Engine drop-in

[tutin12]

Hi guys,

What do you think the chances are of a successful drop-in of this engine

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-Ca...ayphotohosting

into my '93 f-body ?

The engine looks quite good, lowmilage complete with all accessories and a manual transmission.

[vanbibber]

Re: Engine drop-in

its been done numerous times, nothing new. you better know what youre doing before you get into this.

[josh98bird]

Re: Engine drop-in

its been done numerous times, nothing new. you better know what youre doing before you get into this.

....x2

find all the information and read plenty of the threads on this before deciding to do it.

[tkoforpresident]

Re: Engine drop-in

seriously though, if the engine is already put together isn't it just putting a ****load of wires and hoses together? i'm curious, whats the hardest part of an engine drop in?

[UDLOSE98]

Re: Engine drop-in

new gauge cluster, new fuel delivery, extra weight on the front end (new shock and spring set up), motor mounts, tranny cross brace, oil pan and K member clearance (might be problem)

thats a good starter list.

[tkoforpresident]

Re: Engine drop-in

jeez, so is it even worth it?

[gugdathug3]

Re: Engine drop-in

jeez, so is it even worth it?

i say,
if u get a good deal on all the parts...and you do it urself..then it will be.

ex. i bought a used 3.8L low mileage engine with gm goodwrench tranny for $300 and installed it with some help.

[tutin12]

Re: Engine drop-in

for $300 ?? That IS a good deal :)

new gauge cluster, new fuel delivery, extra weight on the front end (new shock and spring set up), motor mounts, tranny cross brace, oil pan

* Gauge cluster - didn't think of that. I suppose it'll work with the old one as a starters, not accurately though.

* Extra weight. That I REALLY should have thought of, given I just ordered the lowering springs and shocks for my V6. Shocks I may still be able to cancel, but springs already arrived and will be installed this saturday..

* Motor mounts - no clue. I'm guessing the garage will think of something ? I sure hope so, they oughta be creative. They made an engine drop-in for a colleague of mine - he had a BMW 520 V6 and droped in a 530 V8 engine. Took them about 2 months, but it did work out great in the end.

* Tranny cross brace - I don't even know what that is

* Oil pan - it comes with the engine

Generally i'm not looking for a fast engine swap, it's a project car and i've planned this to be hapenning for the next +- 6-7 months.

Main pain in the butt is every part that needs to be ordered, I'll need to order from the US, and given i'm in europe - it takes ages before stuff arrives. Sometimes it's measured with months, not weeks.

[tutin12]

Re: Engine drop-in

Here's a guage for the LT1 engine on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-...QQcmdZViewItem

It looks EXACTLY the same as mine at this moment. Same RPM, top speed and all.

[RadRacer]

Re: Engine drop-in

Top speed should be different. On your 93, your MPH should max out at 115, IIRC. I think in 97 they started putting 125MPH Gauges in. Other than the MPH, I'd think the other gauges would be the same. You could use your current gauge if you swap out the resistor on the back for the same one that's used in the LT'1 gauges (don't know the resistance), and then the MPH should read correctly; I know people have done that to put LT1 gauges in their V6, I don't see why it wouldn't be backwards compatible. IMO, for ~$3500, it isn't worth it. You could sell you current car and buy a Z-28 or T/A for that and not have the hassle of installing the motor. It may not be as low mileage, or in as good shape (don't even know what shape your car's in), but it'd be a V8 that's ready to roll.

[badinfluenceRS]

Re: Engine drop-in

you can buy a LT1 equipped TA/Camaro for 3500

buying an engine/trans for 3500 + kmember & mounts + suspension + fuel + gauges you'll be spending ALOT of money, way more than it would cost to buy a LT1 car

If you have anymore questions, as Oi Bird V8 and he'll give you some good advice

[tutin12]

Re: Engine drop-in

Top speed should be different. On your 93, your MPH should max out at 115, IIRC. I think in 97 they started putting 125MPH Gauges in. Other than the MPH, I'd think the other gauges would be the same. You could use your current gauge if you swap out the resistor on the back for the same one that's used in the LT'1 gauges (don't know the resistance), and then the MPH should read correctly; I know people have done that to put LT1 gauges in their V6, I don't see why it wouldn't be backwards compatible. IMO, for ~$3500, it isn't worth it. You could sell you current car and buy a Z-28 or T/A for that and not have the hassle of installing the motor. It may not be as low mileage, or in as good shape (don't even know what shape your car's in), but it'd be a V8 that's ready to roll.

The one i'm buying is '96, so the gauge will then be the same.

~As for selling my current ride - no go :) I've already invested over 20k in it, there's no turning back. Plus I love my car so much, I wouldn't sell it for a million and there's nobody to offer me 2 million for it to make me rethink that statement :)

[Byrd14]

Re: Engine drop-in

lol Oi v8 bird... i think he was still having a trouble on the resale value of the car... buying the V8 will always be cheaper...