Thread: Camaro Top Swap?

Ok, so I want to start off by stating my reasoning for thinking about attempting this is solely to gain more room for a turbocharger, not for direct performance gains from the intake. I have never heard of anyone trying this, so I figured I'd start a discussion. Routing the intake and inter-cooler should be greatly simplified with this swap as far as I can see.

However, the intake runners seem more "shaped" and shorter (mimicking the HV3 insert), so would it provide any gain (or loss)?

From what I can tell, you'll need the

1. camaro belt tensioner or the 97-98/buick lessabre etc.
2. lessabre belt
3. camaro icm mount (rear of engine)
4. camaro upper and lower intake manifold and gaskets
5. either delete or route long egr
6. custom air intake
7. route throttle cable or maybe longer one
8. custom long radiator hose

Has anyone ever tried this? Or is there any specific reason it can't be done?

Interesting! Thanks Scotty. I might be trying this eventually then and making a write up! Going to the junk yard this weekend to do a test fit to see what all would be needed. I'll post with some fun pics!

if you want to make it work for a turbo, you will have to move the battery and probably the fuse box

Good to I know! Iactually have 0 gauge positive and negative to the trunk for this very reason! Sure glad I did that now... might be able to have enough clearance if I move the fuse box to where the battery used to be. Plenty of options there though.

Thanks for the help! If anyone has any more suggestions, please let me know!

Idk. I'm new so you're probably right, but I wouldn't have to put the turbo on top of the pcm (or worry about moving it), and routing the exhaust would be a much easier process from what it looks like.

Does anyone know about any performance gains to this? I know the runners are a bit more shaped than ours, maybe that helps velocity?

Any negative reasons not to other than it's going to be hard?

Good to know. Sounds like I'd be better off just running as is. I've currently got the L26 uim so I should be fine with the hv3 insert. Now there's just the transmission, programming nightmare, and money to worry about... and the underlying connecting rods....

A little scared since I just rebuilt this engine because the other one threw two rods. Still kicking myself for not upgrading them on this engine.

So the flywheel is a weak point? Currently saving up for transmission...