V6 to V8 Camaro Swap Cost Breakdown: How Much I REALLY Spent!

In this revealing video, I'm pulling back the curtain on the true cost of my V6 to V8 Camaro swap project. If you've ever wondered what it takes to upgrade your Camaro's engine, you won't want to miss this detailed breakdown. From parts and labor to unexpected expenses, I'm sharing the nitty-gritty details so you can plan your own Camaro transformation more accurately. Join me as I lay it all out on the table, providing valuable insights into the financial side of a major automotive upgrade. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more valuable content like this! 💰🚗💨

[@CraigK5thGen]

Big ups for the effort and success in pulling this off! That said, probably never going to be able to get the $ back out of it by selling it so I hope you truly enjoy it!

[@connormckenzie5648]

It’s about the smiles per miles 😏

[@billybobbob3003]

@@connormckenzie5648 IT COSTED ALOT! LOL

[@neurosis333]

It must have been an education mod@@billybobbob3003

[@justinmuscle]

And still cheaper than a used ss this is a great idea especially if you are mechanically inclined

[@connormckenzie5648]

It was the most fun project I have ever done in my life!

[@about823jews]

I can get a used ss for 13-22k depending on miles. There's one for 15k with upgrades and it's a 2ss rs model with only 68k miles lol. Idk how this build was cheaper than a ss. Also most 2ss in my area come already slightly upgraded. One has a zl1 OEM body kit and blower for only 22k it's crazy.

[@AARSB1]

Lotta critics out there great job, great effort great finish how many people can say they can do that and actually finish it and drive down the road. It’s not about the money its about building your own rod and driving it. Cheers man.

[@connormckenzie5648]

I’m happy someone out there gets it 🤝

[@ToxicGlitch]

Bro just gave me hope 😆 🤣 definitely following after this

[@connormckenzie5648]

You got this!

[@TruckandTravel]

Nice break down. After all that work and money, would you go this route again or just buy a V8 Camaro? The dash wiring harness sounds like a nightmare. Good job with the car 👍

[@connormckenzie5648]

Oh, I'd totally do it all over again! The satisfaction and the know-how I gained from this project totally beat dealing with that crazy dash wiring. Don't get me wrong, pulling a V8 Camaro off the lot would be sweet, but this was a ride worth every wrench turn.

[@RichardBerry-f9k]

Awesome break down!

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you very much

[@XxXNyMpHoXxX]

Think it would have been cheaper to get an SS from the getgo and avoid building this off a v6 base. nonethless, great job on your build.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you, it was fun project for sure

[@VincentFisher-e8b]

I 'm thinking about about doing the same thing you did only exception i want to go with a 5.3 since they're more plentiful and cheap and make good horsepower if you throw the right go fast parts at them .Another added bonus is V6 camaros are pretty cheap to get . Also 5.3s burn regular fuel .

[@connormckenzie5648]

I want to cummins swap a camaro

[@wigletron2846]

​@@connormckenzie5648it's been done. There's videos on youtube.

[@1969camaro]

I mean being a Camaro guy myself I find it fun to make something the impossible to possible is always be positive on every time you create or build something doesn’t matter how much money you got in the car it’s about how you built it and you did it on your own yes you can buy an SS Camaro today for probably around 10 to 15 K depending on mileage and condition but otherwise I think you broke even and it is a good looking Camaro good job🤙🏻🤙🏻 it’s a win-win and trophy for you bud

[@connormckenzie5648]

I could not have said that any better. Thank you.

[@nickolaskitterman2089]

i got a 2014 and i really wanna do something with it

[@2urbocharger]

There’s always hope. Do a 6th gen next.

[@sebbonxxsebbon6824]

If you were going to build a car it makes sense to start with a V-6 model. If you want almost stock then start with a V-8.

[@connormckenzie5648]

yeah I agree

[@cali_scruff1697]

Very impressive

[@connormckenzie5648]

I thought you said very impulsive and I’m like, yeah it was. But yes, I’m impressed with myself too on this one

[@bgthemighty6714]

The simple beauty of pulling off a complete engine and transmission swap but doesn’t know what the brake booster vacuum hose does. Priceless.

[@connormckenzie5648]

That’s what it’s called?!?!!!!

[@jasonrios1324]

Gotta learn somehow. At least he did it!

[@Camsheguycoca21]

First guys I’ve seen that’s done it without having to do alot more than you had to do definitely love this and wanna do this would love to chat a little more if possible

[@connormckenzie5648]

I definitely could have don’t it for around 5 grand but I wanted to replace old parts with new ones and I made a lot of mistakes. But in the end I could not be more happy.

[@brysc.062_5]

If you can go down the list rq of how to install it would help a lot

[@connormckenzie5648]

This is a great idea. I’ve been struggling to come up with video ideas that I can afford

[@brysc.062_5]

@@connormckenzie5648 my 3.6 just went in my 2011 Camaro Me and my dad would appreciate it 💪🏽

[@connormckenzie5648]

message me on insta @Connor.Michael.McKenzie I don't get the notification when someone replies to a comment and can take some time to get to.

