engine swap

[DaBird19]

hey guys, im just wondering what engine beside a 3.8 i can put into my 2000 bird that can give me more power, without changing wiring and gas lines, etc. thanks guys

[mrhobbz]

Re: engine swap

Any motor you go with will require work including wiring harnesses, suspension, transmission , rear end, radiator, possibly a steering rack, firewall/wheel well modification depending on what it is. There really aren't any easy swap in solutions even an LSx swap will nickel and dime you to death.

[VF1Skullangel]

Re: engine swap

An LT1 or LS1 swap is possible. You could even toss in an early L98 if you want. I have even seen someone use a Buick Grand National setup and a 4.3 out of a typhoon.

But why bother?. Doing an engine swap automatically will exceed the cost of a V8 car.

[97rs4life]

Re: engine swap

any engine you put in is going to require rewiring and such. Nothing is plug and play drop right in other than another 3.8 engine with the same intake design

[DaBird19]

Re: engine swap

thats what i figured, i was just wondering. thanks guys

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: engine swap

hey guys, im just wondering what engine beside a 3.8 i can put into my 2000 bird that can give me more power, without changing wiring and gas lines, etc. thanks guys

Don't be listening to the haterz. I just finished an LS1 swap into a 99 Camaro last week. Granted, I had a complete donor car. That would be the only way I would ever do it. You use all the LS1 engine wiring, V6 interior wiring and V6 underhood fuse boxes. I really think we could do it in a day if we did it again. I'm even using the V6 fuel lines and tank with a V8 pump.

[cam98aro]

Re: engine swap

the only engine you can put in without changing anything on it is a 3.8

[bigairboarder44]

Re: engine swap

Don't be listening to the haterz. I just finished an LS1 swap into a 99 Camaro last week. Granted, I had a complete donor car. That would be the only way I would ever do it. You use all the LS1 engine wiring, V6 interior wiring and V6 underhood fuse boxes. I really think we could do it in a day if we did it again. I'm even using the V6 fuel lines and tank with a V8 pump.

How'd you use the V6 fuel lines?

[Jtels2593]

Re: engine swap

What major modifications would be involved in swapping in a 3.8 Turbo from a Buick GN?

I have a magazine somewhere on the bookshelf that has a great article from a few years back. The guy took a black 4th gen '93 Firebird Formula, yanked out the LT1 and replaced it with a 3.8 Turbo from a GN. I need to find that magazine article..

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: engine swap

How'd you use the V6 fuel lines?

It has the same fittings as the LS1 rail. Plugged right on. Just didn't use the return, since the LS1 is returnless.

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: engine swap

What major modifications would be involved in swapping in a 3.8 Turbo from a Buick GN?

I have a magazine somewhere on the bookshelf that has a great article from a few years back. The guy took a black 4th gen '93 Firebird Formula, yanked out the LT1 and replaced it with a 3.8 Turbo from a GN. I need to find that magazine article..

Not as cut and dry as one would think. You would have to find a GN engine (expensive), then find 3.8 Series 1 Front wheel drive heads, to fit between the F-body shock towers (thats the only way the turbo 3.8 fit in the 89 Trans Am). It's all in that article. Need motor mounts too.

[bigbrian442]

Re: engine swap

It has the same fittings as the LS1 rail. Plugged right on. Just didn't use the return, since the LS1 is returnless.

Better check the lines just in front of the tank on the donor car. There should be a T in the main fuel line that goes back to the tank. The regulator is in the LS1 tank sending unit.

[Bird_Of_Prey]

Re: engine swap

Using the LS1 bucket and pump, doesn't seem to be an issue.

[3.4orNothing]

Re: engine swap

i would do that if i get a v8 doner car(for free).............otherwise,,buy one as i did......believe me with a v8 you will be very happy.....just try driving one.....and you will see why i gave the v6 for free to my sister.

[VF1Skullangel]

Re: engine swap

Not as cut and dry as one would think. You would have to find a GN engine (expensive), then find 3.8 Series 1 Front wheel drive heads, to fit between the F-body shock towers (thats the only way the turbo 3.8 fit in the 89 Trans Am). It's all in that article. Need motor mounts too.

YEap that's what you'll need but id rather do that than another LS1 swap. No offense to anyone here who's done it.

With the L98 you would have to do the same exact mods, I think you'll have issues with the trans though.