I'm not sure why I haven't came here yet but I need some help deciding on an engine and whatnot to swap into my 98. It's the base model 3.8l with a manual. Everybody tells me to get rid of it and buy a Z28, which I get. But I was 18 and it's what made me a Camaro owner, ya know? 😂 Anyway she's been sitting for 3 years and it's time to get her going again. I don't have a set hp I want or anything but I want a V8 and a 6 speed and honestly can't decide between a super charger or turbo. Nothing insane but definitely a big upgrade. Any and all criticism and help is very appreciated!

 

Find a wrecked 98-02 Camaro or Firebird, with an intact front end. Drop the K-member, with LS1 engine, harness, PCM, T56 trans, and the proper V8 suspension out of the wreck. Raise the front of your 98, drop the corresponding parts out the bottom, roll the assembly out of the way. Roll the V8 assembly under the nose of your car, drop the nose on it, bolt it up, wire it up.

If you are looking for a significant HP gain, in excess of a stock LS1, heads, cam, intake, exhaust, larger injectors, a good tune, and a few other parts can get you 400+ to 550+ HP at the flywheel. If that’s not enough, then think S/C or turbo. Get all that work done while the LS1 engine is out of the car.

Alternatively, consider an LS3, as in this thread:

https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/ls1...-build-887585/

All comes down to how much HP you want, and how much you can get for your budget.