HEY FELLOW THIRD GEN OWNERS , I RECENTLY SWITCHT MOTORS IN MY 87 FIREBIRD ORIGINALLY IT HAD A 2.8 V6 MPFI,, NOW IVE SWITCHT IT TO A 350 GM GOODWRENCH CRATE MOTOR CARBD, HERES THE QUESTION IVE REPLACED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE V6 BESIDES THE RIADIATOR , IVE DID THE CUSTOM HOSEING AN IT ALL WORKT OUT IVE NOT RAN THE MOTOR YET SO I CANT TELL IF IT WILL OVER HEAT OR NOT CAN I STILL USE THIS V6 RIADIATOR FOR MY 350?? ANY ADVISE GLADLY APRICIATED

 

I am not up on v-6`s but if the radiator is smaller than the ones used for the 305 & 350 I would upgrade to the larger radiator and a dual fan set up. These cars run hot and using a smaller radiator if that is the case, sounds like a good way to destroy your new motor. Use the search function at the top of the page and plug in your question. Good luck

 

The v6 radiator is smaller than the v8 radiators. I think GM tried to replace both the v8 and the v6 radiators with a third radiator that is thicker than the v6 rad but narrower than the v8 radiator. I think the thicker radiator is still available from aftermarket like 1-800-radiator, but I'm not sure. You should put in the bigger radiator if you are going to run it in hot weather.

 

well ive compared the riadiator to my dads in his v8 camaro an there prety simaler the v6,s is just slightly smaller ,, but also ive aded a constant electric cooling fan if the ignition is on the fan is to , also ive went with a lower temp thermostat 160 degree , ive also aded many flex braids to the engine ,hoses,also im thinking about adding a aditional cooling fan controlled by a toggle switch,but incase i sense its over heating ill shut down an get the v8 riadiator .
oh an there wont be much hot wheather either

 

,, OK NOW IVE TRYED , AN ACTUALLY RAN THE MOTOR FOR A LONG TIME , AN IT STAYED WELL BELOW 180 , SO HOWS THAT SOUND , IS IT COOL ENUFF

 

Yes, below 180 sounds good. Now, you should check the coolant level and start taking it on short road trips and see how it does. Keep checking your coolant level after several heat-up and cool-down cycles. Keep a close eye on your temps with that new motor. You may want to install a fan switch that comes on at 180-185 and off at 170 so your fan does not run all the time. Your idea of a toggle switch is a good too. If your air dams are in place, you don`t need any fan for cooling over 35-40 mph. Good job on the engine swap, it`s been a long time (38 years)since I did one and I remember how much work goes into it.