The best set of headers you could buy for the best value I think is hands down Dynatech Musclemaxx headers for the first gen camaros with an ls1..... they are beautiful 1 7/8 headers with a nice 4 bolt dome style collector (3inch) and come with stainless stubs to weld to your exhaust, header bolts, and mls gaskets. The only drawback is you have to make a custom coil pack wire with, say, msd wire and plug ends due to the routing of cylinder 3 exhaust tube around the stock steering box. BUT they clear VERY NICELY, are ceramic coated, and have the best price out there.
I sell a ton of these and I would highly recommend them to you.
As far as engine pricing, I find that it doesnt vary toooo much from source to source, unless you walk up to a dealership that doesn't really move a bunch of motors from GMP. For me, (if i'm buying new crate engines) I would take into consideration shipping etc over a slightly cheaper price...... A motor that is 200 bucks cheaper but all the way across the country will end up being more expensive in freight!
I have dealt with cleveland pick a part, along with a couple other yards for used motors, and I trust them 100%. You definately get a good motor from them.
To put that motor in with a 6 speed, you will need motor/trans mounts.... something like the ATS (american touring specialties) aluminum adapter plates for the motor. They put an ls motor in wherever a small block chevy was. I believe they still have t56 crossmembers too.....
ECU/Pedal/harness/etc MAY come in a controller package depending on what you buy. Mast motorsports is one setup, although pricier, that comes tuned with a standalone harness, pedal, o2 sensors, air filter, ecu, etc to get you up and running. GM Performance parts has a nice package available for a good price to get the ls3 up and running, and if your not going to tinker with tuning and modifying the motor too much its a great way to go. I would lean to something like the mast system if you really want to tweak the motor. But if you are buying a crate motor, see if you can work a deal for the controller too!
Or if your buying used from a place like cleveland pick a part, chances are you will get an ecu and harness. Then you can send it away to someone like Hotwire auto, Speartech, etc etc and get your harness reworked (or buy a new one from them) and get your ecu unlocked/tuned etc.
You may want to consider a fuel tank/fuel pump combo like Ricks Stainless, or you can get oem style stamped tanks with in tank pumps from companies like SPI (Canadian made) that wont break the bank as much. Also a rad/electric fan combo is nice too. Alot of efi harnesses (aftermarket) come with fan relays and fuel pump relays built in.
What else...... theres more but thats a good start. I am only mentioning companies to help out and answer the question, I tried to mention as many as I can that support the forum, if I made a mistake Im sorry! Just trying to help! There are a bunch of supporting vendors that retail all these items your looking for.... I have been meaning to become a supporting vendor too since I keep talking about my shop! But Im probably a ways away from you , so someone should post that can help you out better!
Cheers!
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