Engine Swap

[97blakbyrd]

I have a 3.8 V6 in my 97 Firebird and i want to swap it out with a V8 for more power but i am concerned about the difficulty because my engine sits so far back and under the dash board.Could anyone tell me how difficult it would be and what would be the best engine to put in for the most power?

[Archer]

Re: Engine Swap

if you are going with the v8 stick with what GM put in the camaro.

other than that there are stickies on this. aswell as Camaroz28.com. alot of people have done this, one day I might consider the factors of price for parts to an actuall z28.

do a search, tons of info and a site that actually tells you everything you need.

and personally. I like the LS1, but you'll need to modify the hood, or upgrade the whole front end of the car. if your looking to keep it stock, stick with the LT1.

Archer

[97blakbyrd]

Re: Engine Swap

well i can probably get a Z28 motor cause my buddy had a Z28 that got totalled so i could probably buy the engine and some rims he has.Im just concerned with how much fabricating it will take to make that thing fit.

[Mr. Logger]

Re: Engine Swap

do a search, tons of info and a site that actually tells you everything you need.

Good idea.

[IwannaCamarosoBad]

Re: Engine Swap

well i can probably get a Z28 motor cause my buddy had a Z28 that got totalled so i could probably buy the engine and some rims he has.Im just concerned with how much fabricating it will take to make that thing fit.

It shouldn't take any fab work, I don't think. considering they're both same body style ........

[David8399]

Re: Engine Swap

the v8 swap has been done many times on this web site, do a search and you will find all you need to know. what year was your friends z28? important note your tranmission will not work for a v8, or in other words you need more then the motor.

[Archer]

Re: Engine Swap

there is no fab.

You'll need the k member and all suspension work, you'll need the radiator, and exhaust, aswell as the PCM and harness. you'll need the fuel lines, fuel tank (maybe) and fuel pump. its easier to buy the whole tank with pump at once. you'll need the guage cluster typically from the same car. you'll need I believe 2 cat converters. power steering cooler (optional so I have been told) air pump and assy, intake (lt1 or ls1)

as for the z28... there are multipul z28 engines. hence the LT1 or the LS1. If you are going to keep your car the way it is RIGHT NOW with the 97 front end, you'll need the LT1 motor which can be found in the 94-97 Camaro Z28. if you opt to update the front end while your at it, then you'll need the entire front clip from a 98-02 Camaro V6 or V8 (all the same) and the LS1 motor if you so do decide to use the LS1.

On that note, you can update your front end and still go with the Lt1 V8. the Lt1 and assy is by far cheaper than the LS1 motor with assy, but from time to time, you'll find a great deal on the LS1.

The LS1 has a little more power to it, but was told with the money, its not worth it unless you WANT that look.

Other than that, do a search on the swaps people have done, ask them questions, and do your research before you make up your mind.

Do you want the LT1 power with additional cash to up the power, or do you want to have the power in there already for the same price as an LT1 upgrade. there are a ton of variables. Just depends on what you want to spend.

Hope that helps a little. I have done my research.

Archer

[Meatyshells]

Re: Engine Swap

well i can probably get a Z28 motor cause my buddy had a Z28 that got totalled so i could probably buy the engine and some rims he has.Im just concerned with how much fabricating it will take to make that thing fit.

so what do the rims have to do with swapping the engine?

its not as easy as just swapping the engines.

You need different fueling, transmissions, mounts.

You also need the complete wiring harness and computer.

Wouldnt really say you need all new suspension components, the lt1 doesnt weigh that much more than the v6. Iron block/iron heads vs. iron block/aluminum heads

and when pulling the engine out of a f-body, it is most commonly done through the bottom of the car.