happysem

iTrader: (5)

I've been talking to my dad about doing an engine swap for my car and I've been reading like crazy, but I still need tons of input and information.

My car is a 1995 M6 Camaro (LT1) nothing wrong with it, just want more.

Would also like to start fresh, and say "I built that"

For those with short amount of time/small attention spans, here are the main details:

I want to make ~425rwhp (more is always cool, haha)
Keep M6 trans
Heads/cam setup...
No nitrous
110% daily driver, would like to maintain 25+mpg highway (if not, I guess I can stop speeding, hahaha)
Starting budget ~$1500 (If I swap, factor in full LT1 for sale later, can also get "little" things for birthday/Christmas time )
Doing as much work as I could myself, other than the obvious machine work...or things I **** up.

Most of my research has been towards the LQ4, I liked the idea of the 6.0 ironblock, fairly cheap (compared to LS1 and such) and plenty of potential, I figured I would get a custom grind cam, and either 5.3 ported or L92 heads and I should hit my goal fairly easily, if not break it. I found a few shortblocks in the $200-$400 range, depending on what it comes with, some had heads. How much more $ could I expect to finish the block and get the accessories?
I'm worried about the cam swap breaking the budget, so if I went with the LS6/Z06 cam, would I have to get all the typical supporting bits or could I save money and literally just put the cam in by itself?


Then I happened to see a few complete 5.3's going for $300-$500 and that sounded a little nicer to me, but I don't know how obtainable my goal was...plus I can't help but feel like its a "downsize". Would it even be worth it to bore to a 5.7 (or anything else) would that even be in the budget?

Or stay with the LT1 and try to shell out enough for AI/LE setups?

This would be my first ever build, and really the only thing I'm scared about is the mysterious bottom end, which I feel like I know nothing about, or what I'll need to send off to the machine shop and how much it would cost.

ANY input is greatly appreciated.

(Still searching, don't mind if I edit for whatever ignorance I may have typed )

65SSZO6

iTrader: (4)

My .02 is sell the Camaro as is and buy a LS powered Camaro. I think your budget #s are unrealistic.

nomoneyz

iTrader: (15)

I don't think there is anyway you could build any of those motors with 1500 bucks. Better start saving some more money.

happysem

iTrader: (5)

Car is low miles and good shape, not worth what I would have to let it go for.


I've looked around and I'm sure I could build a 5.3 with $1500, sounds like its been done several times. Plus, I could get what, maybe $700 more when I sell my LT1 to finish it up?

jay7199

iTrader: (9)

1500? 425whp? you have supporting mods.. Get a LE heads cam setup, on a m6 that should net you 400+ whp, with alot less hassle. I wouldn't swap a thing, just put the money in the good running lt1.

Verz

iTrader: (21)

^^i agree but still not going to reach your power goals at that price point with either route that you go.

happysem

iTrader: (5)

I wouldn't mind keeping the LT1, but I think it would take more to get the same power goal...I was looking at the LE2 setup, but I don't think the heads come complete, right?


I found a dirt cheap LQ4/9 at the moment complete, around the price of a 5.3 so I think I could do the swap with my starting budget and sell my motor and be close to a full cam install.

jetback73nova

dont forget that you would have to figure out how to hook the 6M to the LS, this could cost a bit on its own.

happysem

iTrader: (5)

Mating the M6 didn't sound as bad, plenty of information on that.

I'm more worried about the wiring harness and such.


Found a really cheap complete LQ9, but it needs to be bored to 370...what can I expect from the machine shop?

alexcoreas

iTrader: (1)

Your all over the place. Be more specific of what u want. U say 5.3 , LQ9, le2 heads and cam for the lt1. I have a 95m6 z28. I want to convert to an lsx. So maybe your thread helps me out a bit. My budget is 10k and still saving ive been saving for almost 7months.