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Engine SwapEverything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.
Hi im a young guy and i have a 3rd gen 85 camaro with a 2.8L v6 in it i bought it from someone a few months ago. I got it painted new tires brakes brake calipers and battery. I dont know if i should swap the engine for a v8 but i dont know what all ill have to change besides the motor mounts and exhaust system or if i should just replace it with another v6 to save all the headache. Im not trying to waste all my money towards one thing just in case other issues occur. I really need help so can someone help me out and give me tips on whats best to do i would really appreciate it Thanks!!
Here is a few questions to help your answer your own question.
Does the V6 run good?
How many miles are on the car?
Are you happy with it's performance?
Do you have full basic hand tools and a few power or air tools?
Do you have a good place to work and store parts?
What skill level do you think you are at?
What is your car improvement budget?
What is your end goals and use of car?
A V8 swap is easy for someone with a mid to high skill level or has done it before. The third gen is a very easy swap car as the factory installed 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines into them so all the bolt holes are there, everything fits, and the needed parts are out there to be had.
You will need the V8 engine of course, the V8 transmission as your 6 cyl one will not bolt to a V8. Options on transmissions are wide. You can go with a V8 700r4, th-350, 200 4r, th-400 autos, Saginaw 3 or 4 speed man., munice 4 speed man, T5 5 speed, T56 6 speed.
V8 engine mounts, V8 acc. drive system, brackets, pulleys, Alt. V8 exhaust manifolds or headers and Y pipe.
The driveshaft can stay the same if you use a 700r4, long shaft th-350, or T5
Will need a torque arm conversion mount if you use a th-350, th-400, 200 4r.
The rear end is fine, same size rear used in 4, 6, 8 cyl, just diff gear ratio, the 6 cyl cars has a better (lower gear) and is what most V8 guys wants anyway.
The suspension is fine, the V8 will lower your front ride height by about 1/2" if you keep the V6 front springs
I never done a chevy engine swap but i went to uti for it but i have basic tools. I work on it at home after work budget idk yet just didnt wanna waste money buying one thing knoeing im s need other things too. It has over 400,000 miles
If you shop around. Search craigslist, swap meets, junkyards, etc you could do a V8 swap for $1500 or less.
You can pick up a running 305 for $400 or less, or even a vortec 350 for $800 or less. Used transmission for $250, new engine mounts for $30, Stock exhaust manifolds and Y pipe for $150
Best way to do a swap imo is from another running vehicle, there are a lot of little parts that can nickel and dime you to death. Here's my take on it...
1.) A mid 90's truck might be a good option because of the Vortec heads, but you do have to be careful because they have a tendency to crack. There used to be a wiki that listed what year trucks had what engines, but you should still be able to find the information if you look.
2.) A 5.3 with a 4l60e transmission and harness would be a better option but requires more fabrication and/or parts. It can be a lot more expensive as well but that's the direction everyone is going.
3.) If you wanted to stick with something similar to your V6 (60 degree), then I would do what's called a hybrid swap which is a 4th gen 3.4 block w/ later 90's heads and then either your original transmission or one from the 4th gen. IIRC, there are only two years with the 3.4 block in the configuration you would need. (The later 3.4's are front wheel drive, but you can still use the heads from them.)
First figure out your budget and then do a lot of research before you begin.
Okaii but i kinda wanted to get the car running so that i can drive it drivingas a daily driver for work not trying to do anything fancy to it just dont want it to be sitting up after all the work i done to it already
05-05-2015, 06:00 PM
