[Project] John's 1991 and 1992 Camaro Project's

[C2YT]

Hi Everyone!

I decided that I would start my build thread now to get the ball rolling. Any input you guys have will be greatly appreciated. As I said in the title, I have two projects.

The first project is my 1991 Camaro 3.1l V6. This is my first car, and me and my dad painted it. Unfortunately it was involved in an accident at the end of September. I will have a photo attached of the damage, luckily it was nothing to horrible. The hood, passenger fender, light support, lights, and front bumper were all damaged. The radiator core support was also pushed in about half an inch, so we had to push it back out. For me, being 17, this is a good learning experience on how to fix my own problems. Luckily, my dad was there to help me. He walked me through the steps and even found a product to fix the gash in the front bumper. The car is currently sitting in the driveway waiting to be tightened up. Just have to wait for my brother to move his 1978 corvette outside.

After I tighten up everything on the car, a few things will be transfer to the 92'; such as the doors, interior, and exhaust (car has a v8 exhaust). I plan to repaint the 91' back to red and sell it off to someone looking for a nice cruiser.

As for the second project, it is a 1992 Camaro RS 5.0 TBI w/ t5. I bought this car the day after I crashed the 91', as you might be thinking "wow this kid is loaded!" that is actually far from the truth. I had to borrow a little bit of money to purchase the car, but it is a great starting place for my next project. I did graphic design for a while to save up money, and I am pretty handy in photoshop.

You see, I was about to start acquiring turbo components for the 91'. It sounded totally stupid when I first thought of the idea, but the more I looked into it the more I was intrigued. I met a guy at Milan who was running a similar setup (obviously with a few modifications) and he ran an 11.7 quarter mile pass. I was amazed at the potential for what the little engine could do. But, everything happens for a reason so I guess the turbo build wasn't for me; my luck it would of grenaded.

Back on topic, the 92' is a fairly low optioned car. No power windows, power locks, and of course the hatch release doesn't like to work. It doesn't even have a rear defrost for crying out loud. It has a 3.08 open diff and drums also. So here are my plans:

To start off, I would like anyone and everyone to chime in their opinions. Thanks in advance.

1. Swap the ugly red interior to the pristine grey interior in from the 91'
2. Swap doors from the 91' to the 92' so I have power windows/locks
3. Fix hatch release mechanism, it looks a little bent.
4. Drop the rear end, and switch it with the 87' iroc rear end I bought from my buddy. 3:23, posi, rear disks, complete from end to end. I believe I need a proportioning valve to accomplish this.
5. Install the Hochkis panhard bar and trailing arms I also bought from my buddy.
6. Engine Swap? (covered below)
7. Paint the car the two tone red/black combo like what I did on the 91'.

That is my list to begin with on the 92'. As for the engine, i'm not sure yet. I am leaning towards an LT1 swap because of the simplicity. From what I have read, it basically drops right in to the stock motor mounts. I can also run the LT1 with my stock t5, which would be a perk on a small budget. At a stock output of 275 hp, the t5 should take it fine. Another perk to this is that I am very good with computers. I am more than capable of figuring out how to tune it. I don't plan to race this car or take it to Milan, just a nice bump from the 5.0 TBI would be nice. There is always the possibility of an LS swap, but if I did that I would want to retain the manual transmission, and a t56 is simply out of reach.

As you guys are going to learn, I like to dream.. a lot. Sorry if the thoughts are a bit random, I sort of just wrote what came out. Thanks in advance,

John

IMG_1052.JPG
Car before accident, probably one of the nicer camaros in my area.
IMG_1452.JPG
Damage from the crash. Still sold the hood blisters for $175!
IMG_1699.JPG
Both camaros sitting in the driveway, with the 78' vette in the garage.
IMG_1259.JPG
1992 Camaro, park at the PO house.

[Darren]

Good read good luck I can help out with many things thirdgen related. Interested in selling the red interior? Based on condition of course.

