Converting SS to ZL1 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Zshis · 09-11-2014, 11:32 AM

I was looking at purchasing a used gen 5 SS Camaro and converting it to the LS1 motor. My question is how expensive could this get? and what other parts would i have to replace in the SS like rear end, transmission and so on. Would it just be cheaper just to buy the ZL1?

ST1LE · 09-11-2014, 11:35 AM

You mean an LSA I think. Yes it would be cheaper to buy a ZL1, also there are things like the Mag Ride that you just cant install after the fact. Not sure what your budget is, but lightly used ZL1's are going in the mid 40's.

Ringo64 · 09-11-2014, 11:36 AM

Why in all that is holy would you convert an LS3 to an LS1.

LSA is what is in the ZL1.

ZED SLED · 09-11-2014, 12:43 PM

I guess you could use the block. LSA specs
http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/.../0208_lsa.html

pickwithaustin · 09-11-2014, 12:46 PM

I want to convert my VW bug into a Ferrari.

Ragnar · 09-11-2014, 12:55 PM

OP, not worth considering at all. A ZL1 is a ZL1. What do you like most about the ZL1?

45thAnniversary2SS · 09-11-2014, 01:25 PM

Sorry a SS will never be a ZL1. I don't care if you swapped out every part on the SS for the ZL1 parts. It would still be a modified SS (which is great in itself)...

And yea, it's a LSA not LS1.

Tenring · 09-11-2014, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickwithaustin

I want to convert my VW bug into a Ferrari.

Tough crowd!

Paladinjc · 09-11-2014, 02:23 PM

This is what I never understood. Why buy an SS, RS, etc and convert it, or add a Supercharger for example?

I can understand the point I can't afford a ZL1 so I got an SS and that answer I respect. However the amount you will spend in aftermarket parts converting/upgrading your car will total what a ZL1 would cost, maybe even more. Why not save your money for a few more years and get the car you really want?

I am asking this honestly, not looking to start anything.

Paladinjc · 09-11-2014, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 45thAnniversary2SS

Sorry a SS will never be a ZL1. I don't care if you swapped out every part on the SS for the ZL1 parts. It would still be a modified SS (which in great in itself)...
.

Agreed

CamaroCracka · 09-11-2014, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladinjc

This is what I never understood. Why buy an SS, RS, etc and convert it, or add a Supercharger for example?

I can understand the point I can't afford a ZL1 so I got an SS and that answer I respect. However the amount you will spend in aftermarket parts converting/upgrading your car will total what a ZL1 would cost, maybe even more. Why not save your money for a few more years and get the car you really want?

I am asking this honestly, not looking to start anything.

For many an SS is better starting point for supercharging than a ZL1. Why have to throw away a small blower and injectors to get past 650HP? What if you want TT? Now the diff and axles are stout, but by no means is the ZL1 the ultimate racing setup. It still needs poly bushings, can benefit from coil-overs (if that's what your into), and does not have forged rods. If you go over 700HP, what are you going to do about the 6L80E? Some would be better off finding a gently used V6 car, gutting it, and adding what they really want. Sometimes more is not enough. Ok, for some of us, it's never enough.

Then there is the idea that you can drop 6-7k on a super charger, plop it on a used SS and outrun a Shelby (or ZL1 but I don't like the idea of making other Chevy's look bad) for less than what a used ZL1 is going for.

GONIF · 09-11-2014, 02:50 PM

Any chance of converting my old lady to Kate Upton ?

djpelosi · 09-11-2014, 02:52 PM

Supercharge an SS, and then buy the bumpers/fenders/hoods for the ZL1. Much cheaper than spending 50k

Paladinjc · 09-11-2014, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroCracka

For many an SS is better starting point for supercharging than a ZL1. Why have to throw away a small blower and injectors to get past 650HP? What if you want TT? Now the diff and axles are stout, but by no means is the ZL1 the ultimate racing setup. It still needs poly bushings, can benefit from coil-overs (if that's what your into), and does not have forged rods. If you go over 700HP, what are you going to do about the 6L80E? Some would be better off finding a gently used V6 car, gutting it, and adding what they really want. Sometimes more is not enough. Ok, for some of us, it's never enough.

Then there is the idea that you can drop 6-7k on a super charger, plop it on a used SS and outrun a Shelby (or ZL1 but I don't like the idea of making other Chevy's look bad) for less than what a used ZL1 is going for.

