Engine Swap Everything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.

2.8 to 383

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Old May 1, 2003 | 10:19 AM
  #1  
92StrokedRS_03's Avatar
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2.8 to 383

OK i have been reading about the swaps and i have some questions of my own. As of right now i have a 89 2.8 with a five speed. I see the average swap cot about 3,000 dollars. I found a 1985 berlinetta with a 350 ( i belive poss 305) 700r4 trans and posi rear end complete and runs but the front end is trash every thing is fine radiator suspension so on and so on. What all will i need to pull out of this car? can i use the suspension or do i need to swap that?? What other parts will i need?? I am building another stroker motor with ram air fuel injestion what can i do about my gages will the factory gages work if not can they with modifications?? Please help the 2.8 is killing me.
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Old May 5, 2003 | 06:57 PM
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five7kid's Avatar
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Use the V8 springs and sway bar. I know a lot of people say they used the V6 springs, but they must not go around corners or over speed bumps.

The '85 had a 305 from the factory. If it's a 350, somebody put it in there later.

Some of the later V6 radiators were the same as V8's. Not sure if that was true by 1989, so compare the two.

Otherwise, take everything out of the V8 car between that and the driveshaft and put it in the V6 car when the V8 goes in. The tach will not work correctly, you'll need a V8 type (and I doubt the '85 will work/fit, but I may be wrong about that). The other gages should work if you use the V8 harness.

You're bitting off a pretty good additional chunk with the Ram Air. Afraid I can't help you much there.
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Old May 5, 2003 | 09:13 PM
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MikeS's Avatar
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I know a lot of people say they used the V6 springs, but they must not go around corners or over speed bumps.
Couldn't be me could it ?
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Old May 8, 2003 | 08:01 PM
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From: New Germany, MN
Car: 1986 Iroc
Engine: 5.3
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 9 Inch w/ 3.55
Why wont the tach work????
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Old May 10, 2003 | 05:24 PM
  #5  
fast89RS's Avatar
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From: Ames, IA
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec 350
Transmission: Built 700R4
Originally posted by grover85
Why wont the tach work????
Because a V8 fires more per revolution than a V6.
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Old May 10, 2003 | 06:13 PM
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From: New Germany, MN
Car: 1986 Iroc
Engine: 5.3
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: 9 Inch w/ 3.55
Then how would an autometer tach tell the difference? I see your point on how it fires more. I just dont know enough about tachs to tell the difference.
Buy the way does any one have a v8 tach they would like to get rid of
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Old May 12, 2003 | 11:37 AM
  #7  
MikeS's Avatar
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From: New Orleans
The aftermarket tachs that I've used have been set up for an eight cylinder engine, but can be used on sixes or fours by clipping the appropriate wire on the back. The instructions that come with them tell what wire to clip for a six cylinder and which to clip for a four.
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Old May 12, 2003 | 02:21 PM
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wm_sorg's Avatar
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From: Annandale, VA
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: 2001 LS1 Modded
Transmission: 2001 4L60E Yank SS3600 TC
I think you would have an easier time getting your stock guages to work. If you are using FI your PCM should provide the correct signal to your tach.
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