Ok I just got a 1982 Firebird wit ha 2.5L 4-cylinder "Iron Duke". Well I go the car b/c being it had a 4-cyl. that it would probably be a lighter chassis. I wanna do a V-8 engine swap. Would it be the same kinda swap as a v-6 to v-8 swap? If anyone knows of anyone that has did this swap let me know. Would I need a bigger radiator, stiffer front shocks and springs, and would the V-8 exhaust system route the same in a 4-cyl. car? I think all i need to do is get engine mounts and a radiator shroud for a v-8 car. Any suggestions or know how accepted.

 

you will need a new tranny. maybe a new driveshaft, if the tranny is longer than the 4banger.
The reason for this is the bellhousings are different.

You will need new mounts, new accesories and accsessorie brackets, probably a radiator cuz a 4banger produces a lot less heat than 350
you will need a new fuel pump

 

Hey dude thanks for the advice. :hail:

Does anyone know if I still need a Cat. Converter even if I take out all of the smog and emission junk?

 

If you don't have smog and emissions stuff then you don't need a cat; its part of emissions.

 

Don't know how to break this to you, but they were all the same. By the time you get the V8 in it, it will weigh the same as a factory V8 car (w/o the emissions parts you're leaving out).

You will need a full V8 exhaust (can get by w/o the cat, as stated), which will route basically the same as the 4-cyl exhaust did.

 

hey,
didnt know weather you have a motor yet or not,but i have 305 tpi motor,with all accesories,and i through in the radiator and mounts also,the motor would come complete with computer,and wires,complete from tpi to oil pan,i even could throw in a driveshaft,you would need a tranny however,let me know weather your interested or not,
phil

p.s. if you want all this stuff i just listed,im asking 700,the motor has 120000 miles on it,runs pretty good though,i also have a external fuel pump,i would sell for a additional 100 dollars,all this is plus shipping charges,thanks.

 

Nah Man. I already have a big HP motor that i'm building up. But thanks any way.

 

Probably should go with a new suspension from a V-8 car. I doubt the 4-cyl parts could handle a V-8. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

I am pretty sure i remember reading somewhere b4 that the 4 cyl cars bumper (behind the bumper covers) were aluminum to try to trim some weight.
I have been looking for a 4 cyl firebird to check and if so they are goin on the Formula.

 

I i haven't heard about that but I took my nose off to replace the radiator on it b/c of a crack and that thing behind the bumper was plastic just like the other f-bodies. If u want a 4-cylinder bird i'll sell you mine for cheap needs some TLC. I dunno a 4-cylinder Bird just baffles me. Why would GM do that to a Firebird? I bought it B/C it was cheap, unique, and needed TLC. I thought about leaving it a 4-cyl hoping it would be valueable down the road. Bu tI said heck I'll take that 4 banger out and make this car the muscle car its supposed to be.