[@superiorpickle2776]

So did the trans lines all bolt right up

[@IISimpleII]

You should get the SS grill with the envelope slot

[@connormckenzie5648]

I was thinking about that.

[@bignip2000]

Naw, leave it a sleeper. 😂😂😂​@@connormckenzie5648

[@connormckenzie5648]

Bout to throw some i4 Turbo badges on it. Really confuse some people.

[@IISimpleII]

@@connormckenzie5648 sleeper

[@jeffreyveilleux1737]

The insurance company won't know its a V8.

[@connormckenzie5648]

I’m still unsure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing

[@TheirizarryfamilyGaming]

Spent alot could’ve got a v8 and sold the 6 but if you got low miles for sure it’s worth it

[@connormckenzie5648]

The V6 engine blew so the car wasn’t worth that much and I found the LS3 and trans together with 32k miles

[@TheirizarryfamilyGaming]

@@connormckenzie5648 oh yea 32 yeah for sure worth it

[@ethanbrown8261]

So technically would this be a good guide for if I wanted to v8 swap a 7th gen into a 2.0?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Im honestly not sure. I was lucky because 5th gen v6 and v8 camaros with no engine are basically the same down to the engine mounts. Im not sure if that's the case on the newer gens.

[@about823jews]

​@@connormckenzie5648wait so putting in a V8 into your v6 chassis is just a bolt on process you're saying?

[@emmanueltonche6579]

hey man i was curious about the vin matching for the ecm tcm and bcm did you just flash a matching vin for all 3 parts I am mainly asking because Powertrain Swaps Solutions now makes a 10 speed swap kit and just like the 5th Gen Camaro it needs to match the cars existing vin as a requirement for everything to work wanna do something similar to my v6

[@connormckenzie5648]

I had a donor car to swap out all of the computers but when that didnt work I used HP Tuners to deleted the VATS which solved my mismatching vin situation.

[@JonOffgrid]

👍😎 yeA it's hi for parts I doing a k3500;

[@connormckenzie5648]

You better post a video about it

[@Looney_Tuneznell]

I’m a little confused did this whole process cost the same as a used 2013 ss camaro

[@Looney_Tuneznell]

But I appreciate you bro for keeping the real car enthusiasts alive great job bro

[@connormckenzie5648]

Yes

[@teamanomalous6037]

Did everything in the dash work fine like factory after swapping to the v8 harnesses and bcm ?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Yes, windows, steering wheel controls, radio, blinkers, everything works. I do have a code saying sunroof not detected but my car doesnt have a sunroof. So im not concerned.

[@teamanomalous6037]

@@connormckenzie5648 that’s awesome to hear, I know a lot of people on the forums main downsides where about not being able to have the interior working after a V6 to V8 swap. Glad to see there’s more swaps going on with success on getting everything working.

[@connormckenzie5648]

I swapped all the electronics from the donor car so I would have a working interior. Only problem is it says it cant detect sunroof but my car doesn't have a sunroof.

[@Snead1k]

Nice swap! I’m looking to swap my 2016 Camaro soon😁 any suggestions?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Get ready to spend more money than your planning to spend. Also make a video about it to help other people!

[@Snead1k]

@@connormckenzie5648 that’s the plan! And I don’t mind spending the money for it, I’d rather build a beast than to buy one. More sentimental value that way

[@connormckenzie5648]

Im happy you get it

[@Drvm614]

It's the cost of the car included in the breakdown?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Nope, just the swap

[@Performance_Motorsports]

Like to gain your help to Swap V6 in my GMC V6 LFX to same type motor you have in Maro

[@connormckenzie5648]

I would love to help. DM me on insta @connor.michael.mckenzie

[@123isaacg]

nice! was expecting it to cost a little more

[@connormckenzie5648]

Once I sell all the old parts I am going to make another video. Hoping to sell $4,000+ in parts

[@ralphcampa5237]

I’m getting a 5.3 LS and I want a Camaro but just wanted to ask. If I get a V6 Camaro would that transmission on it already be able to fit the LS I want to put in it?

[@PREZ_4]

Going to have to get another transmission. I’m doing the same exact thing with the same exact engine for my Camaro

[@connormckenzie5648]

I don’t think so but I have no clue

[@ChuckyBipolar]

How long did the swap take?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Like 23 months but it was mainly just waiting for parts to arrive

[@alale923]

I know nothing of properly doing an ls swap but couldnt you just swap in a truck LS for like $2k? I know u prolly wanted to go all out getting an ss but couldnt a super budget swap have gone this route?

[@connormckenzie5648]

I barley know anything about ls swapping if im being honest. But by swapping an ls from a Camaro you get the aluminum block and a low profile oil pan so it fits. besides that the engine is the same and you can definitely just throw on a low profile oil pan on an ls truck engine and throw that in the Camaro.

