5thGen

This is all hypothetical, since I'm broke ATM, but if things turn around I figured this would be a pretty inexpensve build.

I would like to start with an aluminum block 4.8 or 5.3 short block, add some performance heads and intake, mild cam, intake and exhaust, bolt it to a 6 speed and put it in a 85 berlinetta hard top, lower it and tuck some new 18 inch steelies from the 2010 Base Camaro. Perhaps even mini-tub it. Top it off with some racing seats and a few custom accents on the interior, it'd be a nice cruiser and get pretty decent mileage, as long as the cam and heads weren't too wild. Even the 3.6L and 6 speed manual from the Base 2010 would be a cool swap, but that engine will still be pretty expensive for a while even from wrecked cars.

My question is, is there a tubular K-member to swap in the LS engines into the 3rd gen Camaros? Will the 6 speed from the 4th gen fit?

Marc 85Z28

Yes, and yes.

No such thing as an aluminum block 4.8, and an aluminum block 5.3 is extremely rare - SSR sourced only. Just swap in an LS1.

An LS1 swap with mini-tubs and modern 18" wheels in by no means going to be an inexpensive build.

5thGen

Well some of the 4.8s and 5.3s found in trucks came in Aluminum blocks, and yes they are rare.

My local Yard had one for 480 bucks. The 6 speed will cost more than the engine. The mini-tubs I would do myself, as well as the interior and body work. Why bother "just swap in an LS1" when you plan on swapping the heads intake and cam anyway? The short blocks are nearly identical except few cubes smaller, and since I'm not going for 500 hp, that's fine. The 18's I want to get from a 2010 base Camaro.

Not everyone has to just write a check and drop it off at a shop to get the car they want.

Marc 85Z28

Doubled checked what I said earlier, again no such thing as an aluminum 4.8. The aluminum 5.3 was used in the SSR and TrailBlazer along with its variants. VERY few made.