Was wondering if it would be possible to swap in the new 8.1 litre vortec motor outta a new suburban into an 86 TA.

 

i'll say yes if you have enough resources. it might not be the easiest swap ever done.

 

Yes it can be done. I do not think the 8.1 engine is based of the LS1 so you can use the same mounts the big block swappers use. You will need the PCM and harness out of the suburban to integrate with your existing harness.

You may have to deal with the VSS/speedo issue bacause you have an 86. Do not worry there are ways to fix it.

Are you using the 4L80E? This would be a good set up if you decide to do it.

BILL

 

The biggest problem would be getting it licensed for street use - i.e., getting it past emissions inspection. Since that engine is not installed in a passenger vehicle application by the factory, it is not a viable candidate for swapping into a 3rd gen.

Wait until the car is 25 years old, smog it for the last time as-is, then get 5-year collector plates on it. As long as the registration is renewed on time (read: don't let it lapse), you won't have to go through the emissions certification again.

Technically, though, you're always subject to federal law, so even if you don't have to go through regular inspections, you're still in violation of the law.

 

Why would you run into emission problems??? That 8.1 should burn cleaner than his other engine at the testing station.

five7kid....why would he be violating federal law? After leaving the Mustang arena (I had a 2000 Mustang GT), I'm starting to see more and more V10 Mustang conversions. I just don't understand how it could be illegal for this project unless the use of a truck engine in a car is not good. Please enlighten me!!

Brandon

 

Passenger vehicles and trucks have different standards for emissions (and safety, for that matter). The way the law reads is you can put in any engine that was available in your chassis, or an engine from a later year model of your chassis, or from a vehicle that was certified to similar or stricter standards as yours (i.e., passenger engine in a sports car chassis, or passenger engine in a truck). In all cases, the equipment used to certify the engine has to be carried over to your vehicle. People are putting LT1's into their 3rd gens, for instance, even though that engine was never available before 1992. With all of the support equipment, that is a legal swap (it is tested as if it is the model year from which the engine comes).

This is all federal law. It is only enforcement that varies from state to state, or region to region.

The looser standards for trucks for emissions and safety result in lower prices, and are big factors in the popularity of SUV's, pickups, mini-vans, etc. (even if the average consumer doesn't know that).

 

That 8.1L engine is just the new age BBC. its a stroked 454 (4.25" stroke i think) and now is 496ci.

I would imagine that this would just follow the steps of the usually BBC install on a thridgen car, but since this motor is fuel injected (assuming you use it) you will definitely need to either cut a hole in your hood or get a taller hood, like a cowl induction or something.

 

I agree with 84 challenge. I suspect the a new generation 8.1 will burn as clean if not cleaner than any OEM thirdgen engine despite the looser standards. Engine management has come a long way since the thirdgen sytems were produced.

 

What you aren't understanding is that has nothing to do with it.

 

I understand that....not sure if he does. I thought dropping in a newer motor, from anything, wouldn't hurt anything. After all...countless people on this board drop in late 60's or early 70's engines in their 90's thirdgens. Just wanted someone to explain to me why a "new" 8.1L motor in a thirdgen is such a big deal with the bigwigs. I personally would do it anyway!!! And if the bigwigs'll start a fuss over an 8.1L that burns cleaner than the originial engine......bite my butt sqaure on the crack!! I'd be doing my deed to save this planet from nasty gases. But they wouldn't see it that way.

Brandon

 

"What you aren't understanding is that has nothing to do with it."

Possibly, as you said laws vary from state to state. I may have this issue myself with my swap, but I am not going to tell the inspector the the engine is not original. The car will pass the sinffer and simulation test.

If they open the hood they will be

 

umm...yeah...most emissions testing facility employee's are dumbass beaners who dont know jack about cars...i doubt they'd even know if you threw a 640 big block in with EFI as long as it passed the sniffer test. but....my only question is


WHAT THE HELL IS EMISSIONS?!

I THANK *** i dont have to have my car emissions tested..