[@JohnsonJohnson-ke6ve]

How much would charge do somethin like this?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Like just labor wise probably around 5-6k

[@XF4-b7r]

7k ?

[@baconslaughter127]

Hey question love the swap how doable do you think it is to do a full zl1 swap to a 5th gen v6 if you have a donor car with everything?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Definitely doable. Its the same as a regular V8 engine swap except for the fact the rear dif on a ZL1 has coolant lines running to them. I would definitely use the ZL1 axles as I don't think the v6 ones would last very long with 580 HP going through them.

[@healthycigarettes5088]

If can find a low mileage, intact but totaled ZL1, The ZL1 parts should simply bolt on the V6 chassis. @@connormckenzie5648

[@connormckenzie5648]

I haven't done any research on it but if v6's and v8's have the same chassis I cant imagine a zl1 having a different chassis.

[@joshstaley7459]

why did you need to swap the inside wiring harness?

[@connormckenzie5648]

I went from an auto trans to a manual. So when I installed the clutch pedal it needed to connect to the dash harness and the auto dash harness does not have that plug on it.

[@Wildanimal864.]

Could have bought a used SS for that.

[@connormckenzie5648]

You are about the 20th comment about this. Which makes me realize how many people just don’t get it. It’s okay but not everything is about money. Sorry you think that way 😔

[@jackiegregory6167]

U could have just bought a ss for same money but good job

[@connormckenzie5648]

True

[@ernestomcgrew8246]

Not goin to lie I’d sell the car for $7000 and get a new v8. If it were $15,000 cheaper I’d consider the engine swap lol

[@connormckenzie5648]

I get that, the final product of having a V8 is really cool but the process of getting there was so much fun. Nothing was better than having some friends over, drinking beer and working on a car.

[@Chewie374]

Dude. Should have bought a used motor. Gen 6 engine and transmission for 5k. You should have bought just a real SS for 12k

[@connormckenzie5648]

I did buy a used motor. But buying a used ss isn’t exactly riveting content. Sorry to disappoint but the memories I have from this project will last forever

[@Chewie374]

@@connormckenzie5648 you didn't disappoint. It's the experience that count. Right on. Are u planning on doing another swap?

[@ThaG001]

Could have sold the car and bought factory V8 Camaro 🤣

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thats so boring

[@healthycigarettes5088]

So the options are: trade in the v6 camaro for a SS with more than 120000 miles for 15 grand OR get a intact but wrecked 2010 or newer low mileage SS which might cost the same 15 grand and strip both cars to the shell and install the SS into a V6 shell.

[@connormckenzie5648]

When you put it that way it seems like a waste of time. But I couldn't let an opportunity to V8 swap a car go to waste.

[@healthycigarettes5088]

One side note is this type of swap will never be legal in California.

[@othawilliams6449]

Bro u crazy😭😭😭

[@connormckenzie5648]

Just wait until I turn a camaro into a mid engine car.

[@traynice9633]

You could of got a C6 corvette for the same price and engine

[@connormckenzie5648]

Whats the fun in that

[@LueyVon]

Where did you get 5 quarts for $25😂

[@connormckenzie5648]

AutoZone

[@MoisesAguirre-uv4oy]

Still cheaper than an SS tho

[@connormckenzie5648]

just barley!

[@kylelucas2203]

“Costed”

[@connormckenzie5648]

I’m illiterate

[@monicarothbeck7393]

Ouch! your better off buying a BRAND NEW CAR.

[@connormckenzie5648]

There is something about building your own car that's just better than a dealership.

[@CarGod]

It would have cost less to just go buy a V8 Camaro lol

[@connormckenzie5648]

Its about the journey, not the destination.

[@FLYEAGLESFL]

Why not just buy another car

[@connormckenzie5648]

Would you have watched a video of me buying a $20k car?

[@theballintruth3369]

Why not just buy one with a v8

[@connormckenzie5648]

Buying a V8 Camaro doesn't teach you everything that I learned from doing the swap. Next project is to make a mid engine Camaro

[@LegendaryBurnout]

Because if insurance ask, it’s still a v6👀😂

[@connormckenzie5648]

:)

[@drufetti510]

Wondering if I can do this ls3 swap in a g8

[@connormckenzie5648]

From what I understand you can LS swap anything. It would be extremely hard to get the oem electronics to work. Easiest method would be to have a stand alone

[@trillvarr]

Bro scammed his self literally 😂 but if you got I guess it’s not a problem huh

[@connormckenzie5648]

Learned something useful, the end product was cool and didnt drop a bag going to college. Worth it

[@datz_nice_805]

Might as well just buy use v8 lol

[@connormckenzie5648]

That wouldn't make for a good video tho!

[@datz_nice_805]

I appreciate the video cuz now people know

[@connormckenzie5648]

Agreed