Voridiani

So ill start off by saying that I have little to no background in cars... other then turning the key and going. with that being said ill give a little background before posing my question.

Me and my wife have decided to have our first child. We still have my wifes very first car. Its a 95 Camaro 3.8l V6 and my wife would love for it to be our childs first as well.

The car is in great condition minus the sun damage and the fact it has sat for 5+ years. It doesn't run any longer so it needs to be restored and I would like to do it myself. I want to put a 00-02 LS1 into it since it needs to be replaced and want to do the work myself. I have plenty of time to complete the project just lacking the most important part.... the knowledge. If anybody could help me out finding a detailed guide of what all I will need (parts) and possibly a step by step process.

Thanks for taking the time to help me accomplish this giant hurdle.

Orange Juice

iTrader: (3)

Check the conversion and Hybrid forum

Nathan C

I know the car has sentimental value, but it may be cheaper and easier just to buy an LS1 Camaro.

Holloway5

I would take a couple of autos classes. I plan on going to a community college over the summer and take non credit mechanical classes just for the knowledge. Also you should look into buying a junkyard LQ4 or LQ9, because they are much cheaper than an LS1

Fry_

+1. But the easiest and possibly cheapest way would be to buy a beat up or wrecked LS1 F-body so you have every part needed. My friend bought a somewhat rough 01 Formula for $4000 i think, it was over a year ago, it's not hard to spend $3000 on a used engine/trans. drop out.

2000PewterT/A

^^^^ X2, go buy a wrecked LS1 car and take everything off of that and put it onto your car.

ghardester

Yes. It is going to be too much work and too much money to convert your 3.8L to an LS1, it isn't just a matter of dropping in a V8 engine. The V6 has a 2 part drive shaft among other differences. Without a lot of experience with cars, you will spend more money attempting to convert it than you would spend just buying a LS1 car.

There is nothing wrong with restoring it as a 3.8L. It is a fine an reliable engine for a young person. I have had 2 V6 Firebirds and they had plenty of power and eye appeal.

Holloway5

You would be surprised at what you can find at a junk yard if you take the time to look around...