im putting in a LS1 with a carb setup ( already has a Keisler 5 speed setup.. I'll keep you guys posted... Also is there anyone in the San Francisco Bay area who I can hit up for general question. I also added pics of my other Girls...All the cars and trucks you see are all mine... WIFE IS PISSED

Dstryr

Hah dude, you suck :p. I wanted that car so bad...Just funds were the problem as always .