Hot Rod Garage: Low Buck LS-Swapped '79 Camaro

[kevm14]

Another Sloppy example:
http://worcester.craigslist.org/cto/5449211782.html

$2,200 for the same stuff I mentioned before. Low mile engine and trans. But 2004 may be the weaker rods. Still should hold 600 rwhp.

[kevm14]

Damn, an AWD one even:
http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/5449076267.html

Convert your hotrod to AWD! $2,500. Not sure if this is an LQ4 + 4L80E. May be an LM7 + 4L60E. I am not sure they really did a 2500 in AWD. I would think not.

Vans are the ticket either way, though.

[kevm14]

Rockauto says the 2500 could be the 5.3L and 4L60E. And that the LQ4 is also available with AWD. If I believe what I am seeing. I would make a bet that the 4L80E and AWD were not available together.

Also, the 3500 is the only way to guarantee the LQ4 and 4L80E when searching.

[kevm14]

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/5446651537.html

Keep in mind I haven't even found a wrecked one yet.

[Adam]

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/5446651537.html

Keep in mind I haven't even found a wrecked one yet.

A van in Milwaukee isn't a pulled out swap engine in LA.

Also, the electronic transmission from a van doesn't come with the shift kit pre-installed for $0.

All said and done it looks like you may be able to get a better engine and trans for a few hundred more dollars, but need to do extra work like pulling it out of a donor vehicle and installing a shift kit, which are high labor jobs. Especially when the labor includes a couple of guys and a camera crew. Not to mention getting the thing to your shop.

Not sure how well HRG plans out their projects, but it probably went like this:
"Hey, lets put an LS engine in something"
"I found a '79 Camaro"
"Quick, we need an LS truck engine tomorrow"
"The yard down the street has one ready to go for just under $1200"
"Sold!"

I still don't see a way to get a pulled swap engine in your shop ready to drop in for $1200.

[kevm14]

I still don't see a way to get a pulled swap engine in your shop ready to drop in for $1200.

I found them complete for $800 on Car-part.com. Takes some digging. This wasn't exhaustive either.

[Adam]

I still don't see a way to get a pulled swap engine in your shop ready to drop in for $1200.

I found them complete for $800 on Car-part.com. Takes some digging. This wasn't exhaustive either.

Reading comprehension fail.

[kevm14]

So I'm supposed to find their zipcode or otherwise believe that there is a $400 premium on complete LM7s in their part of CA?

[Adam]

So I'm supposed to find their zipcode or otherwise believe that there is a $400 premium on complete LM7s in their part of CA?

Maybe? It may have been a convenience thing. It's not like it is their money.

The important part of this build is listing all the other things they have to buy to get it running.

[kevm14]

So I'm supposed to find their zipcode or otherwise believe that there is a $400 premium on complete LM7s in their part of CA?

Maybe? It may have been a convenience thing. It's not like it is their money.

The important part of this build is listing all the other things they have to buy to get it running.

It's not that I'm concerned over their money. I'm concerned about someone glancing casually at this list and being like "this is how much stuff costs." You could argue that if they do no independent research, then shame on them. But still, this video was supposed to be informative.