$25,000 budget for build what do I do
 

I have a 68 Camaro convertible, car is exceptionally clean, been stored for the better part of 15 years. The car has new top, stock interior with no tears, needs some new interior door panels. Body is rust free, was taken town to sheet metal in 1993, but maybe has 1000 miles on it since then.

I want to make the car a great daily driver, something in the pro touring vein, not auto cross or track time.

I will do an LS conversion, most likely and LS3. Suspension needs to be sorely upgraded, I will most likely put in a mini tub.

So tell me what you think.

An engine swap will cost around $10k give or take, don't let others fool you into thinking you can do it for $500. You can't.

Spend the rest on upper and lower control arms (speedtech has the best bang for the buck) and some decent upgraded brakes (baer has good upgrades without going full out).

Maybe look at a coil-over conversion (ride tech is awesome).

Get some decent new seats and a couple fancy gauges and bingo-bango... Brand new ride!

That should be about $25k if you go middle of the road with everything and do the majority of the work yourself.

Shameless plug:

Feel free to pick up this sweet book... it will help with yoru swap ;)

http://www.amazon.com/Swap-Engines-i.../dp/1613250312

AMEN!! Cuz people who think you can are.... :EmoteClueless:

I planned on 10k for motor, the crate motor is 7k, itself
 

I figure by the time you get the mounts, transmission, fuel tank, harness you are easily plus 10k. I already have converted the brake system, I have Baer 12" brakes all around. I plan to do a fair amount of work myself. The only thing I would not do is embark on a mini tub.

It's not too bad. I did it.

http://gearheaddaily.com/dat-ass-how...-in-your-ride/

Sounds like a car with "Good Bones" and perfect to build into a cruiser. I think you are on the right path for the most part. I would build and price it out on paper a few different ways. There are plenty of base line Pro Touring suspension setups that would make for a pleasant ride. The main thing is that you will have to do most if not all the work your self. Maximize the budget kind of thing.

If it where me.....I'd pass on the mini-tubs at this stage. It's an expense that doesn't get you a lot and will only add more expense to your upgrade list.

I wouldn't do an crate LS3 either. I would look for a low mileage dropout and go that route. I have an L76 for example. We added a different cam and a few upgraded parts and came out way ahead $$ wise. Keep in mind the other items you will need when you make the LS swap such as the harness, computer, pedal, fuel system and transmission. I'm sure you are already on this and I don't intend to sound like I am talking down to you. Just making sure is all.

Suspension...Lot of great options out there. The few cars I have driven with the Hotchkis TVS setup under them are really nice handling improvement. Add the Speedtech Spindles and upper control arms along with a set of Bilstein shocks and you've got a sweet ride. I'd also look into upgrading the steering box if the budget allows.

Let's be honest. You're going to want a brake kit. :lol: I see some very nice setups on here all the time. I'd watch for a deal and go that route. Might want to up your odds and look on some of the other PT sites and the Corvette forums. Those Corvette guys sell of some sweet stock stuff for dirt cheap every now and then.

Interior wise...again, look for a deal on some gauges. Those always seem to be listed here. When it comes to seats, I'd recover/refurbish/upgrade the stock ones with a kit from TMI. It's a Vert, so go with something simple, clean and comfortable.

Not sure how all that would add up $$ wise, but you could pick and choose for now. Perhaps do the LS swap last if needed. One thing is for sure. Have a plan and have ALL the parts on hand before you take the car apart. It will make the experience a lot more enjoyable. Oh an keep in mind that these cars are never really done.

Enjoy! :captain:

I will tell you like I tell anyone who asks this question, spend time reading and researching the great vendors we have here on Lat-G as well as Pro-Touring.com. Look at all their products and decide what works best for what you want to achieve with your car. I spent the better part of a year just reading and researching parts before I purchased anything. The more you know the better the project will turn out.

Personally, I would concentrate on the suspension, brakes and wheel/tires. With the popularity of LS swaps there are some really good deals on early SBC/BBC engines left behind. I would back the engine with a good over drive transmission either auto or manual depending on your preference.

Take a look at the Ridetech 48 Hour Camaro. It will give you a good idea of what is possible with all bolt on suspension parts.

http://www.ridetech.com/garage/new-48-hour-camaro/

One path to a happy hotrod...http://www.ridetech.com/store/streetgrip

Next, seats, steering box, front disc brakes, steering wheel, wheels/tires.

I love the ls engine and have several, but power is power and my small block cars run just fine as well.

#1 Don't get caught up gotta have the best hype.

1st determine honestly how you intend to use the car. For most you don't really need the full aftermarket suspension setups.

A Simple Hotchkis TVS upgrade with the right shocks, good tire selection and a good brake combo can make your car handle great at a fraction of the cost. The Ridetech Streetgrip is also an excellent choice.

Tubbing is great but you'll spend $5-6k for wheels and tires. Without tubs you can run 275s

Overdrive tranny IMO is a must. I love LS engines. A swap will cost you $10k to do it right. If you have good small block or big block maybe keep it and add EFI. Or like others gave suggested pick up a good motor from a guy doing a swap. I see guys all the time selling $10k engines for $2-3k because they are going LS.

Interior upgrades to the seats from TMI or maybe some Procars. AC and nice sound system will finish the build

Thanks for the replies all, sound advice
 

I currently have the Hotchkis rear lowering leafs and front lowering springs, not a fan of the ride quality. I am more inclined to move to a better suspension set up.

I don't think I will tub the car, tubs while cool are an added significant expense. I have 17x8 Billet Specialties all around, 245s front, 275s rear. I could keep the same set up.

I have power discs all around, 12" baer.

I have done lots of studying on multiple suspension systems, Ridetech, Speedtech seem to be a great value, 5k would get me pretty far down the road on the front and rear suspension.

Agree, on seats, stereo and replacement A/C.


I really like the LS idea for reliabiliy, etc. On Jegs right now you can buy the LS3 with all accessories and transmission for 11k and get a 500 rebate.

I realize that the LS comes with a host of peripheral parts - fuel tank, radiator, mounts, oil pan, transmission cross member, drive shaft.

Any thoughts on a big block, that would be kind of fun without all the peripheral issues.