Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

[Fbird98]

Not sure if I am posting this in the correct forum, but here goes. I have a 98 firebird V6 that I have modded somewhat and the performance has gotten better but now I would like to try swapping the V6 for a small block V8. I have no idea if this possible or practical but thought that someone out there has done this or investigated the issues involved. Right now I have the following questions:

Are there any small block GM engines that will mate up to a 5 speed without a lot of modification?

A lot of the crate replacement engines available are the older carborated types, before fuel injection and computer engine management was standard. What are the pitfalls of trying to install this type motor in a late model car?

I would like to retain the factory air. Is it possible to trasfer the compressor to one of these motors without a lot of extra work?

I am sure I will have many more questions if I attempt this, does anyone know of a website or book that might help me with this endeavor?

Thanks.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

It is possible, but it is completely unpractical, there is a link to everything you need to do, unless you are a mechanic or know a few mechanics off hand, you will be in way over your head

[homedog119]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

I notice alot of guys go with the newer vette engines

[FAD2BLK]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

If you're going to do a swap, do it to the LS1. It's not that hard.

[black98V6]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

yeah you'll just want to do an LS1 swap from a 98+ f-body. Since you have a 98 best case scenario would be to get a complete engine and trans from a 98 and the underhood wiring harness, there are a few other things and you can find em listed either on here or elsewhereon the net. As far as going with a v8 crate motor that is something other than an LS1, yeah it would be a huge headache and your T5 wouldn't last very long on a good crate motor anyway so you'd have to upgrade your trans.

[youngsc]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

I've been going through the same dilema myself. You really need to sit down and figure out your bottom line. Would you rather drop 5k+ into a ls1 swap, including the other supporting mods that will need to be done, or would you rather drop that money into making a v6 about as badass as you can. Personally I'm sticking with the 6 and will build that into one bad mo-fo.

[FAD2BLK]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

I've been going through the same dilema myself. You really need to sit down and figure out your bottom line. Would you rather drop 5k+ into a ls1 swap, including the other supporting mods that will need to be done, or would you rather drop that money into making a v6 about as badass as you can. Personally I'm sticking with the 6 and will build that into one bad mo-fo.

I had thought the same thing, but had my v6 pretty heavily modded to where the next step woud be a turbo or supercharger. It seemed more practical to me to put in the v8 and start over with mods to pull out more power. Nothing at all against the v6, but mods seem to work a lot better on getting power with the LS1 more then mods for the v6. Granted, it's cool to have a strong running modded v6, which I thought about for a long time, but I have so much more fun with my firebird now.

[youngsc]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

^ I agree with you, it does make more sense to put the money into an engine that basically comes stock with the power I'm looking for. I've thought about the swap but I want the extra power sooner than later. I thought about getting a ls1 or 2'd car but I don't want a car payment. I posted a poll a few days back that will give you an idea of the plans I have for now and will eventually add a supercharger.

[FAD2BLK]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

Well good luck with whatever you got planned. If you ever decide to go about buying a package for a swap check out www.tacreationsusa.com. They helped me with a complete package and have EXCELLENT customer service.

[Mighty Thor]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

The Virus now has a V8, not sure if it's an LS1. Magnus did an LS1 swap and so did John_D.

I was watching this Video and this racer dropped a chevy 427 carb on a 98+ Firebird Chasis. It looks ok, not tight at all. It looks like there's a little bit more room to add stuff.

[FAD2BLK]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

The Virus now has a V8, not sure if it's an LS1. Magnus did an LS1 swap and so did John_D.

I was watching this Video and this racer dropped a chevy 427 carb on a 98+ Firebird Chasis. It looks ok, not tight at all. It looks like there's a little bit more room to add stuff.

Did the virus do a swap or just another v8? Magnus helped me some when I did mine also.

[Fbird98]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

Thanks for the excellent repiles to my post. You have given me some things to consider such as installing a turbo or supercharger. I am not an expert mechanic by any means and will probably have to have a shop perform the work whether I go for either option.

[3.4 slow to go]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical







http://www.bratmotorsports.com/96turboformula.htm

[V6Bob]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

Thanks for the excellent repiles to my post. You have given me some things to consider such as installing a turbo or supercharger. I am not an expert mechanic by any means and will probably have to have a shop perform the work whether I go for either option.

If you're going to farm the work out, you'd be far better off to simply sell the V6 and get a V8. It would cost substantially less, especially when you consider things like the V8 suspension pieces.

[3.4 slow to go]

Re: Swapping V6 for V8 is it possible and practical

especially when you consider things like the V8 suspension pieces.