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03-02-2020 #1
Starting a Build - LS Swap 69 Camaro
Hi Everybody,
This forum has been tremendously helpful over the years and I am finally getting around to starting the rebuild. It was suggested that I start a build thread in order to gain some feedback so feel free to chime in on what you think I need to know and what you think needs improvement. The intention is to create a really fun to drive/reliable car for the street. I don't see myself tracking the car but would like to use quality parts I won't have to replace in the next 2 decades and will help improve performance.
The car has been in the same shape for the past 15 years and just maintained for rare driving occasions. I will provide a little background information and then pose a few questions for you guys. The car was originally a 6 cylinder with a vinyl top and columns shifter. The guy I purchased it from back in 97 had put in a well build 350 (1974 corvette block and 202 camel hump heads) With roller rockers and stud girdles. The transmission was a turbo 400 with a solid shift kit but he never upgraded the torque converter and I always had intentions to swap out for a manual so I never did either. I have removed the motor and trans(pictured) and have no idea what's a ballpark for the asking price. I see some of the 202 heads are still desirable for some and are frequently sold on ebay. Any feedback on this would be great.
Ive received a Tremec magnum and am debating a a few LS2 options at this point. Any suggestions on a stock lower milage engine vs a rebuilt top end would be appreciated.
When I first got the car I upgraded with Hotchkis 3 inch lowering springs as well as a sway bar and KYB gas shocks. I also changed the bushings over to polyurethane. I was really happy with this performance improvement so I think I'm going to swap out the upper and lower control arms and was thinking about going with with new Hotchkis shocks as well. The old subframe is in pretty decent shape so I think I will just weld the parts that need a little help as I don't think this application requires an exotic subframe. But any suggestions there are also appreciated.
I've got a set of 13 inch Wilwood disc brakes for the front being delivered and a set of acquired rear disc brakes that are about 12 inches. Any advice on what to do with the old 10 bolt which definitely needs positraction and probably some beefing up. Is that worth it or should that just be replaced?
Lastly at this point I think I'll need a new radiator mount and inner fender wells. Any preference on replacement versus repairing the old ones. The Radiator Support is looking pretty bad, I might be able to salvage the inner fenders if you guys suggest that. I'll try to keep things updated weekly. Thanks for all the good content over the years, You guys have kept me motivated and the time has finally come.
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03-02-2020 #2Registered User
- Join Date
- Jun 2013
- Location
- San Diego
- Posts
- 275