68 Camaro, engine swap options
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2014
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68 Camaro, engine swap options I'm just starting to gather parts for an Ls swap into my 68 camaro. My plans are to keep it NA and I'm hoping for 400+ rwhp. I've came across 2 engines in my area that I think would be great starting points but not sure which to buy. One is an '06 Lq9(truck, iron block) and the other is an '09 L76(truck, aluminum block, 823 heads), both are similar mileage and the l76 is a $300 more. Which would be the better option? Can I achieve my hp goals with Ls3 intake and cam?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 732
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From: alburnett, iowa
I would go the aluminum motor. I did for my skylark because of the weight savings. I dont know what to tell you on cam as I put mine in stock for now. I wanted to get up and running work things out first.
Lighter weight is always better, but I'm not sure you'll notice much difference in performance just by the difference in blocks.
You could spend the $300 on higher performance parts. It really depends on your purpose for the vehicle to make a decision about the engine specifically.
Either engine is going to be a dramatic upgrade over original equipment for the car.
You could spend the $300 on higher performance parts. It really depends on your purpose for the vehicle to make a decision about the engine specifically.
Either engine is going to be a dramatic upgrade over original equipment for the car.
823 heads are gear for NA applications. Put a cam in there and you will see 450rwhp no sweat.
I am currently doing a swap in a 69 using an lq4. But I went iron because 1. I had it from a different build and 2. It will be twin turbo.
Good luck! and get some pics up when you get started.
I am currently doing a swap in a 69 using an lq4. But I went iron because 1. I had it from a different build and 2. It will be twin turbo.
Good luck! and get some pics up when you get started.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 732
Likes: 1
From: alburnett, iowa
Ive got a L33 5.3 from 2006 silverado in my skylark. Just got it running but have things to do to make streetable. Mostly few wires and guages as not made panel for them yet. I had Brendan at LT1 Swap.com program the pcm with what would be considered a chip programmer install. Seems peppy just messing around in circle driveway. Try a L33 5.3 in your camaro, its all aluminum. Factory rated 315 horsepower and less weight is why I did it. Probably upgrade cam later tho.
