How much my LS Swap cost (Part 1) + Low budget alternative for Thirdgen Camaro Firebirds 82-92

[@robertwilkerson1720]

I’m trying to get everything together to put an LS in my third gen Camaro. This video helped give me an idea of what I’m gonna need and how much it’s gonna cost.

[@FireballMullet]

Awesome, glad it helped l! Thanks for watching and good luck on your build!

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

I just bought my first IROC. It has a 5.3 and 4L60 sitting in it. I know nothing about it lol. Your videos are very helpful. Thanks man. I can’t wait to get on this build. Finishing my 71 challenger first.

[@TimothyBrewer]

I bought a new 85 Z-28 back in 85. I wanted the IROC but just couldn't afford it at the time. I'd like to get an 85 IROC and do an LS conversion now that I can afford it.

[@aimeesierra7240]

Thanks Skip. What a wealth of good info. Love the cost breakdown.

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks man! I mean Aimee ;)

[@77kthomas]

Oh and also the accessories are abundant for these cars which makes it awesome to be able to modernize and still keep the vintage looks

[@FireballMullet]

That’s exactly the style I’m going for

[@Hammerback0]

My buddy just bought a 1986 Z-28 that has been swapped with a LS truck engine, it has a 3 bar built factory computer, a VS Racing 78/75 turbo, built turbo 400 trans, he gave 5,000 for the car, the guy built it amd couldnt get it lined out, got frustrated and sold it. The computer is thr problem, ordered a Holley terminator X today, itll be here Wednesday or Thursday. Facebook marketplace for 1050 NIB. Car seems to be running super rich right now, hopefully the tunability of the Holley will help it.

[@richardfoster2600]

I got a donor car for 2000 and so far in my build I’m about 10,000$ in. My third gen needed a lot of stuff itself. You have to know upfront what you want and stick to it. Because it will nickel and dime you to the point where you see people sale there project because they ran out of money.

[@FireballMullet]

That’s the hardest part… sticking to the plan lol 😂 thanks for watching

[@datboired832]

Great vid! I want this exact build!!

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks 🙏

[@dandowodzenka8864]

I stink at Excel....anyway you can share the template so people like me can plug and play with the numbers? :) *thumbs up and subscribed!

[@Ibanez6strg]

like I have an 87 5.7 auto with 50,000 miles on it and I really just want to refreshing everything. The motor has really nothing wrong with that at all. Just don’t know where to start with modernizing a bit. EFI upgrade headers throttle body…. Ur thoughts?

[@ShaunEJulian]

Did you have to switch your drive shaft or rear end?

[@ariyanadumon4549]

I have a Fourth Gen Plastic Tank that's going in to mine. Question for you, what sending unit did you use? And where did you get it honey? Your build is absolutely magnificent btw. Totally inspirational.

[@FireballMullet]

Thank you! It’s eBay Herko GFC31

[@trentdawg2832]

My wife has a cow every time a package for me comes too!!!!.......my supercharger sat in the box out in the garage for months until I got up the courage to open them and tell her what was in the pile of boxes in the corner.....for months I just told her 'car parts'.......she was butt hurt when she found out that she wasn't gonna be the only one with a supercharger on her car!!! Lol

[@FireballMullet]

Lol 😂

[@pinksky4801]

Would it be possible to get a link or a copy of your spread sheet? It would be a great jumping off point...

[@FireballMullet]

Unfortunately I don’t have a version that I can share. Maybe I’ll try and make one, that’s a good idea

[@EECEND225]

just ls swapped my 3rd gen. I didn't do such an aggressive cam because I'm about to procharge it with a Big Blow off valve

[@FireballMullet]

Nice! Sounds like a killer setup

[@davebarron5939]

Hi Stan. Finally watched this video, very informative. One question, I also plan on the fourth gen tank for the same reasons and mine is out of an LS1 car, but you mention there is a "regulator" in the tank already? I assume regulating pressure? Do you know if this approximately at the 58lbs recommended? Thanks again.

[@FireballMullet]

Yep it has the right psi regulator 58

[@davebarron5939]

@@FireballMullet Excellent, Thanks.

[@gilbertjuarez1037]

My buddy and I are swapping my 82 k10 with the all mighty 6.0 with a Lsa blower with all this covid mess lots of good people got stuck in a bind and started selling their go fast parts I was lucky enough to be able to buy lots of good stuff for great prices I have about 5 grand in the build but I know it’s going to be worth every penny pretty soon! god bless stay safe everyone 🙅🏻‍♂️🙅🏻‍♂️

[@FireballMullet]

Sounds like a sweet project! Yeah hopefully you got a blower lid before they went through the roof $$$

[@kamranetemad4968]

Thank you for this and all your predintations.Sir I said it before in your channal you havea beautiful timeless third gen iroc z Camaro,BIG FAN of third gen f bodies,and the step by step what is needed and involved and cost in LS family eng and supporting drivetrain needed.over 20 years ago I was swapping TPI on small block chevy 400 from 70,s full size cars.i changed cam,piston and worked the heads,and burned chips to support the set up. Giant torque figures and hp was not bad.150hp to 200 hp shot of nitrous was there for asking.now days things are easy as heading to junkyard and picking out LS and following your receipt.how time have changed for the better.

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks I really appreciate that! I’m glad to see they have helped!

[@jamesjensen5226]

I want to take this a step further and get replica 5th gen z28 rims power convertible top and a key fob for the door to start

[@davebarron5939]

Hey Stan, happy Labor Day week-end. Up here in MI. the trees are already starting to turn, and the nightmare of frozen wasteland is on its way. One item to expand on you mentioned you briefly mentioned with your build. The original ECM wiring that goes through the OEM bulkhead fitting in the passenger side. What did you do to make your pass-through wiring for your new (as it were) PCM wiring? Specifically to keep it mounted and safe. Thanks.

