Overhaulin my 1980 Camaro

[Afterburnjr]

Hey guys,

This is my first project car that I've ever worked on. I've been working on this car with my father for the past 6 years (I'm 21 now). I'm consider doing an overhaul and I have been researching on things to do. The interweb searches isn't doing it's deeds for me, so I'd figure a forum was even better! This car is currently my daily driver but it's definitely the GAS hogger.

Things I KNOW I want to do:
- my gauges (NONE OF THEM WORK, no speedometer, no fuel gauge, no temp)
- replace my small block chevy with an LS motor (keeping it NA)
- swap from auto to 5 speed
- change the unibody style into a FULL chasis
- gut out the entire interior.
- FULL disc brake system

My questions is:
Is there already a place I could buy a pre-fab chassis for my car?
What LS motor could I purchase to put in my car?


Sauce of my car:






Thanks!

[Todd in Vancouver]

I've got another project over on Pro-Tour.com. There is a link in my signature and there are a few builds exactly like what you are doing so you can check and see what they did to make it happen.

Good luck it's a nice build project.

[TNT523]

what LS motor depends on budget, but they bolt up the same as far as motor mounts etc... You want to go manual trans.. I would say a salvage f-body LS motor and 6 speed with computer and all sensors is the best route for you, I know you said NA but you can modify this plan to your needs.. Might be cheaper to get without computer sensors and harness... If you going that far get the injection working, car will get 20mpg and roast the tires all day!!! Of coarse you can always get a 5.3 or 6.0 out of a pick up.. Problem with that is you would need to change the entire accessory drive set up to f-body anyway and also swap the intake for an f-body intake, might need a different oil pan and oil pick up too and you would still need to source a 6 speed for you manual swap. Getting a complete salvage LS and trans from the same car has the advantage of everything will work as it is, just need to work on the LS into a third gen and deal with all the wiring and all..


Have fun and good luck... I remember my '78 Z-28 as my first car.. I wish I had it today..


TNT523

[Zslash28]

Good looking car! You need to be on www.nastyz28.com everything 2nd gen is on that site. There is no need to go full chassis on that car. You can get an aftermarket front subframe, solid frame mounts and weld in subframe connectors. You will accomplish the same result. You will find excellent info on the higher end suspensions on www.lateral-g.net , going 5 speed with an LS is not out of the question. But as already pointed out, a 6 speed would be easier to source while not having multiple aftermarket parts to dork with. Have you done any basic trouble shooting to figure out your gauges? The three you listed are all easy to fix.

[itsadryheat79]

I agree - nasty is a great resource and has all the information you need to get this started - go up there and look thru the project threads. There is no need to do a full chassis like others said - lots of good aftermarket parts are available allowing you to upgrade as you can while still being able to drive it. LS motors are great but there is a lot of work to do like wiring, exhaust, brakes, fuel delivery and gas tank needs. All are dependent on what you want to accomplish. The faster you go the more you will need to consider so make a budget and try to plan according to that.

My suggestion if it's your first build .... do upgrades keeping it drive able and exciting as opposed to taking it all apart and getting overwhelmed or lost in all the details.

There are lots of aftermarket engine bracket options to mount a LS into a second gen making it a lot easier - bolting everything else together to make it a functional system takes some time and planning.