1999 Camaro Z28

**WhiteLightningGTP** · 06-13-2016

All these junkyard build warriors. Don't get an iron block, it's very unlikely you'll make enough power to break an aluminum block.

Aluminum 4.8 or 5.3, put a carb on it, and spray a 150 shot. Focus on the trans and rear end, and other suspension stuff.. get a good platform before you make good power... lighten it up a lot.. Then when the time comes, throw a turbo 408 or something cool in it and have a great set up.

Sunoco hood, ss spoiler, and some weld alumastars. Do it.

**Master P** · 06-13-2016

Originally Posted by WhiteLightningGTP

All these junkyard build warriors. Don't get an iron block, it's very unlikely you'll make enough power to break an aluminum block.

Aluminum 4.8 or 5.3, put a carb on it, and spray a 150 shot. Focus on the trans and rear end, and other suspension stuff.. get a good platform before you make good power... lighten it up a lot.. Then when the time comes, throw a turbo 408 or something cool in it and have a great set up.

Sunoco hood, ss spoiler, and some weld alumastars. Do it.

It's not that "we" are junkyard build warriors, it's more like some of us know you don't have to spend alot money to make horsepower.

Iron block is cheaper and makes the same power, why spend more money to be at the same power level?? I mean go ahead and do it if you have money to flush away.

**WhiteLightningGTP** · 06-13-2016

Originally Posted by Master P

It's not that "we" are junkyard build warriors, it's more like some of us know you don't have to spend alot money to make horsepower.

Iron block is cheaper and makes the same power, why spend more money to be at the same power level?? I mean go ahead and do it if you have money to flush away.

100lbs more on the front end is huge. It's just stupid. To save $500 +/-.

Besides, the bulk of gen iv 4.8s and 5.3s came with 243s or 799s which is another huge plus.

**Master P** · 06-13-2016

Then that's more parts to buy to install a GEN 4 motor. 24x to 58x cranks, so either swap reluctor wheels or buy a converter box, then buy all the DOD/AFM delete kits or VVT delete and valley cover, timing cover, then figure out knock sensor harness changes because GEN 4's run them on the side of the block.

Now that newer engine isn't such a slamming deal is it. I will gladly take the extra 100lbs to save myself all the trouble and money.

Install tubular front suspension and light weight wheels to gain pounds back if have too.

**rottonj** · 06-15-2016

Nice find, looks straight. F-bodys have a million options for everything you will need. Frame connectors are a must for sure, could make a nice canyon carver. Was it standard or auto. How much is a clean roller going for these days? Good luck with the build!

**SgtMarshal** · 06-15-2016

Originally Posted by WhiteLightningGTP

100lbs more on the front end is huge. It's just stupid. To save $500 +/-.

Besides, the bulk of gen iv 4.8s and 5.3s came with 243s or 799s which is another huge plus.

it's hardly 500 dollars. cheapest aluminium block LS engine I've seen is 1500, while the 5.3 is 500 dollars. I'm not saying take the LS1 out to swap a 5.3 in, but that is what I would do if the need came up.

**ILoveAudi** · 06-15-2016

Originally Posted by SgtMarshal

it's hardly 500 dollars. cheapest aluminium block LS engine I've seen is 1500, while the 5.3 is 500 dollars. I'm not saying take the LS1 out to swap a 5.3 in, but that is what I would do if the need came up.

Unless you already have an ls to swap stuff over, plan on spending well over 500 to make that 5.3 usable. Easily $300 or more for an ls intake with rails, throttlebody, etc. Then however much to get f body accessories and an oil pan. It adds up.

**ILoveAudi** · 06-15-2016

Originally Posted by rottonj

Nice find, looks straight. F-bodys have a million options for everything you will need. Frame connectors are a must for sure, could make a nice canyon carver. Was it standard or auto. How much is a clean roller going for these days? Good luck with the build!

6 speed car originally, so that works out great for me. Price depends, I paid a little over 2k for this, but it came with the 5.3 (as well as harness and computer) and tons of other stuff, literally missing a trans and that's it. 1500-2000 seems to be a good price on clean rollers that come with most necessities.

**MyLittlePony** · 06-16-2016

Originally Posted by ILoveAudi

You do know you talked about boosting the 5.3 right? So refer to my previous comment. Don't know what you think a good turbo kit and transmission costs, but a lot more than an ls1/2.

I gotcha, sorry I misread that.

Well buying an ls1 then h/c/I is another 1500 on top of the motor, with gaskets, timing chain, lifters...

To turbo the 5.3 you could use an s475 turbo and the hotside is about $500, upgrade the fuel pump, use stock 5.3 heads, and a tick turbo can or an LJMS stage 2 boost cam.

You'll be almost the same with more power with the turbo.

I'm just giving ideas by the way, if you would rather me not,that's fine. If you have any other questions I'll be more than happy to help.

As far as the guy talking about junkyard warriors, I've been in the LS game a while, I have built a couple and am currently building one from the ground up so I tgink I might be a valid source of info.

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**rottonj** · 06-16-2016

Originally Posted by ILoveAudi

6 speed car originally, so that works out great for me. Price depends, I paid a little over 2k for this, but it came with the 5.3 (as well as harness and computer) and tons of other stuff, literally missing a trans and that's it. 1500-2000 seems to be a good price on clean rollers that come with most necessities.

Thats good, should have some decent gears in the rear. Keep posting on your progress.Thanks

**ILoveAudi** · 06-16-2016

Originally Posted by MyLittlePony

I gotcha, sorry I misread that.

Well buying an ls1 then h/c/I is another 1500 on top of the motor, with gaskets, timing chain, lifters...

To turbo the 5.3 you could use an s475 turbo and the hotside is about $500, upgrade the fuel pump, use stock 5.3 heads, and a tick turbo can or an LJMS stage 2 boost cam.

You'll be almost the same with more power with the turbo.

I'm just giving ideas by the way, if you would rather me not,that's fine. If you have any other questions I'll be more than happy to help.

As far as the guy talking about junkyard warriors, I've been in the LS game a while, I have built a couple and am currently building one from the ground up so I tgink I might be a valid source of info.

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No, I get it. I know you're trying to help, but I feel like it's not the route I need to go. More parts really just complicates things in my opinion. I just need something simple. If I were to boost it, I think I'd rather go sc or CSC though, but none of those will probably happen. I've wanted to do a cammed all motor ls build for a long time.

**ctracer** · 06-17-2016

I've got a friend with an N/A 5.3 build and he's making good power, i think 420 at the wheels the last time i talked to him?

**MyLittlePony** · 06-17-2016

Originally Posted by ctracer

I've got a friend with an N/A 5.3 build and he's making good power, i think 420 at the wheels the last time i talked to him?

You can always do a max effort build, the LS1 will do better with NA power than the 5.3 typically, and the 6.0 will make more power than the 5.7.... lol

I think if you are wanting to stay simple, then do an LQ and a nice cam and there ya go.

**ILoveAudi** · 07-16-2016

Picked up some goodies last weekend. Also got some free crazy ass turbo manifolds that don't make much sense lol.

**WarStryker13** · 07-16-2016

Just start bolting stuff to it on the stand, eventually it will fit together. Lol

**SgtMarshal** · 07-16-2016

details?

**Russosaur** · 07-16-2016

So about that 5.3....

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**ILoveAudi** · 07-17-2016

It's an lq4 and a t56 transmission. Pulled the heads off of the lq yesterday. Gonna try and sell them and buy some 243s to bump my compression up a bit. Then cam it. Should make north of 400whp.