hey first time on the forum.
Im lookin to do an engine swap on a 2000 trans am, without too much guesswork.  i got a not so reliable buddy who swears i can get an ls7 in there,  and was wondering if this (oh dream of dreams) is true.  if not, any recommendations would be appreciated.  

Check out one of the later 2006 issues of GM High Tech, in the book is a feature on the GM Performance Parts 2000 Camaro they installed an LS7 in.

An aftermarket K-member will help the swap, though I'm pretty sure you can use the stock one. Also, you'll have ot reaarange the engine compartment some to install the dry sump oil tank on the LS7.

Pretty much any LS motor will go into your Trans Am. The best way to do it is gonna be to drop the whole front subframe assembly from the body. There's no way you'll be able to do the swap throught he top of the car, without removing the whole front clip.  

this is a little off topic, but i found this sweet commercial gm performance parts did for the ls7, pretty awesome

GM Perf Parts LS7  

thanks for the help, im dyin to get this project started, but im torn between the ls7  and just beefing up the internals on the ls1 and buyin one of those sts turbos...12lb of boost would be a world of difference lol  

A crate LS7 will cost you $15,000.

For that kind of money, you could upgrade your Trans Am's LS1 well beyond the LS7's 505 flywheel horsepower.  An STS turbo kit is one of many excellent options.  Other options include upgrading the heads and cam, supercharging, nitrous, or installing a stroker kit.

Having an LS7 in a Trans Am would be cool, and rare, but is also essentially the most expensive way to make your car fast.  You have to decide what your priorities are.

For more technical assistance, sign up at CamaroZ28.com and/or LS1Tech.com.  The folks at both places are very familiar with the various ways you can build horsepower on an LS1 and will be happy to help out.

I have a 2002 Camaro Z28 (which is essentially the same as your Trans Am), and I plan on installing an ATI Procharger supercharger kit to reach my power goals.

Good luck!  

*** for that kind of money you could build the *** out of your motor and have some dough left over for suspension and other parts.