[@FireballMullet]

I modified existing TPI mounting bracket and it’s in the general same location

[@davebarron5939]

@@FireballMullet Sorry Stan, I meant the point where the "new" wiring goes through the same location under fender. Thanks.

[@davebarron5939]

FYI. My old 305 / 700R4 is officially out as of today. I start building my LQ9 now and prep for install. Finally moving forward.

[@FireballMullet]

@@davebarron5939 oh okay… shoot I wish I had some pics, I kinda forgot lol. I will say most guys run it through the firewall under the evap hvac box with a grommet

[@davebarron5939]

@@FireballMullet Yes, that's what I have seen as well, appreciate your time. Thanks.

[@a.j.s.8049]

Stan thanks for the very informative video. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾 I'm gonna start with a Hawks master swap kit LS1 or LS2. Maybe one of their rear ends. Cam, rocker arms push rods, and timing set along with pedal set to convert to manual. I'd Iike to ask a question, did you use 3rd or 4th gen pedal set? I heard the 4th is better but a little modification is required. Thanks for everything.

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks for the support as always! 4th gen pedals but I like 3rd better since it is stronger with brace on firewall. Sounds like a killer project, good luck!

[@a.j.s.8049]

@@FireballMullet Thanks! Between you and LS Matt I stay VERY motivated and inspired.

[@FireballMullet]

@@a.j.s.8049 awesome bud! We all have our inspiration builds and videos, I’m honored!

[@trichomeboss2731]

I have a 85 Z28 with a t-5 tranny what mounts or brackets will I need to make the t- 56 mount to a 5.3?

[@FireballMullet]

There is an informative thread in Thirdgen.org just Google tgo amd t5 to t56

[@mun33y]

great video but you didnt mention the LSA cost ontop of the NA build?

[@FireballMullet]

I still have not done that video LOL…it was another 8k for this LSA setup with everything.

[@77kthomas]

comparing to the cost of a new SS Camaro you can buy a project 3rd gen put this kind of money into it and have a car that will compete or atleast be on the same playing field as the newer SS for way less money you cant go wrong and these Cars are only going up in value

[@FireballMullet]

I actually had a 2011 SS, it inspired this build a lot!

[@77kthomas]

@@FireballMullet I’m in the process of trying to purchase a 1986 Z-28 ive had 11 of these cars when I was younger and now I see all the unlimited potential with these cars I want to build one bad. Your build is very inspiring love your content so much great information.

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

Really nice build a really really nice build not bad for 15 grand I did mine for 11....Lovein that Camaro

[@FireballMullet]

Thanks, it really isn’t that bad considering it’s all new. Thanks for watching!

[@TheRealMisterChopShop]

@@FireballMullet I never said that’s a bad price your motor is beautiful I just spent a little bit less but I got a little less quality I know what I was doing mine was more of a budget my kids mother was over my shoulder as I was buying things she wanted me to explain why I wanted a lot of Holly parts when I could get Chinese parts that look almost the same I explained would you Buy a Walmart purse or a Louis Vuitton purse she said OK I understand made it simple.... she said 11,000 for a good motor and your car is not going to break down.... by the way what purse am I getting from Louis Vuitton👀

[@FireballMullet]

@@TheRealMisterChopShop oh I know bud, 11k is a great build level too!

[@todddavis5433]

Beautiful car my man..Did you do all the work yourself??

[@FireballMullet]

Yes I did except welding exhaust... thanks I really appreciate that! This was my first swap btw

[@todddavis5433]

@@FireballMullet awesome job man!!

[@pacolicious]

I'm wondering what if I could turbo the 305 tpi and for the rest stick as much if I can with the original stuff/ upgrade internal component would be a great surprise for everyone and 5 to 600 hp should be possible

[@trentdawg2832]

My wife would kill me if she found out I dumped 15k into a n/a ls swap, sir you are brave, hope you know a good divorce attorney before you put out the boosted cost video. ...lol....j/k I'm sure you wife loves the car as much as you do, I know my wife does , she just won't admit it!!!!.....but I can tell she loves to go for rides in it and soak up all the attention it gets.....

[@markim5087]

15k is crazy, lol…I think I’d go and buy new stuff that people are trying to resale on forums..

[@FireballMullet]

Everybody has different budget and goals…that is the coolest thing, do your thing and be happy with it.

[@trentdawg2832]

How did those borla mufflers turn out, did they work for ya!!!

[@FireballMullet]

I said Borla but it’s the Magnaflow 14” billets ... calmed it down some but still on loud side, it’s almost perfect. I may go Borla XR1s next year and get a little more quiet

[@trentdawg2832]

@@FireballMullet awesome. ...your right it was magna flow mufflers now that I recall

[@FireballMullet]

@@trentdawg2832 thanks for stopping by the channel bud!

[@raulbolanos5023]

What measure Of rin is 🙏

[@sucapizda]

You should switch the roof to a non t top roof.

[@FireballMullet]

I would just buy another car lol

[@snipez8814]

Great vid but y’all stop liking at 69. 😆

[@FireballMullet]

😂 thank you

[@liveleeknoetalltheezy3047]

Horrible advice it does not cost this much for a simple ls swap lots of unnecessary spending

[@jesusdied4oursins814]

How much does a ls1 rebuild cost

[@FireballMullet]

That’s a tough question not knowing what your goals are with it

[@rawdogken6527]

Did u keep the stock rear end or change that out ??

[@FireballMullet]

Kept the 9 bolt but I just got a Strange 60 35 spline rear