Fellas,
I have a situation on my hands that I need so direction on. I bought a 67 camaro from a buddy of mine. It has all the bodywork done (as he is a body guy) and needs paint. Very straight and all rust taken care of. The car came with a new fresh rebuild 454 big block that was bored out to I think a 468 or 486…. Something like that. Balanced blueprinted. Engine was rebuild by a guy here in town who now is an engine builder for a NASCAR driver. (Forget what one) It comes with a turbo 400 auto. Cost 10,000. My issue is I want a EFI LS engine. Or should I keep this engine and go with a carburetor. Or should I sell it. If so, what can this engine/transmission bring on the black market. What would you guys out there do? I’m sure lots of you guys have already been there done that. Any and all advice is appreciated!

 

I say you have three choices:
1. Keep as is and use the LS/trans money for completion to get the Camaro on the road - paint, interior, safety items, etc.
2. Keep the 468 BBC and install a FAST EFI system and if you keep the THM400, install a Gear Vendors OD unit - optional
3. Find a LS/T56 trans, swap into the Camaro, and sell the 468/400 for half the price of conversion and install a 3.90 or 4.1X rear gear and a traction device.

You will never get 100% out of the present power train.

 

Selling old school power trains to upgrade to LSX tech is real common. You are not going to get a lot for you older motor.

 

Me, I would keep the 454-468, whatever it is. Most of the new engine/old car combos I have seen were nicely done, but the engine still looks out of place to me. Guess you gotta ask yourself why you want an LS engine. Is it just to be different, or it's what you're more familiar with, or it's to impress others, or what. If it's something you really really always wanted to do, then you're probably never going to be completely happy with the 454.

 

Some great advice here, sounds pretty much setup already, the big block and T400 is a good start, get it painted and as you can afford and as mentioned fuel injection and gear vendors will make one sweet ride.

 

I'm partial to the classic engines in a classic car..LS engines always look out of place to me.. But if you want a high power cruiser that can give fuel mileage and reliability, etc. the LS may be the way to go especially if you are into long cruises..

 

Thanks for all the responses. A lot of good in site and valuable points were made. Im still not sure what I'ma gonna do. Gotta have some beers and stair at her for a while! Thanks fellas!