First timer - 84 Camaro LR4 swap
Good luck with the project!!
Good luck with the project!!
It's starting to warm up a bit here so I'm hoping to make some spring progress soon. The cold has kept me inside. I have however picked up some new odds and ends, knock sensors, plugs/wires,crank pulley. Still debating rebuilding the short block, either way my goal is to have it running before next winter. I'd like to pick up a welder this summer so I can do some other work on the car that needs doing. Looking forward to learning about that.
If I thought I might go turbo later, would it still be ok on the bottom end, at which time I could do heads/cam again to go with the turbo? (Not sure I'd go turbo, but I'm entertaining the possibility)
Any thoughts or suggestions? Should I consider gen 4 rods too for some more strength? how bad of overkill is all this if I stay NA and don't ever go turbo?
Here's the summit pistons : https://www.summitracing.com/search/...4%2B4294879469
The gen4 5.3 (07+) will have the better rods with floating pins, coated flat top pistons and 243/799 heads if you plan to possibly go turbo in the future. They can be had in my area for $400-$500 complete. You will have to delete the AFM but you'll be doing a cam swap anyways.
The gen4 5.3 (07+) will have the better rods with floating pins, coated flat top pistons and 243/799 heads if you plan to possibly go turbo in the future. They can be had in my area for $400-$500 complete. You will have to delete the AFM but you'll be doing a cam swap anyways.
I also have a contact for another guy here in town that parts out LS powered wrecks he buys from auction and sells the engines complete with accessories for $400. He starts them before pulling also. If he doesn't have a gen4 engine he can certainly get you one but it might be a bit more. Feel free to PM me if you're interested and I'll get you his info
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Should I do anything with the torque converter? I assume it's the stock one that went with the 305.
I don't know a ton about transmissions. Anything worth repairing/rebuilding myself?
Went to the machine shop the other day to talk about my heads (862s). $400 for a head job, a little more than expected so I'm debating if it's worth doing or if I'd be better off saving up and upgrading heads. He also recommended freshening up the bottom end, expressing concern for the fresh tightly sealed heads blowing out the piston rings. Should I just take it slow and fully rebuild?
Of course it's your project, but my hope is to help you avoid the delays of going down some of the "rabbit holes" that I've explored...
Of course it's your project, but my hope is to help you avoid the delays of going down some of the "rabbit holes" that I've explored...

If I go DBW and keep this TB, I'll need electronic pedals and the mount adapter for it from Hawks. If I go DBC I will need a new throttle body. Is there a good option for a stock or near stock size TB that is 3 bolt and DBC that isn't $400? Should I just spend $400 on one to avoid issues in the future? Or just try and use what I have with DBW pedals?
Here's one I've looked at, although I'm willing to spend more on one IF it's necessary.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Holle...ck,392132.html







