Whats the weight difference between these two? - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

Blacdout96 · 01-25-2009, 02:18 AM

What isthe weight difference between an LS1, and a 3.8. I know the LS1 is all aluminum, as to where the 3.8 is all cast. would swapping an LS1 into a 93-97 Camaro affect the weight distribution? Im keeping my options open before I go ahead with the engine problem for my car, and I finally might be looking towards thee V8 side

deadtrend1 · 01-25-2009, 06:45 AM

should be close to the same. Thats why v6 and ls1 front springs are the same

Blacdout96 · 01-25-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deadtrend1

should be close to the same. Thats why v6 and ls1 front springs are the same

Thats the best friggin news I ever heard. That was a small dilema that I had, I just bought the Eibch springs for my car, and I thought I would have to sell them if I did this swap. Not saying I am goign to, but its seriously being considered. The other dilema is the cost of LS1's. im seeing engines w/ wiring harness go for 2500-3000, and engine trans around 4-6.

Batman · 01-25-2009, 06:41 PM

Yeah they aren't cheap, it is a pretty involved swap also. It coould actually be cheaper to get a 98 or 99 LS1 car then what you are trying to tackle.

Tru2Chevy · 01-26-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacdout96

The other dilema is the cost of LS1's. im seeing engines w/ wiring harness go for 2500-3000, and engine trans around 4-6.

Shop around more....those prices are a bit high.

IIRC Tim bought an LS1 & T56 from a wrecked '01 SS with less than 20k miles from Contemporary Corvette for ~$4,500, and that was a few years ago.

- Justin

Blacdout96 · 01-26-2009, 02:34 PM

Ill have to take a look at them. Im not sure at what im setting up my budget at, but I do know this. by the time I buy a short block ( If I can find a 3.8 short block, all I keep seeing is long block, which is going for 1600-1800) I buy the Cam I want, valve springs, timing chain, have the heads an intake matched and cleaned up by the dude I know, gaskets,and such, and then install teh T5 on it, and clutch/ flywheel setup Ill be around 3000-3500, so If I can find a decent LS1, and trans/ harness for a price thats worth it, ill definantly go with it, but as well I know theres things that would need to be switched for the LS1, like the radiator, fuel system, and gauge cluster, so I expect something like this will be in the 3-5K range to be complete. Im weighing my options out, but Im now starting to lean towards 8 cylinders, instead of my trusty 6 pack.

I would look into buying a car already with an LS1, but this is my baby. I poured so much into her already, it would be ashame to just get another car, and let that work go for naught, plus, thers not that many 4.1 gen Camaro's with an LS1, so it would certainly raise eyebrows.

MonmouthCtyAntz · 01-26-2009, 03:45 PM

Trade in the V6 an save for the LS1

JL8Jeff · 01-26-2009, 05:52 PM

I remember looking into doing a 6 speed swap on that white 96 SS hardtop I had and it's doable, but in the end it would have been a ton easier and cheaper to sell the car and buy a 6 speed. If you stumble onto something decent you might be able to do it within budget. But you may want to check with dmv to see what they say about inspection. OBDII with the computer might pop up the V8 computer and cause issues with the car being an engine swap. If it's a newer V8 it should be able to pass emissions easily even at the tailpipe but it's worth checking.