On the American muscle car landscape, there’s always been two options: the high-performance version and the entry-level model. Now, the entry level designation can mean different things to different people; it could be that any model that isn’t an SS is the fuel efficient version. Or, it could simply be the cheaper point of entry for a car that looks like the top banana in the family tree but costs a few bucks less and comes with cheaper insurance. No matter what the reason is for buying the non-SS version, most everyone will simply say it’s the car without the V8, and that’s all that matters. This 1994 Chevrolet Camaro is indeed the V6 version, but it also has a manual transmission – does that make it an acceptable driver or is it an engine swap candidate? Find it here on eBay with bids to $1,125 and no reserve.

This Camaro is offered by one of my favorite eBay sellers, Just Donated. Now, most of us can agree, if given the choice, we wouldn’t opt for the six-cylinder version of the Camaro or the Firebird. It doesn’t sound as good, it’s not as fast, and most people don’t want to saddle up to the local car meet and admit owning a V6-powered coupe that looks like a muscle car. However, the modern-era Camaro has flipped the “entry level” notion on its head with the 1LT trim, which includes a 3.6L V6 engine that delivers 335 horsepower and 0-60 in around 5 seconds. Those are great numbers and plenty quick for just about anyone.

The fourth-generation Camaro didn’t deliver quite the same level of performance in base model form. The 3.4L V6 made around 160 horsepower but delivered an impressive 200 lb.-ft. of torque (OK, impressive for the era.) Routed though a 5-speed manual transmission will make that lower output engine feel a fair bit livelier, but it does beg the question as to whether you should swap it out or modify it for more power. The interior of this donated Camaro is decent, and the aftermarket steering wheel suggests enthusiast ownership. The manual transmission is a rarity in this model regardless of the engine, and the seller notes that the Camaro still runs and drives.

There’s endless options for swapping out the engine, and I have a feeling even the larger 3800-series V6 could drop in. However, this will truly be a labor of love and one that you’re not likely to make any money on given this Camaro appears to have some light cosmetic needs as well. However, you won’t lose much, either, because a high horsepower engine swap will make this manual transmission Camaro a ton of fun to drive and desirable to other enthusiasts. The SS and pace car trims still command a fair price when found in good shape and with a stick, so if the transmission shown here can handle the rigors of a V8 powerplant, a weekend engine swap could likely transform this Camaro in just a few hours.