Hi everyone,
I've been eyeing 4th gen convertibles for awhile now, hoping to find the one. Had my eyes set on a v6 stick, but circumstances being what they are, I'm broadening my horizons. So to speak.

There's a gorgeous 97 Camaro z28 roller for sale locally. Engine and trans were pulled, body is in great shape, interior probably a mess(I've only seen exterior pics so far), clean title, flow masters, slotted rotors, 3.42 rear end, LSD. He's asking $250 to get rid of it. I figure there will be other bits and pieces needed but it looks like someone just wanted the engine/trans and pulled em. Idk miles on the body yet.

Ok, I think to myself that would be a fun project. Wonder what an engine would cost. Scroll down a little furthering in my search and there's a "lt1 from a mid 90s camaro or corvette" with 80k on it, computer included for $400 also available.

Now it seems to me I'm well under $1k to get the parts together for a Z28 that is just beautiful but needs a lot of work.

And a trans.

So I can turn a wrench and follow directions. I've done suspension upgrades, water pumps, timing belts, sensors, radiators, alternators and whatnot. I've been around for a ln engine rebuild or two. Haven't actually done an engine install myself, but I have tools, space, friends and cold ones.

So I guess my question to your greater wisdom is this: manual or automatic? Lol

Seriously though, how hard is it to shoe horn this engine in and hook it up? Far as I can tell an LT1 probably came out of it so it'll be a direct fit.

Also, given the numbers, if I'm in over my head I would consider paying a shop 2 or 3k to do the install/button up. In that scenario I'd be around 4k into a 7k (kbb) vehicle.

What obvious dumb thing am I not seeing here? Also sorry for the long first post. Hi 👋




TIA
Friedom

 

Definitely an LT1 car if it's 1993-1997 Z28,stick or auto,well depends on what was in it and how much work you want to do.
If it was an auto it's be a lot easier to go with another and probably easier and cheaper to find than a T-56 and associated parts.

 

guessing the interior is stripped. interior parts in good shape are out there but can get spendy and hard to find. I would say the top is toast or gone altogether. could easily turn into a 15k job.

 

You really want to think hard about what you would be attempting. Even for a pro putting a car they did not take a part can be challenging. 99% of the garages out there will nothing to do with this project and they are sure not going to quote it. It will be time and material. If you would like I can explain in detail why its such a huge pain to do since I did what you are thinking about. (see project 93 in my sig).

Now if you can find someone who has done a bunch of these and maybe own one himself they you have a chance, Since these are where on made for 5 years and they are not as good as the newer LS1s most of the guys that are serious about 4th gen have move on to LS (98 up).

Barring finding an expert the next best thing is to get a wrecked or rusted donner car. That way you know how the car goes together and you know you have all the parts. This car looks like it was parted out, I would ask what started that process. Pulling the motor and trans out of a good car make no sense because the LT1s are not worth that much. Maybe with the T56? Looks like the seats are gone. If the top is shot the car simple not worth fixing. You could find a rag top LS1 non-SS for less money that this is going to cost. I mean god know what missing and what is broken even after you swap the motor.

 

Thank you for putting the time in to answering this. I've been fixing/rebuilding/swapping motorcycles, quads and dirtbikes for years and I seem to have lost sight of the scope of difference between them and cars.

I'm going to abandon this idea altogether. Decent v6 convertibles come up relay for 2-3k around here and that would scratch my itch just fine. I've had an automatic e30 convertible and 2 manual miatas so I'm on board with the idea that I'd rather drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

Cheers to you. Looking forward to returning to shoe off my new getter with a smile.