Which way to start?

[John_H]

I was thinking about getting the new Camaro and replacing the engine with the LS7. Originally, I figured on getting an SS and building off of that. But then I started thinking that maybe it would be better to start with the V6 model and replace the entire powertrain, suspension, brakes, and tires.

Oh, and I was curious as to how drivable your 630hp LS7 is for a daily driver.

[sizzox]

I was thinking about getting the new Camaro and replacing the engine with the LS7. Originally, I figured on getting an SS and building off of that. But then I started thinking that maybe it would be better to start with the V6 model and replace the entire powertrain, suspension, brakes, and tires.

Oh, and I was curious as to how drivable your 630hp LS7 is for a daily driver.

I have a Camaro SS on order and think your best bet would be to go with the SS because of the Brembo brakes already on it, better wheels, and tires, then you could sell the LS3 and get some of that money back and it wouldn't be that bad of a deal.

[John_H]

Yeah, it wouldn't be too bad. A new crate ls3 is about $6100. I bet I could sell the one out of the Camaro for about $5k. Then it probably wouldn't be too hard to drop in the LS7 with long-tubes and its done. I could have a car that would destroy any GT500 I'd come across for $5k less than the GT500.

But let's say I have a budget of $60,000 for a car + mods. Well, a base Camaro is $23k. Maybe you could get $5k for the parts you'd replace. So now you have $43k (vs. $33k if you start w/ a SS) in mods. You could make one extremely impressive car.

Anyway, I was just curious as to what the guys at LPE thought about such a project.

[sizzox]

Thats pretty far out of my range I would say 40k at the very most for me ontop of my SS.

LPE would prob look more towards the LS9 because I believe the LS7 is on its way out the door.

[Merlinzero]

If you go for the LS7 from an SS stand point it will be functionally easier. the transmission is interchangable (well with the LS3, not the L99). Also your mounting points wont change as drastically.

The things you will need to look at either way are the oil system (dry vs. wet sump) Also. If you choose to work from the LT V6 platform the fuel system will need to be doctored.

[dallasstx]

My recommendation is to go with a LS3 based Camaro SS and let Lingenfelter upgrade it to a LS7.... and sell the LS3 to me.

[firestorm]

start with a v6???
go middle and get an automatic then and the l99