I guess, spending money I will never get back is not my forte. Personally I would rather take that 5k to 25k you are referring to, with a fully replaced high end suspension system and turbo charging and get myself a second toy, like a Harley.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/conte...a/fat-bob.html

Thx for the insight.

09-11-2014, 11:32 AM	#1
Zshis Drives: 1969 Camaro ss Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Colorado Posts: 1	Converting SS to ZL1 I was looking at purchasing a used gen 5 SS Camaro and converting it to the LS1 motor. My question is how expensive could this get? and what other parts would i have to replace in the SS like rear end, transmission and so on. Would it just be cheaper just to buy the ZL1?

09-11-2014, 11:35 AM	#2
ST1LE Drives: E92 BMW M3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Houston Posts: 4,496	You mean an LSA I think. Yes it would be cheaper to buy a ZL1, also there are things like the Mag Ride that you just cant install after the fact. Not sure what your budget is, but lightly used ZL1's are going in the mid 40's. __________________ SOLD - 2013 1LE - Pat G Spec'd Cam, NPP with 1 7/8" Long Tube Headers with High Flow Cats, Intake w/scoop, Ported Throttle Body, and Apex 1.25" Lowering Springs. J-Rod Built and Matt@FSP Tuned

09-11-2014, 11:36 AM	#3
Ringo64 Forever Pontiac Drives: 2012 Black 2SS/RS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 1,389	Why in all that is holy would you convert an LS3 to an LS1. LSA is what is in the ZL1. __________________ Progression thread My Camaro's Grrgd

09-11-2014, 12:43 PM	#4
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,477 View My Garage	I guess you could use the block. LSA specs http://media.chevrolet.com/media/us/.../0208_lsa.html __________________

09-11-2014, 12:46 PM	#5
pickwithaustin Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible and: Join Date: May 2014 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,863	I want to convert my VW bug into a Ferrari. __________________ --------------------------- Currently in my Garage: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Convertible \| 1980 Corvette Stingray \| 1981 Firebird \| 1968 El Camino \| 2007 Crown Vic Police Interceptor \| 2001 Silverado \| 2001 Blazer \| 1965 Chevy C-10 \| 2007 Harley Softail Custom \| 2013 MX-5 in Copper Red Mica \| 2000 Corvette Convertible \| 2010 Corvette Grand Sport \| 2006 Audi A3 Turbo \| 2008 BMW 328i

09-11-2014, 12:55 PM	#6
Ragnar Destroyed by flooding Drives: Wife's car Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,673	OP, not worth considering at all. A ZL1 is a ZL1. What do you like most about the ZL1?

09-11-2014, 01:25 PM	#7
45thAnniversary2SS Drives: 2012 45th Anniversary 2SS LS3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,812 View My Garage	Sorry a SS will never be a ZL1. I don't care if you swapped out every part on the SS for the ZL1 parts. It would still be a modified SS (which is great in itself)... And yea, it's a LSA not LS1. __________________ Last edited by 45thAnniversary2SS; 09-11-2014 at 05:55 PM.

09-11-2014, 02:23 PM	#9
Paladinjc AC Pickles! Drives: 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: North Carolina Posts: 331	This is what I never understood. Why buy an SS, RS, etc and convert it, or add a Supercharger for example? I can understand the point I can't afford a ZL1 so I got an SS and that answer I respect. However the amount you will spend in aftermarket parts converting/upgrading your car will total what a ZL1 would cost, maybe even more. Why not save your money for a few more years and get the car you really want? I am asking this honestly, not looking to start anything.

09-11-2014, 02:50 PM	#12
GONIF Drives: 73 VETTE ,, 05 2500hd diesel,14 1LE Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: The Left lane PHOENIX AZ Posts: 2,626	Any chance of converting my old lady to Kate Upton ? __________________ OLD GUY FLYING FAST AND LOW

09-11-2014, 02:52 PM	#13
djpelosi Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Cordova, TN Posts: 774	Supercharge an SS, and then buy the bumpers/fenders/hoods for the ZL1. Much cheaper than spending 50k __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS M6 2" Stainless Power Longtube Headers 3" Full exhaust w/ Off-Road H-Pipe Bo White Ported Throttle Body Hurst Short Throw Shifter Best Time: 12.43 @ 114, 1.99 60' on stock wheels and stock tires Build Thread