I have a 96 rs and I have to replace heads. (Car ran hot EXGIRLFRIEND kept driving) Question is should I do the v8 swap or just replace heads. Friend just totaled a 95 or 96 caprice that has a fresh lt1 with about 300 miles on it and he's willing to sell me car for $500. Swap or just repair heads?

 

Heads. Or, sell camaro, sell caprice, buy V8.

 

assuming the car was run with coolant in the oil i would recomend you look around for a low mile motor in a local wrecking yard to put in it. you have a 3.8?

 

You know the heads are shot or you think the heads are shot? Head gasket failure is pretty common heads cracking is much less common. Over heating an engine can damage things other than the heads or head gaskets but that all depends on if it was run till it seized up. Will it start now? How is the oil pressure compared to before?
Check out the V6-V8 swap thread for detail but that caprice is all but useless without the other 1,571 parts you are going to need for the swap.

 

The car still cranks and runs. It runs hot. The heads have been removed and I was told by mechanic the head gasket needs to be replaced. Someone said I could use motor, tranny, and wiring harness from caprice in my camaro. That was the only reason i was considering putting the engine in camaro. I have a 65 Impala i would rather put the engine from caprice in.

 

Heads should be check at a machine shop. Any time the heads are remove the head gaskets need replaced But I know what you mean.

GM used to design cars so most engines would swap around so you have options when you buy them. The 4th gen camaro is designed around the LT1 with almost every parts is for V8 Camaro/firebird and no other car. Unlike the Caprice everything is crammed in there. The V6 to V8 swap has been done many times but to do it right you need a donor car, Even the K frame is different

 

If the heads were removed then why didn't he change your head gaskets?

 

^^^ agree haha

 

He's replacing gasket, the heads were sent to shop to be checked.