JustinTR

Can it be done? Like from a riviera or a park avenue ultra? And what needs to be done? Im not looking for a v8 cause i have crap for income being 17 and all so this should be fine for me.

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Crap for income = BIG PROBLEM

You can bolt a front wheel drive Buick V6 (3.8 or 3800) to your 2.8 transmission. They both use the GM Metric bellhousing. That is where the easy part ends. You have to custom make the motor mounts (there's some money) and the exhaust manifold hookups must be changed to fit (more money.) Then you have to customize the radiator hose hookups because the intake is on backwards (more money.) Then you have to customize the throttle cable hookups and the air cleaner hookups (still more money.)

I'm not trying to discourage you; I just don't want you to get in over your head. You will need to purchase the entire car that your donor engine is coming from. You need the PCM, and every possible wire, nut and bolt that you may be able to re-use. That is the absolute cheapest way to do it. You still will need to pay the welding guy a few bucks for motor mounts, exhaust, and piping for the air cleaner and upper radiator hose.

I am trying to get a similar swap off the ground now. I have the money, but I live in an apartment until next year because I'm stuck in a lease. It just can't happen faster. Next year I may have motor mounts to sell you (more money needed.)

You're better off finding a 3.4 in the junkyard at the low budget stage for now. Work your way up in stages.

Take your time. You'll get there and you have plenty of time to do it in.

Good luck!

JustinTR

as i am 17 and still live with my dad i should hav plenty of money when taxes cone back. Gas is gonna be up to four dollars a gallon so im trying to stay away from a v8. What goes into a 4.3 swap?

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Look at the top of the forum where it says V6 to V8 swap sticky. The 4.3 needs the same things that the V8 needs to fit into your car.

The funny thing about the 4.3 is, it gets about the same mileage as the 305 and 350.

Trust me, if 4 dollar gas has you worried, then start by getting a 3.4 from a 4th gen Camaro. Then put a front wheel drive 3400 or 3500 top end on it. You will have lots more power than your current engine, most of the parts can be had at the junkyard cheap, and people on this site are doing it now.

That means you will have some guidance beyond what I can give you.

I am a Buick guy at heart, so I don't do the 60 degree V6 stuff beyond what I have in the car when I buy it. When it comes out, Buick, Olds, or Pontiac goes in. I may do a bigger chevy V6 swap in the future, but it will be a 90 degree engine. Maybe a 4.3, or even an older 3.8 from the late 70s.

The good thing about you starting with a 4th gen 3.4 is that it is an easy swap and all of your 2.8 stuff will bolt on. It will get you familiar with swapping engines in these cars and give you a good result after you're done.

JustinTR

thats not a bad idea. can you get a super or a turbo for the 3.4

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

There are guys here doing it now.

Go to the V6 forum and search "turbo."

Also search "firstfirebird" and "daves12secondV6"

You'll find what you need...

Good luck!

230 firebird

Hey guys.I'm not tring to but in on your conversation,but I am thinking about the same thing,swaping my mpfi2.8 for a 4.3 out of a chevy astrovan,and puting a carb and vacume advance distributor on it.I have read that the 95 and up 4.3 has an average 2oo horsepower.I didnt know about the fuel milage.Mayby i'll go with a 350 that i found in a chevy van.My car is not a "daily driver",but I to am concerend about gas prices.Thanks,John

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

I'm going to get slammed for this one but here it goes .... just sell your third gen if you lack the know how to pull off a engine swap and get a 97 up v-6 camaro. actually you could go 96up but the 96 has a old weird looking dash but still it has the 3.8 v-6 .... they are actually pretty quik cars and very reliable and great on gas. The ride is sustantially better as is virtually everything else. The best part is it won't break you to get into one they are priced cheaply.

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

I should also add how nice it is the duration between services that are cars can't get by on. the 97 I had had it's 1st tune up at 88,000 miles and that was only because of a failed spark plug wire. You'de love the electronics in them when this one had a miss the ecm was able to tell exactly which cylinder was missing ... dont ask me how it is able to do this LOL ... but anyways it did it set a code for missfire detected in number 6 cylinder.

I just think a 4th would be a more practicle car for you.

KBcobra

bad idea 3.4L is pretty much the same engine. If your goin to 60* yes get a 3.4L but do what firstfirebird is doing. They dont make bolt-on superchargers for a 60* thirdgen or 4th. You have to make custom turbo kits, go to the V6 forums and check them out.
Best advice yet. If you want a v6 w/o the hassle and want a poweradder later thats a good choice. They do make superchargers for that car, lots of performance parts. they have a little section in JEGs just for that engine.
*****btw its not TPI its MPFI*****

Jproz1167

iTrader: (3)

Just grand nationalize a 3.8 4th gen .... I've seen that done

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Well...

I'm not gonna advocate going 4th gen. I don't like the way they look and everthing on them can be put on our cars. I could see getting a wrecked 98 3800 car and transplanting everything into one of ours...

Anyway, that's just me.

KBcobra

too much work, thats not an easy swap from wat i hear

230 firebird

I agree with you.I have had my 3rd gen for 20 years now.I have put to much time and work in my car and i would not get ride of mine now.I am going to do some kind of engine swap,and get away from all the computer stuff,the 350 i was going to buy was overpriced.I think some of the third gen cars are better looking,John

KBcobra

I do agree with you, i like thirdgens more than firstgens or any other generation. Don't downgrade to stoneage just yet look at other options. Such as the LT1/T-56 or the LS1/T-56 the best swap you can do for a great price.

UR50SLO

iTrader: (1)

Here's a picture of a Buick GN in my 86 Camaro. It can be done on a budjet if you've got enough time and ability. I got almost everything used. I have alot of fabrication skills but you don't have to go this elaborate.

You can pick up a GN engine/trans/harness/computer for 1500.00. or so. Depends on condition but I've bought several in that price range.

You could go to the newer 3.8L but anything with them with a power adder is going to be custom. I'm just now completing a 99 Camaro 3.8L series 2 engine with a custom kit I fabed. Running a TA49 GN turbo.
Tuning will be HP Tuners. 42lb/hr injectors... Stock trans/rear end will have limited life now The cust. knows this...

Anyhow.. Best bang for the buck is the GN engine in my openion. Being that I've done many Hybrids and I'm the most familiar with the 82-92F-body I'm in favor of it

E-mail me anytime for pic's or info.
~Scott
UR50SLO@aol.com