Best engine for 1992 camaro?

Question

I just bought a 1992 camaro RS V6 for $400. What engine would be the best engine if I were to do an engine swap? Would I have to change the transmission too?

Answer 1

Best bang for your buck: Build a 350.

Wanna spend a little extra on it? Put GM Vortec heads on it for a little extra flow / HP

Wanna spend a little more? Build a 383 stroker (Stroke a 350).

Put Aluminum heads on it if you have the extra $$

Answer 2

Well 2 things you need to think about.



1) Whats your emissions std in your county/state? You MAY not be able to swap in anything other than a 1992 or newer factory installed engine. If no emissions test where you are then your free to put just about anything in there.



2) Whats your budget? I would love to tell you build an all forged 454 with twin T4 turbos, etc etc but a $25,000 engine may just be alittle too far out of your range.



Yes any V8 you put in it, you will have to change the transmission, engine mounts, cooling system and exhaust



It's hard to beat a 350 small block. You can build/buy 350's from 150 HP to 500+ HP. Pretty cheap and easy to get 300-400 HP out of a mild 350 engine

Answer 3

Check car_part.com for used engines in your area. This tells the price at all the locations, but doesn't include shipping. If you want to try to change the engine yourself, be prepared. Use a service manual. Most pros use ALL DATA(online service manual). This will give you most of the information that you need, but most mechanics will give you help along the way just for asking. You will also need to purchase some tools. These will be lifelong friends for any car. They can reduce the cost of ownersip. The state that you live in has a lot to do with what you can use. If it were me, i'd use an old ls6 454 (carb) (one wire HEI) (no EPA) (you would have to muscle up the front suspension and radiator) and a MUNCIE rock crusher for a tranny(that would include putting the pedals in from junkyard parts). That means changing the rear alxe(winter quick change are good) too. This body would "flex" using this power train as do most uni-body cars. for 400 you got a great deal. If you just want a factory engine that fits and hooks up to your wiring harness and conforms to the EPA standards for that year, you can check out car-part. more than likely a vortec 4.3L will fit, but if you want to change to a v8 you will also have to change the ECM.

Answer 4

I say get a 350 block to start out. Go wit some gm vortec heads of like a tahoe. If your money is right then you wanna look at going up to a 383 maybe 389 (350s bored over). A 700 trans is always good. Wit this type of power make sure your rear end is up to par 3:73 gears or better.

Answer 5

The best engine to drop in there would be an ls1 from a late 90's early 00's corvette and camaro you would be able to find one on Craigslist for a couple of thousand bucks and you need a T-56 if you want a six speed tranny or a 4L60e tranny if you want an automatic.

Answer 6

I agree with everyone else with the generic "350" answer but it's going to depend on your overall power goals and most importantly your budget.