I have an opportunity to purchase a 97 trans am with an LT1 and 6 speed. I would like to put the engine and tranny in my 67 camaro and turn the TA into a mild drag car. What hp numbers can I expect out of this engine if I turned it into a 383? By the way my original plan for the car was a 502 crate engine with a 5 speed. Which would be more enjoyable?

 

Ive got my 71 that I am planning on putting in a BB with a 4 speed to keep it more old school. I would go with the BB.

 

A friend has a 502ho in his 68 with TH400 and GV, he basically wants the car to do everything and hates what the weight of the BBC/GV/TH400 did too the stance and handling. After driving my car he is pretty well decided on a 383 LT1, despite the weight he swears my car pulls just as hard. He doesn't have slicks for the Camaro so we have not lined up at the track.

 

Big blocks sound mean!

 

if you do the swap right, the LT1 setup will be much more dependable and better on gas. however, if you like the feel and power of a big block, then go with that. we cant really tell you what would be more enjoyable, that is based on opinion

 

I should say the BBC should have more ultimate potential, but you are talking money on top of the crate motor purchase $$$$$$$$$.

I think a big part of why my friend wants to do the LT1 is the injection, the LT1 injections is so cheap and easy to work with and really does a good job. He has seen he can have better manners, better dependability and a hell of a lot of HP with an injected smallblock and go back to the suspension package that he likes. Is a show car too and he likes some lope and rumble for that and the LT1 injection can deliver better drivability with that than the carb can.
I think the only reason the project has not yet begun is the BBC has the wow factor.
He almost bought a 78-79 bent window 2 door Caprice to drop the BBC in as it would be better used in a full frame car, not enough garage though.