3.8 to LT1

[MingisDew31186]

I already did a search and i really didn't come up with anything that really helped out. I have a 96 3.8. I can't afford the insurance on a Z28 so I figured maybe i could..make one :D I can find the LT1 for pretty cheap with low miles. But what else do I need for a complete engine swap? And how much to do it...or can i do it myself. Thanks

[Neil350]

Some guy with a yellow 99 Firebirddid the swap, you need the complete motor, computer and a LT1 wiring harness, you can get it in a package for like $1K if you look. You also need a complete LT1 exhaust, not to mention some suspension stuff. Oh yea if you live in a smog county, try for a 96-97, keep it OBDII because thats what your car is now and it'll help if you live in a emisions county. If not you can get an OBDI 94-95. Reason why I say not 93 is because 93s didn't have 4L60Es, they had 4L60s.


p.s you will also need motor mounts.

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: Neil350 ]</p>

[Akuma]

Youll also need tranny. Im sure that even if you did everything right, you would still have a few problems. You would be much better off trading your car in for a v8. If you like a challenge then go for it. But it takes a lot of work, so be prepared.

[skovernak]

Just go to this page. It has everything you need to know.
TA Creations

[FirebirdGT]

And a LT1 fuel tank, and engine wiring harness, and heater/AC box on the firewall. Yes, all are different from the V6.

Call Scott at http://www.speedautomotive.com/ they have done many V6 to V8 swaps. They will do it for $1500 in 32 hours, plus parts. ;)

[jonny985]

http://www.hpsalvage.com/

check out the tips on this site. They tell you everything that you will need.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by jonny985:
http://www.hpsalvage.com/

check out the tips on this site. They tell you everything that you will need.<hr></blockquote>


Sorry, but that site DOES NOT tell you everything you need.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by skovernak:
Just go to this page. It has everything you need to know.
TA Creations<hr></blockquote>


Sorry, that site DOES NOT have everything you need to know.

[C.Palmer]

You guys are missing some stuff.

1) 5.7LT-1.... duh
2) tranny
3) radiator (yes the radiators are different between the 6's and 8's)
4) fuel lines... you don't NEED a tank but you'll just be stopping for gas more often if you don't
5) motor mounts... big deal
6) cpu & wiring harness
7) speedo upgrades (optional but might as well...)
8) suspension to hold the extra weight of the 5.7
9) LSD if you don't already have it.... MUCH easier to dog-leg with an 8 ;) You better just upgrade to a z28 rear for the 4 wheel disc brakes to stop the extra weight & power and go with a 1pc drive shaft to save yourself the headache of no traction and a broken rear later on down the road.
10) a few days off from work and loyal buddies to throw in a helping hand!

I've covered the esentials but I know I'm missing things here and there. Go to the Z28 forums and ask this question because with all due respect to these very knowledgable 6 guys in here, a lot of them have never played with an 8 so how are they really supposed to know? I'm just saying you might get some better information.

FYI- I'll be doing the 3.4-5.7 swap soon :D

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by C.Palmer:
You guys are missing some stuff.

1) 5.7LT-1.... duh
2) tranny
3) radiator (yes the radiators are different between the 6's and 8's)
4) fuel lines... you don't NEED a tank but you'll just be stopping for gas more often if you don't
5) motor mounts... big deal
6) cpu & wiring harness
7) speedo upgrades (optional but might as well...)
8) suspension to hold the extra weight of the 5.7
9) LSD if you don't already have it.... MUCH easier to dog-leg with an 8 ;) You better just upgrade to a z28 rear for the 4 wheel disc brakes to stop the extra weight & power and go with a 1pc drive shaft to save yourself the headache of no traction and a broken rear later on down the road.
10) a few days off from work and loyal buddies to throw in a helping hand!

I've covered the esentials but I know I'm missing things here and there. Go to the Z28 forums and ask this question because with all due respect to these very knowledgable 6 guys in here, a lot of them have never played with an 8 so how are they really supposed to know? I'm just saying you might get some better information.

FYI- I'll be doing the 3.4-5.7 swap soon :D <hr></blockquote>


Maybe I know because I am researching a swap!

And you are wrong about the fuel tank, the pump and wiring are different.

As I said ANYONE who is researching a swap needs to talk to Scott at Speed Automotive. They have done many V6 to V8 swaps themselves, and know EXACTLY what needs to be done.

As I also said, they have it down to 32 hours at a labor cost of $1500. Plus the cost of the parts you want LT1, LS1, 6-speed, auto, etc.

[Rik]

Keep us posted on your swap, Robert. And take lots of pictures!

Rik

[C.Palmer]

damn $1500 in labor costs... seems to me that if you're going to go through all the troubles of swapping the engines you might as well do it your self..... but that's just me.

good to know about the gas tank

[MingisDew31186]

Damnnnn sounds like alot...maybe i'll just stick with my six for a while hahaha Thanks for the info, u guys saved me from gettin into somthing that woulda been over my head

[pgriffith]

I think this would be a good thread to put in the read only tech database.

[Dominic]

Why go for an LT1 in the first place though - I hear the LS1s slip in a lot easier?

I personally don't have a problem with the 3.8 myself - thats why I bought it. A supercharger is a quick remedy for the power problem and is a lot more hassle-free [img]smile.gif[/img]