V-6 to V-8 swap

[hydo4433]

Alright guys I am contomplating swaping my 3.8 v-6 in my 96 camaro for a lt1 or possibly a ls1. Know I know that this would be a lot of work. I am looking a purchasing motor trans wireing harness computer and accesories all together. Has anyone done this? I know I will need a different k member and I will also need bigger brakes different fan radiator. Is there anyone that can help me with what I am looking for.

[Kidcamaro98]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

you will also need new suspension do to the extra added weight...do a search a good amount of people have done this swap

[hydo4433]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

If someone has done that how much has it cost?

[redbird8628]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

you wont need V8 suspention if you do a LS1, its aluminum and weighs ABOUT as much as the iron 3.8 block

[slow6]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

ya, I heard the LS1 weights only like 300 lbs more. ?
the 3.8L is a heavy piece of chit, I've picked it up alot. :(

[ahank1]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

well i am in the process i am trying to build it before i put it in. to make it easy. stuff i have

the motor for out of a 99 ls1

T56 6 Speed

ECM and factory Engine Wiring Harness

All belt driven accessories such as A/c Compressor, Power Steering Pump, Alternator

Starter

Exhaust manifolds

All Sensors on Engine

MAF Sensor and plumbing to MAF

Full SIX speed trans with driveshaft (steel) pedals, hydraulics etc!

Complete from fuel injection to oil pan!!

all cooling system. and a ss rear end.

mounts and k mem

steering racks

and i am well over 4grand. but i have been upgrading stuff while i go. like bolja exast
new cam
ram air

[Magnus]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

You don't need new suspension.

IMHO an engine swap with an LT1 is worthless. If you are going to do it, do the LS1.. Its the same amount of work (if not less).

I have all the info on my website, on v8 swap.

http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/

[slow6]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

magnus, what are you talking about? LT1 swap worthless?
Its at least a good 135rwhp more right?
That seems WELL worth it to me.
Engine swap aint crap to me. I get that kind of work done fast, by myself.

Of course I respect your opinions, you are a Legend in the f-body world.
I MUST KNOW, who did your tuning? To make your swapped LS1 into pretty much a stock 11 second car? All you had was tires and tuning I believe.

[John_D.]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

I'm pretty sure he did his own tuning. :D

He had some weight reduction too...

The LT1 is heavier, has less power, and is more trouble-prone. (leaking intake, problems with the opti going out, royal pain to replace water pump)

When I did my swap, the front of the car sat higher when I was finished, than it did with the v6. I did drop the a/c compressor and condensor during the swap. I had the same Eibach springs before and after the swap. I had to move them down to the lower notch on the koni's to level it back out.

[Magnus]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

What makes the LT1 swap worthless in my mind is the fact that you have to go through a lot of labor for LT1 or LS1.. Neither is really much less labor..

LS1 may be more simple as its a more modern engine with a lot less of the weird crap found in older engines..

Prices are semi-inline.. LS1 being slighly more expensive obviously..

But for all that work/$$$ if you put in an LT1 now adays instead of just throwing in the LS1, I think thats crazy. The LS1 will give you so much more power. Its a more modern engine. It has a huge aftermarket, and its extremly easy to make LS1's fly with just a few bolt ons.

If money is an issue, think of it this way.. You'll put the LT1 in the car and will want more power.. so you buy headers, or a torque converter, or something.. well right there you'll be over the cost of what an LS1 would have cost you originally, and you'll STILL be under the LS1's HP (in its stock form even).

I do all my own tuning. I own HP Tuners.

- Keith, HP Tuners

[hydo4433]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

I agree that if i am going to do it, it should be done with ls-1 but with what you guys are say and the websites I looked at it just seems like to much work. I really dont want to rip my whole dash out to re run wires, plus the fuel tank issue. It is almost worth just selling my car and buying a ls-1 camaro. Let me know if you have any other suggestions that would make this swap of a 96 v-6 to a 1998 ls-1 easier. I was going to be able to get the motor trans wire harness and computer all together.

[David8399]

Re: V-6 to V-8 swap

i got a free lt1 long block out of a 95 z28 and was considering swaping my 96 or getting an s-10 and making that work.