[C2YT]

Darren,

Probably won't sell the interior because I need it to put into the 91'. It would be really difficult trying to sell a car with no interior lol. Sorry

[Lucky SOB]

I like the projects and I think you're on the right track!

I personally would stick with the 305 until you have a budget that supports a well built LS/T-56 swap. I don't think the LT1 is worth the swap to then do it again a few years down the road. I would maybe do a top end (heads ported and a cam) to bump the fun level up a bit and enjoy it until you can do your LS swap. I'd also take the money saved from an engine swap to start building the suspension, brakes and maybe a set of wheels. The 92 definitely needs a 2" drop! Holy 4x4 stance

Just my opinions - you're doing great for only being 17!

[C2YT]

Thanks Free!

its real supportive knowing someone thinks I'm on the right track. As for the LT1, I can find one from $200-$500 including the harness and computer. I also don't want to put money into the 305, I would never see it back. With the LT1 it would be a great step up in power and it would be on the cheaper side compared to an ls swap. When adding up components for an lsx swap done right it would easily cost me over 2 grand. Of course I would love to do an lsx swap, but you can't even find a used t56 for less than $1200 now.

As for suspension, I figured I'm going to need new springs and shocks all the way around. Probably bushings too. Subframe connectors would be next, that should finish off suspension. With the brakes I will be going with the rear end I picked up. That would give me 4 wheel disks ll the way around and later on I could do the c5 brake upgrade in the front. Now onto wheels, I picked up a set of C5 chrome wagon wheels with tires for a screaming deal; also found a set of spacers for a screaming deal also. I'm on my phone so I can't really put up a picture, but there is one on my other thread in the introductions section.

Hopefully you can see my thought process on this. Suspension components first, then some sort of swap. The car had to be able to handle what I am planning to throw at it before anything else.

Thanks!

John

[Darren]

John don't put any money into the 305 just drive it and beat on it. Do the "free" mods, and remove all the crap you don't need.

If your looking to save some money down the road do the LS brake swap instead of the C5, cheaper and much easier to come by the parts for a good deal. I did the LS brake swap on all four corners this year (LS rear end) and huge improvements from stock 3rd gen brakes and look killer too.

I agree with Fred I would not do a LT1 build. Although you can do it on the cheaper end its just not going to do much for you. If your going to do LT1 you might as well do a 350 TPI or Carb set up instead... LS can be done on a budget but your right T56 are a arm and a leg. Lots of ideas and things to do. But you can build a 350 for cheap (er) and have just as much if not more fun then a LT1 and you wont have to worry about tuning or stupid wire harness etc.

[C2YT]

Darren,

Thanks for the info on the ls1 brake swap, I will definitely be looking into it. I also agree with not putting at money into the 305, it is just a waste of time. The reason why I am looking into the LT1 is because the wiring and tuning should not be a big deal for me. I have some experience with wiring and I am pretty knowledgeable with computers (built mine and my twins).

The other option like you said is to go with a 350, I actually have a whole complete 2 bolt main bottom end from an el camino. The problem with building this from the ground up though is that by the time I add decent heads, cam, intake, and carb plus all the other little things I am looking at $800-$1000 dollars for a reliable build. Also I would only be getting 8-10 mpg where as the lt1 would get anywhere from 18-20. As a student I have to look at that expense too. Maybe the 275 hp output isn't the best, but I think it is more than enough for me. Any thoughts?

Thanks again guys,

John

[Darren]

building computers and tuning a lt1 ecm and engine are two totally different things... Unless your planning on a stock LT1...

I built my 355, for a lot less then a LT1 swap would cost. I started with a good motor and a good bottom end so that helped. But your right I did average 7 MPG this year in my car... Just food for thought, I would advice against a LT1 swap but it can be done on a budget and its not "that" bad.

