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.
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Doing an engine swap and need some help. I know people are getting tired of all these questions and I am a new guy but give the newbie some help. I did search the threads and I could not find my answers. Anyways…
The car is a 85 firebird that originally had a 2.8 fuel injected. The new engine is out of an 87 camaro; it’s a 305 carb. The engine and trans is setting in the car and I am at a stop now.
1. I am not sure if I found the correct wires for the distributor. My manual says it should be a pink and black or brown wire. I did find these color wires but they are with two other wires on a male plug. Does this sound like it could be the correct wires? And, what color goes on what terminal on the distributor?
2. Next, the alternator. The alternator on the new motor (87) has a red, brown, and brown/white wire, and a thicker gauge red wire. My car has a clip with a brown wire and a red wire. Do I just tie the two brown wires together or is there something else I need to do?
3. Lastly, is there something I need to do with the transmission, for the torque converter lockup or something? This is new to me. . I am using a Turbo Hydramatic TH200c. I know this is not a popular trans but I have it lying around. I think it originally had a 700r4.
How much of the engine wiring did you get and/or are planning to use from the '87?
The TH200C has a lock-up torque converter. Getting it working will save you some gas. The same harness that locked-up the '87 transmission (assuming it was auto tranny) will lock up the TH200C, if you are using the '87 harness. If you don't have any of that, or the '87 wasn't auto, you can wire the lock-up with the '85 harness. How that works is discussed often on the Transmission forum.
i been looking into swapping lately, and whaT IMGETTING FROM evryone i to take the wires from the donor. to save you self the trouble. if the donor isnt available find the same model year and pull the wires. otherwise youll be in here all day asking questions.
i too am putting a 350 4 bolt in my v-6 firebird like it was told in other post you need to change the coil springs anyway for ride heights reasons i do not understand why you would leave the v-6 coils in it anyway so i plan to change them while i m in there i will change the motor mounts autozone loans the spring compressor to you for a deposit of what the tool cost new when you return it they give you all your money back i also will change the power steering pump, sway bar with new bushings,and the brake line too before i set the motor in i will adjust the needed wires to there destination,paint the engine area gloss black if you keep the engine and all parts you have problems with a wire plug just look at the parts ATLEAST THATS THE PLAN maybe here soon i will be SCREAMING FOR HELP lol lol can't wait to drive my first THIRD GEN WISH YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK i was always told to do it wright the first time do not take to many short cuts that way you will be less adjetated with the things that need to be done time is all we have spend it loving the outcome build with pride
