Engine Swap Everything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.

8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-22-2011, 11:53 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
sk8r fer life's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houma, LA
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1990 camaro rs
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?

Anyone considered this before? I don't think Ive seen a swap with this motor before, i wouldn't think that it would be the easiest swap but would it be worth it if you could get the engine for the right price?
Thanks Tim
Old 04-22-2011, 01:35 PM
  #2  
Senior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
1981LT1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1981 Camaro; 1986 Z28
Engine: LT1; LT1
Transmission: 6 speed; 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73; 3.42
Re: 8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?

It would work but you would need the trans to go behind it. At least the 4l80e. You would have to do some serious floor surgery to get it to fit the trans and you would probably have to have a custom crossmember made to make it work. Anything is possible if you have the time and money. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time on it since you can build an extremely stout LS motor for alot less headache.
Old 04-22-2011, 02:59 PM
  #3  
Moderator

iTrader: (14)
 
five7kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
It's basically a BBC swap with several complicating factors.

The accessories and intake sit pretty high. You'll have fun fitting a hood over it all. Mark IV and Gen V & VI stuff doesn't fit them, so there isn't much aftermarket support. I believe it is also a tall deck, so custom exhaust will be in order.

In 2004 when I took the '57 to Pomona (from Colorado), a co-worker offered his 2003 31' coach to tow it there (and stay in on the way and while there) - as long as I took him along. It pulled that car & trailer over the mountain passes like nobody's business, and averaged 7 mpg in the process. It's a great engine for the purpose for which it was built.

I would say "worth it" is a non-stationary target. Personally, I'd go for an LS7 first (http://sdparts.com/category/gm-perfo...5hp-ls7-engine ). Or a standard deck BBC.

But, to each his own.
Old 04-22-2011, 07:19 PM
  #4  
Member
Thread Starter
 
sk8r fer life's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houma, LA
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1990 camaro rs
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: 8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?

Thats what I was assumed, I'm not thinking of doing of the swap just curious if anyone else had. It seems like you said to be a ton of work, wouldn't it get better gas mileage though? seeing that it would be in a lighter vehicle. (if it were done that is)
Old 04-23-2011, 01:10 AM
  #5  
Member
 
ATX-Iroc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Bastrop, Tx
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 87 Iroc-Z
Engine: 305 tpi
Transmission: 700-r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?

Originally Posted by 1981LT1
It would work but you would need the trans to go behind it. At least the 4l80e. You would have to do some serious floor surgery to get it to fit the trans and you would probably have to have a custom crossmember made to make it work. Anything is possible if you have the time and money. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time on it since you can build an extremely stout LS motor for alot less headache.
the 4l80e fits fine no surgery needed just a little dimple for the fluid line.
Old 02-19-2013, 05:10 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
 
Mayt13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Vegas
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1989 Chevy Camaro IROC Z28
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: 8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?

Honestly I'm thinking about doing this because my exaust needs to be re-run anyway and my cross member is dented and my hood needs to be replaced. I'm just wondering, Is there a MT I could use with this engine, I'd rather die than run an auto.
Old 02-21-2013, 09:34 AM
  #7  
On Probation
 
Atilla the Fun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 6,319
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 17 Posts
Car: seeking '90.5-'92 'bird hardtop
Engine: several
Transmission: none
Axle/Gears: none
Re: 8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?

Bolting up a T56 would be easy enough. Just use the flywheel for an '01-up C3500 with the ZF S6-650. You're on your own for figuring out which clutch, and getting it bolted to that flywheel.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xkingcodex
Engine Swap
14
02-12-2020 07:43 PM
9192camaro
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
16
02-03-2019 12:21 AM
Fast355
DFI and ECM
14
12-02-2016 06:33 PM
theshackle
Tech / General Engine
2
08-22-2015 06:52 PM
jharrison5
Engine Swap
5
08-19-2015 05:53 PM



Quick Reply: 8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:36 PM.