L98 280z swap or is LS1/LS2 more cost effective?

[Happy Z]

Hello everybody,

 

I was wondering if it would be possible and cost effective to swap out the engine in my 1978 280 for a 5.7L L98 engine out of a 1990 iroc-z Camaro? Is this possible? Would it be worth the money it would cost or would buying a new LS1 crate engine be more cost effective? I ask because I need a car for this summer and this Camaro is for sale with 50k miles on it for under 4000$. So i was wondering if I could kill two birds with one stone by getting both a cheap car in good condition and an engine for my Z. Is this a good idea or am I crazy? Thanks in advance for any input you guys have.

[Domzs]

I would go with the LS motor . A lot cheaper in the long run . TPI is performance limited and old tech when compares to LS motor . And with 4K , you can get an average mileage wrecked F body . I rec. a donor car for engine swap because it's way cheaper than piece everything together . 

[Never2BeFinished]

I agree with Domzs.

 

The LS series engines have a great aftermarket and can really put out alot of power, all while being at least better with maintenance and reliability. 

 

Check out http://www.brokenkitty.com/zcar/zcar.htm if you havent already, they have 'bolt on' parts that may make or break your decision to tackle a v8 swap. 

[Michael]

The first-generation SBC isn't to be gainsaid, but you will need to perform considerable overhaul and component-swapping to attain the 350 hp range, which seems to be a popular benchmark for the Gen 3-4 crowd.  Also, $4000 really isn't a "cheap car".  If the Camaro is in reasonable condition, it's worth buying and just driving as is, merely to become acquainted with the V8 world and its maintenance.  If you intend to perform a swap without really using the donor car in stock form, then $4000 is far too much.