Kevinn Morgan Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 I live in the Houston area and I am looking to do an LS1 or LS2 T56 swap into beloved my 78' Z. What is the best way to go about finding a donor car? I do travel the U.S. quite a bit, so locating a good deal out of my area is not out of the question. I have thought about just buying a running and driving car but I am hoping to get a better deal. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS1 240Z Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 there are mixed opinons.. but it all depends on what you are doing. i favor the iron block motors, they are only about 60-70lbs heavier, and bunches cheaper. if you want something that has a bit of pep and you arent shooting for over 450rwhp get a 5.3 truck motor, you can get a cast iron block one for $600-1000 complete. aluminum blocked 5.3s are fairly common to because they were in all V8 trail blazer style suvs, but they will be more. if you are shooting for 450+ rwhp id go with a 6.0 LQ4 truck motor, you can find them for $800-2000 complete. with some $800 factory heads and a big cam through a stick will put down 550rwhp.. its all about what you want to do with your car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ab0z Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 Piles of motors all over ebay, some even with warranties. Also call your local junkyards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m1noel Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 I just started searching JY's on the internet. There are a few that specilize in donor cars and drop-out engine/trans packages that include everything you need for an engine swap. There are usually a few on Ebay from reputable dealers. Good luck, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deja Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 http://www.fbody.com/ and http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/ both have classfied sections. I bought my 94 Z28 LT1 as a drivable wreck on EBay for $1500. It was only 120 miles away so we drove down and taped the body panels back together with duct tape and drove it home. Also check http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete280z Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I know you asked about donor cars, but if you decide to go the pull out route, check out HP Salvage in San Antonio. It was worth the drive from DFW. http://www.hpsalvage.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kraymond Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 http://www.car-part.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kraymond Posted May 13, 2008 Share Posted May 13, 2008 Well I have looked off and on for a while for a LS1 and had many projects that got in the way but I just bought a LS1 and auto trans from Miracle Auto Parts in Houston with a bunch of extras for $5100. I will post up when I get pictures after delivery Wednesday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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