i have tried looking but the search on this site isnt that great. and i guess this is the question i want to ask. when did gm stop putting carbs in the camaros, or i suppose when did computer controlled engines come into play? i know it was around 85 or so but i want some specifics from the experts. i am interested in a third gen camaro or 2nd gen firebird to rebuild and make into a monster. i hate stupid electronics though, so...what should i look for in third gens for a 'simple' bbc or sbc conversion with no computer hookups?
i am assuming that, from prior knowledge, a bbc will go into a thrid gen without major mods or fabrication.

 

The carbs were computer controlled for all of the third generation. The cc carbs ended after 87.

Ditching the computer is no big deal...just a matter of clipping wires more or less. A bbc converstion will be equally easy or difficult in ANY thirdgen...year/previous motor won't make a difference.

 

1987 was the last year for the carb in the F-body. The computer controlled carbs started in the last year of the 2nd gen, 1981.

Canadian carbed cars were not computer controlled.

And yes, much like the earlier generation cars, the BBC swap is fairly straightforward. Motor mounts can be reused as well as accessories, and several companies offer headers for BBC swaps. The 700R4 bolts right up too.

 

Yeah, Marc 85Z28 is right. 87 was the last year, and it was on the LG4, which by that point put out a little more power than the original 3rd gen LG4 did too.

The LG4 is actually older than the 3rd gen. They had the LG4 in the 1980-1981 f-bodies as well.

Just an FYI though, the 1980 f-body WAS available with the "ESC" Electronic Spark Control (PRE ODB series computers), only in California however. It was a requirement on some engines.

Then in 1981, it was installed on all Pontiac 301s and Turbo 301s as well as the highest output version of the 350 in the Camaro. Not offered in the Canadian versions though.

 

82-T/A [Work]- A little off topic, but I noticed that you have a 2.5L Fiero. Is there anything at all you can do to these engines to make them run a little better? I recently bought an 88 S10 2.5 5 speed and man is it lacking in the power department. I've already done a major tune-up and that helped a lot. I've also been told the 88 S10 had the best shortblock (SD version?). Any help? Nobody seems to know much about these old Iron Dukes? And Iron Duke Camaro guys around here

 

man, drop a sbc into that truck or i was thinking about getting a fiero and putting in one of those import vtec engines all modded up... would be...interesting and different for sure

 

Why would you want to put an Import VTEC engine in a Fiero? I really hope you're not under the impression that it'll make the car run faster.


Lets put a Honda Civic VTEC 4 cyl motor and mate it up to your 700R4 in your Camaro, and then you tell me if you think it runs faster. VTEC is good for cars that weigh almost nothing. The Fiero weighs 2,700 pounds on average and pretty much requires an engine that has low-end torque, that's what it was designed for.


Todd

 

2700# is pretty light... and i said i would do it to be different. and why the hell would I put a 4 cyl into my camaro (oh btw is has a T5, not a 700r4) WHEN I'VE GOT A SJ 327 ON THE STAND (thats getting turboed!). I was looking at a fiero the other day at the junkyard and was like hmmm turbo the hell out of it vtec style (of course you know that 2.5 is ancient) why the hell do people always have to start **** on this board instead of provide USEFUL technical information

 

i'm not gonna say that a vtec swap sucks but i will say that it's nearly impossible. even if you did happen to get the engine in there and mounted up with a trans. that would work you still have the sensors and wiring and chit. try getting a harness and ECU from a honda and ghettoing it up to a pontiac. it ain't gonna happen buddy.

 

i betcha i could do it... only if i didnt make 7/hour; hey im only 19. it could be done; probably easier than those people shoe-horning sbc's into them all in all it would be an interesting project.

-dan

 

lmfao! the wiring harness would be the easy part... fabbing up the motor mounts and driveline would be the bitch