When it was purchased prior owner plasti-dipped a really crappy skunk stripe on the hood, we were able to get it off but that was a nightmare. Never were able to fully get the remains off the bumper cover though.

But future plans for this car will be a new paint job anyways. She has her eyes on that purple color GM offered for the 97 model year.



You have to click the picture for the video to play. This was the first day the z28 was running again. It has since been used as a every day car for my girlfriend and she loves it!

 

z28 a/c vacuumed down and held for around 3 hours



Charged and blowing around 42 degrees

 

Had one major glitch when I did the conversion. At some point I jacked trans up to much and must have pressed the oil pan into the steering rack. This caused a very loud knocking noise. Luckily I was able to get pan off by not removing engine.



You can see where the crank was hitting the oil pan



relieved however to find the bottom end of this LT1 to be spotless

 

LT1 complete and every possible thing hooked up in my camaro. You can not tell that it didn't come from factory with a V8.

 

This was first day my camaro has run since the v-8 swap. Keep in mind prior owner said motor over heats really bad (all it was, was a missing air dam and upper radiator plastic cover and thermostat) Shop told him car needs new engine! I have since put about 2,000 miles on my camaro since the swap with no cooling issues.



Here is how my camaro looked after interior was all put in, and cleaned up.

 

all cleaned up

 

It looks like this took a very long time to do due to my slow posting, however both cars were converted and on the road in about 4 weeks.

I love the power of the LT1 and it easily out performs the 3.8 in every imaginable way. The z28 suspension while considerably rougher riding handles much better then when my car was a v6.

For any of those v6 guys that say they stay with a LT1, well you are on the dillusional side. We have done spirited driving with both cars. Her trying to pass and me simply mashing the gas and leaving her. From a dead stop the LT1 doesn't even have to work to beat her car.

I only miss the v6 for gas mileage, but I also have a 97 v-6 firebird with a 5 speed that I use everyday for commuter car and gas mileage. So that isn't a concern.

The v6 couldn't even break the 17x11 rear tires loose when power breaking, the LT1 will spin the hell out of them just mashing the gas pedal from dead stop.

For anyone doing a V8 conversion, if at all possible BUY A DONOR CAR! there is plenty different that can quickly empty your wallet on unforseen parts. There are dash wiring and main underhood wiring differences, as well as underhood fuse box differences.