Firebird S/C project

[drbigblock]

Hello to the community! I'm a new member as of today and I'm looking forward to making some new friends.

I've joined the forum to gain some knowledge in an area that is somewhat different than my usual hi-performance projects. Typically I build engines for muscle car restorations, drag racing and vintage racing...usually big inch V-8's. Now I'm starting a slightly different venture.

Some years ago my daughter purchased a 1997 Firebird with a 3800 V-6 and a 5 speed stick. She will only drive stick (Daddy's Girl). She paid for the car herself working three jobs sometimes and is very proud of it. She has just moved 900 miles from home to start a new career as a show horse trainer and in doing so took her truck with her and left the Firebird here with me and reluctantly told me to sell it for her.

Now comes the part that I'm looking for some insight. I'm considering swapping out the 3800 in the Firebird in favor of a supercharged version from a Grand Prix, ImpalaSS, SSEi or the like and taking it to her as a suprise.

To start with I'd like to get some opinions on my options regarding this swap such as would a complete swap be practical. Would supercharging the existing V-6 be a better option. Or is whole idea not even worth considering.

Thanks for any comments or ideas you may be willing to share!

Doc

[ssms5411]

Re: Firebird S/C project

I would look in the Force Induction threads as there have been a few who have swapped in a L67.

[drbigblock]

Re: Firebird S/C project

Thanks for the lead.

[WarShrike]

Re: Firebird S/C project

It's not an easy thing to do, but if you're an experienced hotrodder it is old hat.

The M90 top swap is getting a bit more popular, and a guy on another board is doing something that might make it a lot easier to deal with.

[nwilson44]

Re: Firebird S/C project

Hello to the community! I'm a new member as of today and I'm looking forward to making some new friends.

I've joined the forum to gain some knowledge in an area that is somewhat different than my usual hi-performance projects. Typically I build engines for muscle car restorations, drag racing and vintage racing...usually big inch V-8's. Now I'm starting a slightly different venture.

Some years ago my daughter purchased a 1997 Firebird with a 3800 V-6 and a 5 speed stick. She will only drive stick (Daddy's Girl). She paid for the car herself working three jobs sometimes and is very proud of it. She has just moved 900 miles from home to start a new career as a show horse trainer and in doing so took her truck with her and left the Firebird here with me and reluctantly told me to sell it for her.

Now comes the part that I'm looking for some insight. I'm considering swapping out the 3800 in the Firebird in favor of a supercharged version from a Grand Prix, ImpalaSS, SSEi or the like and taking it to her as a suprise.

To start with I'd like to get some opinions on my options regarding this swap such as would a complete swap be practical. Would supercharging the existing V-6 be a better option. Or is whole idea not even worth considering.

Thanks for any comments or ideas you may be willing to share!

Doc

I have done some reading on it, and the first thing I wold say is to build your transmission or upgrade to a T56 unit. I learned that despite my bias against automatics, the 4L60E is the stronger unit used in the V6 F-bodies. Not to say you cant build the M5. In addition, I have contemplated many times on building the 3800 to preform or V8 swap. I can be wrong but I would drive it and build an LSX engine on the side. After building it, when you feel like doing the swap, swap it. Thats what I am thinking about.


Good luck man.

[WarShrike]

Re: Firebird S/C project

A T-56 swap would work really well with an M-90 top swap or even an L67 swap as a whole. I'm one of a few online that have a T-56 swapped into their f-body. It's an easier option for you since you already have a manual trans equipped car.

[drbigblock]

Re: Firebird S/C project

Thanks for the replies. Looks like it's time to start shopping for components.

[Docta]

Re: Firebird S/C project

Scrapyards almost always have junked L67s, if you plan on rebuilding it I'd go there. The modifications required to make the M90 run om a rwd is no small task though.. definitely look into it very closely before you jump into it. Personally, I'd take a turbo over the M90. Either way, good luck with the build man, keep us up to date!

[WarShrike]

Re: Firebird S/C project

^If I had an older car that I was doing a swap on, I'd consider an M90/L67 swap because you don't have to go crazy on the intake setup and have room to run a stack intercooler. 4th gen F-body? Turbo all the way.

My dream parts hauler is an El Camino/GMC Sprint/Caballero, L67/L32 with a T-56. Lots of room to work on it and perfect for the close city stuff here.

[Gutless]

Re: Firebird S/C project

If you want to go fastish (12's), m90 will be cheaper IF you do everything yourself. Turbo will be more expensive initially and more work but will make you go faster in the end. Cant count the bottom end because any real serious build would highly benefit from the l67 bottom end (in my opinion).

Im glad I went M90. It takes work but you can use virtually all factory parts and looks stock.

Fbodies arent too hard to swap. The only thing you have to do that you wouldnt in another body is make sure the U bend in the SC is close enough that it doesnt hit the firewall and make a set of custom fuel rails since there isnt enough room between the cowl and blower to run the stock ones.

That being said, a G body or 3rd gen F would be easier. Just not a ton.

I have thought about taking my engine/trans and swapping it into either a 30's car or a Hbody like a skyhawk.