Upgrade the V6 or convert to 8?

[Joedashredder93]

Okay I have a 1999 v6 camaro convertible with just over 163,000 miles on it 6k I put on myself since getting my license. I love my car! I am in a debate with myself on what to do so I ask for your help and opinions.

Should I keep the v6, have it rebuilt and put a supercharger on it? or scrap the 3.8 and put a 5.3 vortech in place of it?

I know that both cost alot of money to do but I am in "need" of more power. It is a daily driver being that it's the only car I own, I want a really good sounding exhaust and throttle response.

Basically I'm just bored with the performance and appeal of my 3.8 and it's almost time to do a rebuild so I want to get it right with no regrets.

What do you think?

thanks

[jderry]

Well in my opinion a v8 swap isnt worth it unless youve got alot of attachment with the car. I personally want to cam my v6 and maybe get an ls1 bird down the road.


You could always
1. Sell your car buy a v8
2. swap your v6 for a v8
3. build the v6


Your choice

[Joedashredder93]

I can't make my mind up either way I have to do something next year and I want to start making plans

Thanks for your input

[ktl711]

Well, let's just cut to the chase -- how much money do you have?

But seriously, we kinda need to know that, because that's going to determine which way you should go.

If it were me and I had an unlimited budget, I'd dump the car and sell it to get an SS vert. But that's not realistic for me, so if I were contemplating an upgrade to my 3800, I'd rebuild and supercharge it. I think it's the most reasonable way to get the most bang for your buck.

[Z28ISGR8]

I hear they're selling LS9 crate engines now.............

[Joedashredder93]

not enough to do anything right now. I hopefully will by the time I do something to it though. Nice Choice on the SS. I am open to all ideas and am leaning more to the side of supercharging right now but with that many miles I still have to get a rebuild so it seems like everything is going to be pretty close as far as cost is, but modifications needed are totally different.

[jderry]

After rebuilding a v6 and building it you may make more hp then the v8 option, but remember that v8 is stock. with the same money into itll the v6 will be quite a bit slower It all depends what you want out of it.

Everyone will say save the buck and get a v8. I like the v6 idea but thats me

[Joedashredder93]

Diversity is pretty cool too

[97rs4life]

I say mod the v6 but I am bias

[s.reef]

Keep in mind if this is your only car either of your options requires a decent amount of time and work and that your car will be sitting for a while. Personally I would go 5.3 Sman has done it all ready so he can steer you in the right direction. And it shouldnt be to expensive to do a swap

[ktl711]

Yeah, by the time you get done with chassis mods along with the motor and the trans (to handle all that new torque), you may be better off fixing whatever needs fixing on your car, detail it, and flip it for a little more than you paid for it, then move into a Z28 vert. That's prolly the cheapest solution. I'm sure you'll still want to toy with the car, but overall I think you'd be happier with the Z28 as your starting point.

[Joedashredder93]

I'll probably be getting rides or take my parents cars just like it was before I had the camaro, too me it's a small price to pay for a big reward.

[Joedashredder93]

Yeah, by the time you get done with chassis mods along with the motor and the trans (to handle all that new torque), you may be better off fixing whatever needs fixing on your car, detail it, and flip it for a little more than you paid for it, then move into a Z28 vert. That's prolly the cheapest solution. I'm sure you'll still want to toy with the car, but overall I think you'd be happier with the Z28 as your starting point.

Excellent Point!!! I don't mind selling it as long as I can get more out of it than what I paid

[ktl711]

Diversity is pretty cool too

Yeah, it is, and best of all -- no matter which way you go -- you end up getting to drive an F-Body!

[Joedashredder93]

Yeah, it is, and best of all -- no matter which way you go -- you end up getting to drive an F-Body!

BONUS being a Vert!