I have recently purchased an '83 Camaro with a 2.8 v6 and i'm wondering what all would be involved if i put a big block in. My goal is to make this car into a weekend dragger and a street racer, i have had luck doing this with my '71 442. I was looking to buy a Nova but i saw this car and just couldn't pass it up. I'm not used to working with cars like these so any and all info. would be nice.

 

I bought a 1990 Camaro about a month ago with a blown tranny and the 3.1 v6 planning on putting a 496 big block in it. Well, from what i have found and i still havent even putthe engine in it yet, this is what i have had to do.

REmove tranny and and find a nice tranny that will work.( a 700 r4 outta a newer style tuck should hold up fine)

Sub frame connectors

Remove complete wireing harness, and computer, then seperate the ones wires for hte garuges and for hte computer.

remove wiper motor, oil air filter, and all emisions.

re work stock tach somehow.

fidn exhuast manifolds that will fit or buy headers.

Make sure your rear end will hold the abuse.

I know i did more, but the engine should drop in in about 2 weeks, just waiting for my heads to get done and the machine shop and she will be on the road, hopefully.

 

The FIRST thing you want to do if get a V8 donor car... with as many of the V8-specific parts as possible. Something like a T/A, Z28 or an IROC would be good.

One other thing that isn't necessary to bolt the engine in, but is a definite MUST for a torquey 454 is sub-frame connectors... without them, that big block with twist that poor Camaro's body like a pretzel

 

What do you have to do about motor mounts? Id like to see some pictures of thirdgens with big blocks...does it fit without cutting anything?

 

a bit of cutting ...the lower control arm for the Hooker 2226..USe the stock SBC mounts

Daz

 

It all on my page at www.koolmeister.com