3.8 swap to an LS1

[Ouch My KNee]

I have an automatic 2000 FireBird Convertible and am looking at swapping it over possibly to an LS1 from another Trans Am and had a few questions.

1) How costly/difficult would it be to change it over to a manual?

2) Do I have to change the rear end? - Currently 3.42 rear.

[Watazz]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

It is very costly. Especially if you are doing a manual swap. And no you wount have to change the rear or the driveshaft.

[cam98aro]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

its gonna cost you at least $5500, but it is an easy job

no you dont have to change the rear end

[bigairboarder44]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

It's not that costly if you buy a whole donor car. That's what I have.

[Tom Rs]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

read my thread, in the end it cost me like $2k

[ssms5411]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

read my thread, in the end it cost me like $2k

Thats a great deal for a LS1, Ihave seen some great deals around here for LS1's and trannies would be around $2500.

[ThaDyce17]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

If he doesn't change the rear end and puts the LS1 in.... Will both wheels spin at that point or will it still be a single tire fire?

[bigairboarder44]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

If he doesn't change the rear end and puts the LS1 in.... Will both wheels spin at that point or will it still be a single tire fire?

If the car was Y87 optioned, then it'll have a posi, otherwise it has an open differential.

[ThaDyce17]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

Well after doin some research LT1 models anyway the Auto tranny, and rear end have the same part # they say the reason the V6 cars spin 1 wheel is because they don't produce enough power to spin both wheels

[BallerMaro13]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

Well after doin some research LT1 models anyway the Auto tranny, and rear end have the same part # they say the reason the V6 cars spin 1 wheel is because they don't produce enough power to spin both wheels

wait what? it's not about the tranny, it's about the rear.

v6's that make a one tire fire do so for the lack of posi --- aka open diff. plenty of 6bangers with posi can light up pavement.

[ssms5411]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

Well after doin some research LT1 models anyway the Auto tranny, and rear end have the same part # they say the reason the V6 cars spin 1 wheel is because they don't produce enough power to spin both wheels

Some of the V6's here put down more or about the same as a stock LT1 , so I think V6's can spin some tires. But yes depends on the rear they came with Y87 V6's had 3.42 Posi. I upgraded mine to 3.73's and it a world of difference.

[flamingchicken]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

Mine has the zexel option and both tires eat pavement....im guessing i might be putting down 190 whp...maybe 200

[runtwrestlin]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

Unless you get some really good deals, $3500-$5000 sounds right. I think my LS1 swap cost close to $4000 in parts once everything was said and done (that includes getting the AC system reworked). You won't have to change the rear end, but unless your car had the y87 option you will definitely want to get an LSD, otherwise you'll just roast your tire. If you have the two piece driveshaft, that should be replace with the aluminum one.

[Shodown]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

Well after doin some research LT1 models anyway the Auto tranny, and rear end have the same part # they say the reason the V6 cars spin 1 wheel is because they don't produce enough power to spin both wheels

Sorry, that made me laugh.

[bwkmaro]

Re: 3.8 swap to an LS1

like tom said you NEED a doner car SO much stuff is different it doesnt look like it but it is i mean they even have a better rack and pinion (you dont need to change that but a good example). different k member, different springs in the front, different sway bars, air box etc. = doner car. oh and wtf they dont produce enough power lmfao thats genius