Hello all I'm new to this forum and to my 1979 camaro z28 . I had 1999 camaro ss 400hp with full bolt ons for 11 years. Sold it 5 years ago (wife got prego). I know a **** load about ls motors but not these older ones . I am lucky to have a friend that gave me his 1979 camaro z28. But were am I goin with 175hp!!! So my question is how can I get some good power out if this engine or do I just ls swap it ?

 

You may be easier and cheaper to swap out long block and transfer bracketry/Accessories.
You would have to install flat-top pistons, turn crank for new journal surface, keep std volume oil pump, nad install smaller chamber heads, use a steel head gasket, and install a bigger camshaft.
Later, you might have to replace rear ratio with higher numerical.
1973-1981 is product of gas crunch.

 

thank you for your response. I've done some searching and found these edelbrock performance package kits. Any good or bad advice on them or does anyone else have a better pack. I'm looking for around 500hp.

 

I'd think I'd swap it, you'd have to replace virtually everything but the block to make any power out of that weezer. lol It can be done of course but it might be cheaper to just buy a crate engine and they can be had in some cases with a warranty.

 

Also the EPA started coming down hard on emissions in '73 and they didn't have the technology yet to make both horsepower and low emissions.

 

This GM Performance 4 bolt main 350 is a pretty sweet,rated 333hp it's just a better cam intake carb and headers away from breaking 400hp at the wheels.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...0007/overview/

 

Thanks y2k but if I'm goin ti pull the engine I'm ls swapping it. I think it's my best bet I can get a 6.0 or 6.2 vortex for around 300 from my buddy's junk yard. I was just hoping to get power out of this engine but looks like I'm swapping it. Any one have any pointers? Or tricks on fitment

 

Well then for an LS swap I'd head over here....... https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids-28/

 

You understand that a 6.0 is not a Vortec engine, The Vortec 5.7 was made from 1996-1999. The 6.0/6.2 is a LS motor (GM 3rd generation small block) that will require either a complete fuel injection system or a stand alone ignition system, aftermarket intake and carb and a trans controller. You would need the transmission to go with the 6.0 or adapters for your trans which can not handle the engines torque anyways. Even the motor mounts are different. A 350 Vortec engine would be much cheap and easier to bolt into your Camaro but they are no where near a 6.0 performance wise without a ton of work.

On a side note for $300 per engine I will take any none blown up 5.3/6.0/6.2 your buddy has. Seriously 6.2 are selling for $2500 with a 1/4 million miles on them. Even the 5.3's are going $500-600 (over $1000 with less then 100,000 miles). The only engine I can get for $300 is a worn 4.8 which is about 270 HP new. The heads and intake off a 6.2 will cost you $600.

https://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/d/53-ls/6604453698.html

You will need something like this to stay carbureted

https://www.jegs.com/i/Holley/510/30...hoCGBgQAvD_BwE

Plus the trans controller, new carb, fuel pump, motor mounts and none of you accessory brackets will work.

IF you get a complete 6.0 with trans and you use the factory injection system you can save a lot of money but unless you know an expert in conversions and PCM programming there will be a huge learning curve.
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...562767775.html

I will bet this is over 250,000 miles
https://lancaster.craigslist.org/pts...595879466.html

Now a smart person would fine a bolt in SBC that someone is swapping to a LS motor. These can be found cheap and is some case have very low miles on them
https://allentown.craigslist.org/pts...604171155.html