LS-Swapped Survivor: 1980 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
These days, swapping a GM LS engine into an older vehicle is all the rage. While dropping the modern powerplant into an older vehicle has its critics, one can’t argue the performance and practicality of the swap. This 1980 Chevrolet Camaro, found here on eBay, is one such vehicle that has been updated with modern goodies.
The listing states that this Camaro has a 6.0 liter LS2 dropped in between the fenders. While the 6.0 liter would certainly have much more power than the original small block, performance on this one has even been taken a little further. An upgraded camshaft and a set of headers have been added to help the all-aluminum engine breathe a little better. The LS is backed up by a TKO600 five-speed manual transmission and a 12 bolt rear end that is said to be bulletproof. This Z28 seems to be done right and would certainly be fun to drive!
This Camaro is listed as a true survivor with mostly original paint. From all appearances, it does look like it’s been well taken care of. Unfortunately, there are no interior pictures besides this one of the odometer. Having a better look at the interior would help to know if the low mileage seems correct. While it’s said to have clocked 42,855 miles, the odometer picture must have been taken prior and appears to have close to 39k. If it truly has that low of miles, it would be nice if the original numbers matching drivetrain could be included upon purchase.
I’ve always been a sucker for the graphics on these late second-generation Camaros and this one looks particularly unique. The black (or dark navy blue?) paint looks great with the variation of blues incorporated in the decals. It’s easy to visualize this one prowling around at night, especially being backed up with the modern powerplant. With a current bid of $6,100 the reserve not yet met, what might it take to become the new owner?
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Comments
Don’t know what the reserve is, but I’ll bet it’s way lower than that 7 mile ‘78 Corvette. I would drive the wheels off of this…
I’m as tired of “survivor” as I am of “patina.” A “true survivor” would not have a non-original engine.
Having said that, it’s now undoubtedly a vastly better car than it was when it was new.
I get it, those terms can get overused. But I do think that terms like “true survivor’ and “completely original” are very different descriptions. Survivor is more of a loose term that is subjective, while original indicates authenticity and is much more objective. Outside of the drivetrain, this car is very much a survivor since many like it did not survive at all. It’s in no way an original car, though. I titled it, LS-Swapped Survivor, simply for attention’s sake, but not intending to claim that it’s something that it’s not. I definitely agree with you that it is now a vastly better car than when it left the assembly line. Thanks for reading and for your thoughts here!
Great swap, fun car and 25mpg on the highway!
This is as sweet as pink Valentine’s Day punch! My only wish is that they would have left the 85 mile per hour speedometer in there, just to watch it get buried in like 8 seconds.
It IS an 85mph speedometer! The white numbers are kilometers
Good catch. Canadian car. Thumbs up! Wouldn’t change a thing except maybe dress up the engine. I love the swap but that thing looks Ugly under there. Can’t one put some covers on or something?
Yep, I caught that too. I first noticed the 140 and thought that these cars came with 85 MPH speedos in 1980, then saw the km/h.
Finally, a later 2nd gen Z/28 with some b*lls. I never was a fan of these Firebirds/Camaros, they looked like a muscle car but didn’t have the hp to back up the looks. I never had one but this could entice me over to the dark side. Period looks with a modern, powerful engine and a 5-speed stick make for a very desirable package. Should bring a good price because now it’s a very nice musclecar.
Might mention that the car is in Ontario, Canada.
That would make it a Zed 28 then.
We DO call them zed 28
Then would a Z06 Corvette be a Zed 06?
And this would explain the speedo…
That’s a Canadian car. It is an 85mph speedo. My question, is the odometer in miles or kilometers on these?
The odometer would be in kilometres.
This is one of the cleanest installations, of an LS in a second gen Camaro, that I’ve seen. The builder did a really nice job.
Hopefully the owner of this Camaro owns a boat, so he could use the anemic #s matching power plant for his anchor, this swap I love, cause it’s a Chevy in a Chevy, take all those under powered 74 thru 84 Vettes, and do the same, but please let’s keep a Chevy in a Chevy, not in a Pontiac, I wish Pontiac was still around and built they’re own version, but the thought of crossing the line and interchanging makes me ill