Gen III or Gen IV - 1969 Camaro Swap

[AU Doc]

I am hopefully getting close to swapping an LS into my Camaro. Unfortunately, at this point I'm drowning in information. There are so many variables to consider I'm having trouble narrowing down my options. I think one of my biggest decisions is whether to go with a Gen III or Gen IV engine.

I suppose the advantages to the Gen III engines is no DOD. The (major) disadvantage is they usually have well north of 100k miles on them.

The Gen IV engines are still plentiful with less than 100k miles on them, but DOD makes me nervous.

I'm looking to get an LS into my car on a pretty tight budget, otherwise I'd just buy a crate engine and be done with it. That in mind, I'm not sure buying a Gen IV LS and then swapping the cam and lifters plus the retune would be in the budget.

Do you guys have any recommendations?

[andrewb70]

I like Gen IV engines. Not all of them have DoD (AFM) or VVT. My LH8 had neither. I also like DBW.

Andrew

[dhutton]

I'm far from an expert but I thought the L99 was the one with AFM (DOD) and the LS3 did not. L99 comes with the auto trans, LS3 comes with the manual trans. Just buy the manual trans version.

Don

[Z06vet]

Do you have a budget set for the swap? That would help us guide you in the best selections for your money

[AU Doc]

Thanks for the feedback!

Budget is a tough question because I've never done an LS swap before, so I don't know what to expect. I'd like to get the engine in the car and running for around $4k, but if adding another $1k gets me a huge improvement somewhere, then I can wait a bit.

Is that a realistic budget for this?

[Z06vet]

I think for that price range, you'd be looking at using an LS1 or LQ4. You will need to account for the following main components in your budget:
Engine (trans?)
Oil Pan
Headers/manifolds
exhaust work to tie new headers/manifolds to old exhaust
engine mounts & adapter plates
Harness re-work or new from scratch
ECM programming
EFI fuel tank (in tank setup recommended, don't skimp here)
Fuel line adapter fittings & lines
Power steering lines made or adapted from LS pump to old steering box
trans cross member/shorten driveshaft (if swapping trans as well)
Coolant hoses, fans, & steam fitting setup (either use the donor rad or make yours work)
Speedo/tach/oil/water senders or electronic gauge swap
Air intake tubing kit with air filter, silicone adapters, clamps, etc

This is just off top of my head, may have missed a few things. But If you figure on the rough pricing of all these parts, I think you'll find you'll use all of that $5k. A 98-02 F body donor car is a great way to save money if you can find one. I just bought one in Foley, so they are in your area! Keep an eye out & check craigslist. PM me if you need any help when you start the swap. SInce you are close, I likely have some parts you might be able to use. Also some part numbers on hoses & lines that will help you. Scott

[AU Doc]

Thanks for the rundown! That's actually a big help since I've never done a swap like this before. I will take you up on your offer as well. As I get a little closer and start zeroing in on a swap, I'm sure I'll have questions.

Am I correct in staying away from the VVT and DOD engines, or should I just try to find the lowest mile engine I can? They're certainly more common and (generally) with lower miles than a Gen III engine.

[andrewb70]

Thanks for the rundown! That's actually a big help since I've never done a swap like this before. I will take you up on your offer as well. As I get a little closer and start zeroing in on a swap, I'm sure I'll have questions.

Am I correct in staying away from the VVT and DOD engines, or should I just try to find the lowest mile engine I can? They're certainly more common and (generally) with lower miles than a Gen III engine.

VVT is not hard to deal with. If you get a matching ECU, you may even want to keep it. If you plan to do a cam swap anyway, it is just a matter of using a Gen IV front cover (LS2/3) that does not have VVT and the proper 4X cam gear (either 1 or 3 bolt, both are available depending on cam).

I also like to convert to the Corvette style accessory spacing. This can easily be done by getting a Corvette balancer and using the Corvette or Holley alternator/PS brackets. The Holley bracket places the alternator and the PS pump in the C5/C6 Corvette locations, but uses the less expensive truck style alternator. Should fit very nicely in a 1st gen f-body.

You have my number...text me...LOL

Andrew