Firebird_305

Hey guys! Is it at all possible to go from the 3.1L fuel injection to a carburated engine? I've been looking and see that it is a huge hassle to swap a V6 to V8. Just really curious what it takes to get rid of the fuel injection all together and put a carb in it.

Thanks!
Dustin

Guest

The '82-'84 2.8 had a computer-controlled carb. Edelbrock makes an intake manifold that will take that or a Holley 390, but you still have no choices for a non-computer distributor. Plus this idea isn't even technically legal, though you may get away with it.

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Why would you want to go backwards like that? The 3.1 has a pretty good fuel injection system.

Bobby Suth

iTrader: (2)

I think some s10's had 2.8 tbi and older ones had carb set ups.You might be able to take parts off one of thoughs.

K2000

the 3.1 is only good as a daily commuter. But im gettin tired of it so probably ill look for a cheapie 350 from a 96-98 chevy silverado with vortec heads, add a carburetor and work my way up from there

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Buy another V-8 F-body and go from there. The time and cost of swapping the V-8 into the 6 is NOT worth it.

LS4GXP

iTrader: (2)

Why is it not worth it? You have to do extra work, yes i agree. But the price tag of buying a whole new car vs odds and ends to do a v6 to v8 swap dont compare in my opinion, This is if you have a nice v6 shell.

-New front brake lines
-New motor mounts
-Fuel Regulator ( ill have one from my swap for sale )
-New Serpentine setup from a v8 Fbody, or a 4.3l s10
-Gonna need a trans, but can find them used under $500
-Most likely a new radiator

All those parts you can find at a junkyard, minus the regulator

Think that sums it up. Notice i left out the v8 suspension, because you dont need it for a daily driver! v6 suspension rides alot better then v8 anyways, if your not planning on drag racing or circle tracking the car

If your car is in rough shape, then yes, maybe i would buy a v8 car and do the swap.

AmorgetRS

iTrader: (6)

Engine + trans + misc cost almost as much as a running V-8 Thirdgen. Factor in what you gain from selling the V-6 as a whole car and you are WAY ahead. And it involves almost none of the work.

Pillsbry10

iTrader: (1)

the suspension is not going to ride better with the v8 on top of it

LS4GXP

iTrader: (2)

I guess everyone has there own opinions. I have done 2 v6 to v8 conversions. One in a camaro, and recent in a firebird. They ride alot better then the v8 camaro I just bought. And notice I just said ride. Not talking handling and corning or anything

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

So it rides like a Cadillac and rolls in the corners. Great trade off

Face it, engine swaps are not cost effective. Im a HUGE advocate of the LSx engines, but swapping on is NEVER as inexpensive as buying a car with one already installed. So you'd tear down a dependable 3.1, sure its slow, but you'd replace it with a dinosaur of a 350? Really?

Add it up, a few grand to do the swap, rides smooth, but cant corner. Gas mileage is mid teens if that, value hasnt gone up, in most cases gone down. Probably run terrible because if you cant keep a V6 running, no chance you'll know how to tweak a cold natured carb

I dont see the upside. Sell the V6 and buy a V8 if it bothers you that much. Lots and lots pop up FS on these forums and at your local craigslist for $1500 or less, road worthy. Maybe save up your pennies a few more weeks and drop the $3-4k on a nice one because thats about all a 3rd gen will ever be worth. You'd be fooling yourself if you think you can do an engine swap for that much