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 )

2000TransAmWS6

iTrader: (12)

even with a 6.0 the ls6 cam won't get you to your HP goal

also, make sure that you include headers and intake manifold into your budget.

Antler

Lq9, L92 heads (milled), Z06 Cam and springs, Good intake and headers. Should be close...

happysem

iTrader: (5)

Oh yes, definitely lol.


What do you guys think the LS6 cam could put down?
I wouldn't have to upgrade anything else with that small of a cam, right?

Was thinking that for short term in case I couldn't finish with a real cam...