What does a 5.3 LS swap cost in a 1991 Camaro? I price the parts for my Z28, then compare that budget with upgrading the 350 already in the car. My first plan keeps the truck intake and usable donor accessories, with a cowl hood allowance. The low car intake and car accessory drive are a separate fallback. We compare a used transmission with a remanufactured one, then add a mild cam and tuning to the 5.3. The November 4, 2026 parts baskets:
• Stock-cam LS: $5,202.17 with the used transmission / $6,702.16 with the remanufactured transmission.
• Cammed LS: $6,193.13 / $7,693.12.
• Existing SBC: $3,023.96 for the proposed heads, cam/lifters and intake. The remaining budget still has to finish the combination. These are partial parts budgets, not completed swap quotes. Fit, condition, service work, lines and fittings, tuning hardware, fluids, tax, freight and labor still matter. Supplier restrictions also need to be checked for the intended use. Neither combination has been installed or dyno-tested for this comparison. Which route would you build with the same money: keep the 350, a stock 5.3, or a cammed 5.3? PARTS DISCUSSED — SUMMIT AFFILIATE LINKS
I may earn a commission if you buy through these Summit Racing links. Keep the 350 / SBC alternative:
AFR 1001 heads (sold individually; two required): summitracing.pxf.io/R0rDKR
SUM-K8801 cam and lifter kit: summitracing.pxf.io/4a7B2r LS swap candidates:
SUM-700461 reman 2WD 4L60E: summitracing.pxf.io/yZKxWb
APE-49451 converter: summitracing.pxf.io/9V6B2j
DER-13503 transmission cooler: summitracing.pxf.io/en0xaX
SUM-230151 filter/regulator (only if required): summitracing.pxf.io/qWKGVj Check the exact combination before ordering. Converter input, pilot and flexplate compatibility must match; the filter/regulator depends on the fuel-rail return arrangement. CHAPTERS
00:00 The engine price is only the start
00:38 Truck intake and cowl hood plan
01:15 Check the donor inventory
02:28 Choose the transmission first
03:51 Mounts, driveline and shifter
05:19 Pan, accessories and clearance
06:57 Car-drive fallback: new versus used
08:16 Truck intake versus low car intake
09:50 Stock manifolds versus swap headers
10:58 Fuel, wiring and controls
12:36 Reusing cooling and exhaust
14:09 Stock-cam LS parts totals
15:11 Spend the same money on the 350
16:47 Cammed 5.3 and equal spending
19:10 Price the finished job before choosing #LSSwap #ThirdGenCamaro #SmallBlockChevy