I've been considering the same thing. I also want to eventually do a similar swap. I feel the same way about wanting to keep my car and upgrade it. Here's my list of reasons why:

1. You don't see many Camaros in my area looking as good as mine (it was repainted probably 2 or 3 years ago) especially not many Z28s or SSs that look as good for under $10k
2. It already has all the options I want, as well as several other upgrade (look in my sig)
3. In addition to those upgrades, I've dropped quite a bit of $ in maintenance already
4. My engine is burning about 1.5 quarts of oil every 3 months, and my transmission is worn out also. If I buy I used Z28 or SS, I may get another worn out engine and transmission. If I'm going to spend the money I'd rather build something that's going to last me a long time. Right now I drive about 130 miles a week, but in 2 years I'll probably be going from south OC to Long Beach or Fullerton for school, which would more than double the driving I do now.
5. Ideally (if funds allow) I'd like to build my own LS1 anyway, starting from a used block and getting new parts for it. I can't trade mine for a V8 car, pull the engine and build it up, cause I need a car for transportation.

So if all this doesn't work out for me, I may just end up swapping in a new or rebuilt 3800. Either way, I want to keep my car.

 

there are a ton of posts on this already i for 1 was one who asked and it is true it will cost more to swap than to find another. however if you have the time and are really attached to this car then i say research it find out what your getting into and if you still are intrested after working everything out go for it. I am currently looking for a wrecked camaro to buy and pull the ls1 tranny pref manuel wire harness comp and rear axle from i have been told it is about a 2-4 week job if you are doing it with a friend or 2 and well bring the case of beer lol Either way GL

 

just build the 6 up to 300 hp and ull be happy, the car will be worth more and itll go like the wind.

 

I was telling my friend about swapping for an Ls1, and he said that would be a good idea, but he said i could also get a 4.3 chevy s10 v6 engine. And he said it would use the same wiring harness as i have now, he continued to tell me that his friend had done this, and he said the s10 engine would give like 100 more horsepower than a stock 3.8. So is this a good idea? He also said that the V6 would be pretty damn quick because of better throttle response in a V6.

 

Your friend is clueless, Completely different fuel injection. 4.3 TBI vs 3.8 MPI. Transmission is different it will not bolt up and it will not fit in the frame. Not to mention None of the bracked or hardware would fit. Also go look at the HP ratings of the 4.3. Your current v6 is 200 HP. There is no such thing as a 300 HP 4.3 unless you build the crap out of it. They have crappy cast iron truck heads on them. They can be made to go fast but it is a lot of work. I would put my stock 3.8 up againt a stock 4.3 any day.

Edit:
I was curious so I just check a 98 s10 with a 4.3 is listed at 180 HP. In the future when ever that friend talks about cars just smile and nod.

 

Ok thanks Gorn, i really didnt think it would work either but i just wanted to ask because i wasnt sure.