8.1L (496ci) Chevy Vortec swap?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
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
Thanks Tim
#2
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
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.
#3
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
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.
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.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
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)
#5
Member
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?
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.
#6
Junior Member
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.
#7
On Probation
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
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