[JoeliusZ28]

Im going to disagree with the rest of the crowd here i have had a great experience with my LT1 and actually am planning on a carbed LT1 swap in a vehicle i dont have yet. No other sbc platform out there is going to give you 370rwhp with just a cam swap and shaved heads (thats what i have in my 95). Even at that power level my car gets anywhere from 15 to 26 mpg and its reliable enough im not afraid to drive it on a 400 mile trip every year. I did the tuning myself but i attribute that more to "good guessing" than expertise

That all being said, check into a carb conversion as well. If i was building an old muscle car or something id take a carbed LT1 over any other carbed SBC. Aluminum heads and reverse cooling means you have an engine that loooves high compression. 12:1 on an EFI LT1 is easily managed, so probably 11.5:1 should be doable for a carb. Plus you can easily run modern accessories and a serpantine belt.

One other thing, i wouldnt worry about the "275 hp" rating. By adding just Longtube headers and a straight shot intake (no elbow) and it will run quite a bit better, trust me.

[C2YT]

Darren,

I completely understand what you mean. By the computer reference I really meant that I am a quick learner and electronically inclined. That is probably what I should of said, and I'm sorry for the confusion. And yes, it would most likely be a stock LT1. The only things I would do would be a CIA and some form of better exhaust than the stock manifolds.

Joel,

Thanks! The carb conversion sounds interesting and the gas mileage you get on that sort of power is really impressive. 370 rwhp is really really impressive and quite a big head turner. I will definitely look into the carb setup and more of what is involved in doing this swap.

[Darren]

Im going to disagree with the rest of the crowd here i have had a great experience with my LT1 and actually am planning on a carbed LT1 swap in a vehicle i dont have yet. No other sbc platform out there is going to give you 370rwhp with just a cam swap and shaved heads (thats what i have in my 95). Even at that power level my car gets anywhere from 15 to 26 mpg and its reliable enough im not afraid to drive it on a 400 mile trip every year. I did the tuning myself but i attribute that more to "good guessing" than expertise

That all being said, check into a carb conversion as well. If i was building an old muscle car or something id take a carbed LT1 over any other carbed SBC. Aluminum heads and reverse cooling means you have an engine that loooves high compression. 12:1 on an EFI LT1 is easily managed, so probably 11.5:1 should be doable for a carb. Plus you can easily run modern accessories and a serpantine belt.

One other thing, i wouldnt worry about the "275 hp" rating. By adding just Longtube headers and a straight shot intake (no elbow) and it will run quite a bit better, trust me.

You want to line up this year?

John,

if your set on the LT1 then roll with it! Just giving other opinions, no way would I go a carb'd LT1 over a Gen 1 SBC tho. Stock 350 TPI or even a stock carb'd SBC would get you what your looking for in both power range and MPG's with a good exhaust like Joel is saying and the right air flow.

[JoeliusZ28]

Just curious why you wouldnt want a carbed LT over a gen 1? [MENTION=1993]Darren[/MENTION]

[C2YT]

Looks like I will have to play with some numbers. Like I said earlier I have the bottom end to a 350, so I will have to factor in all the parts to put it together and then estimate the power. I will then compare that to the LT1. Also, what would you guys recommend for suspension? I am probably in the market for subframe connectors, shocks, and springs. Like I said I already have a hochkis Panhard bad and trailing arms. What would be the next step after that?

[Darren]

Just curious why you wouldnt want a carbed LT over a gen 1? @Darren

I am not as well versed on LT, but LT = OPTI and thats no good.

[Jdseibe]

John,

this may be an option for you.. just let me know if you are interested.. and we can maybe work something out...

I have a rebuilt 2 bolt, L05 with flat top pistons and thumpr cam.. plus all of the supporting parts/upgrades for the engine (intake, carb, msd distributor, headers, y-pipe, high flow fuel mechanical pump, etc) I haven't fully committed on selling everything yet.. but if you are interested.. I might be able to work with ya, the engine only has about 1000 miles on it since rebuild.. for a complete break down of the engine and mods you can go here and read the bottom of my post.. shows all the stuff I might be willing to sell