right now i have a 92 rs and i cant even drive yet so if i do a swap or buy a v8 camaro then its gonna be in a couple years...alright hes were im at...I want a v8 and i want one bad...i could go out and buy a 5.7 or 5.0 from a camaro but i would have to have my dad put it in and my dad likes to take shortcuts when doing stuff to make it a little easier...like when my brother had a hole in his Y-pipe my dad took a beer can cut it in half and took 2 clamps and clamped it to the pipe...so i would be worried that he would take shortcuts while swaping motor that could cause problems down the line so im thinking...maybe i should keep the rs i have now and learn to drive and wait about 2 years and then start looking around for a camaro with a v8 i want one with a carb. what is your opinion and what would you do ??

 

if you dont know how to drive keep the 6

 

There are two main reasons for doing the V6 to V8 swap thing:

1) Sentimental value of the V6 car.

2) Ignorance.

Which one applies to you? (For me, it was the latter. I've learned a lot in the last 5 years.)

There is one other possible reason to do it - the only V8 car you can find is an undriveable "donor".

The only reasonable (sane) way to start this project is with a factory V8 donor car. It's time-consuming and involved (lots of little parts to change, some difficult bolts to get to).

If you're not comfortable with doing it yourself, or with the thought of beer cans clamped in various places on your car, you might want to consider just getting a driveable V8 car.

 

if anything happens it wont be anytime soon as im still working on the rs but i want to have an idea of what i should keep a look out for...did they ever make a 5.7 with a carb. ?

 

1st off, keep the V6, learn to drive, get GOOD at it (everyone THINKS they are good when they start out. Drive 100,000 under a variety of conditions; rain, snow, dry, city traffic, small town traffic, dirt roads, highways, etc). When you have a collision or two (and you will), whether it was your fault or not, you will learn a LOT about vehicle safety and driving habits.

Once you pass this stage, you are ready for a V8, in my opinion. IF you are really sentimental about your RS, put in a V8 from a rear-ended wreck. Otherwise, it'll probably cost you a LOT LESS to just buy a V8 car to begin with.

Now, any particular reason you want a carb'ed car? The best engines made today are no longer running carburetors.......... they are electronically fuel injected. Accept no substitute, unless you are trying to keep an old car "original" for restoration or sentimental purposes.

Oh - and ANY swap you do, you will NOT want to cut corners with beer cans or anything else! Do it once, do it right the first time!!

My .02

 

well 100,000 miles is alot...i love my RS and i dont want to get in any crashes with it...i want a carbed car cause there is way more inexpesive ways to increase horsepower...and Im not sure on this but isnt the 3.1 and 5.7 the only electronically fuel injected car or are the 5.0...i remember my dad saying that this 89 suburban was fuel injected but it had a car on it he said there a little of both is that what the 5.0s are

 

I couldnt find this further from the truth, being that most people replace most of the springs with lowering springs that part is ruled out, and a 92 V6 car uses the same radiator and dash as a TPI car, the hardest part of the swap would be replacing the motor mounts, and they'd be shot on just about any v8 car you buy, there are so many more reasons that statement is getting annoying it isnt even funny, but hey what do i know, i've only had engines in and out of thirdgens more times than twice my age.

 

hey z28 you have my dream car :hail: what color is it and the stipes also what color is the interior

 

Thanks for the insight.

"Most" people go with lowering spring? Not from what I've seen. Since I never said anything about springs (this time), what exactly was repeated that is getting annoying?

The radiator is the same between a V6 and V8 in a '92 - bully. You still need to mount the engine in the frame (the "difficult bolts to get to" part), you aren't going to find the engine half of the mount in a parts store and you can't use the V6 part on a V8; harnessing is almost completely different with regard to length & routing (although you can cut & splice the required functions), it's relatively straight-forward to remove them intact and swap if you have a V8 donor; transmissions are completely different and unmodifyable; even the tach is different (although modifyable).

What part is getting annoying? I didn't say "Don't do it," but I am trying to convey the issues that can be expected. Ignorance is an issue all too often when this question is asked. And we're dealing with someone who doesn't plan on doing the work himself.

I find repeated comments that make this sound like a walk in the park annoying, myself. There is a big difference between the work required to make the job "good enough" and what's required to get it "right". For someone who's intimidated by an oil or spark plug change, let's be real and give him the full story (unless you're willing to go over and do all the work for him).

 

Only in a kit, which is no longer available.

 

The radiator IS the same i dont care how many times you want to call BS they changed them in 90 or 91, heck go to the parts store yourself and see if the lower radiator hose isnt different between an 89 V6 car and 90 or 91, i've stripped more thirdgens than you've driven i think i would know about the radiator.

And actually you could get away with the frame side mounts of a V6 and not even have to move them, there are adapter plates to bolt a sbc into an S10, they bolt to the block and go back enough to line up with the 2.8 mounts, though the mount BS shouldnt even be considered because anyone who's reasonably doing a swap is going to install new mounts anyway.

With a complete PULLOUT, not a donor car, its remove old engine, change mounts and plug it in, using a 90-92 tpi motor. With the factory tpi wiring harness that is.

 

iwhoa..hey now..im not inimidated by an oil change ive already changed the oil on my own and i cant even count how many times ive replaced the plugs ive also have replaced the distributer on my own and i know how to disassemble my motor at least half way down....Im only 15 and changing an engine does sort of scare me but my dad has swaped many motors that lasted forever but i dont want him running into a problem and doin something half *** to fix it...

 

you can put a intake and car on ANY V8 that your gonna stick in there you just have to know what heads are on it cause the heads that are centerbolt have a different angle and since the 6cyl you have in there is injected get a mallory 4309 regulator and you would be fine you dont have to rewire anything you can leave the computer in the car just your check engine light will be on me and brobert just did his a few months ago and as far as the engine side motor mounts go someone on ebay may have them or they may still be on the motor that you get

 

Uhm, yeah what he said , the misinformation on here is nuts!

Pull the v6, trans and all, drop in the v8 trans and all. Wire the wires that went to the v6 ops to the v8 ops. Hook up the mallory 4309 and go driving.

All the other v6 springs and needs to stop.

 

All right, guys...

The difference between "complete pullout" and "donor car" is location. We're talking the same thing. The advantages of a donor car sitting beside the receptor car are many, especially if this is your first effort (as it would be for the originitor), so you can take your time and compare the two as you go along as to what needs to be changed. Using S10 swap mounts isn't going to get you the other things you need, and is moot if you're doing a "complete pullout". (And I never said the '92 V6 radiator is different from a V8 radiator.)

As I have repeated over and over, there is a difference between a complete swap job that is emissions legal and looks like a factory installation, and a "get it running" job (for example, "doin something half *** to fix it"). You don't need to change some of the things like springs if you're willing to settle for the latter, but if you retain all emissions equipment, air conditioning and such, the extra weight will not be handled well by the V6 springs. Hacking and splicing the harness isn't a good move if going for the former, and is silly when it's so easy to change out - if you have a donor car.

Contined use of the won't change the above. Continued harping about how simple it is won't help the originator get it done.

P.S.: The "if you dont know how to drive keep the 6" response is still pretty good advice.

 

If one doesnt change the front springs that doesnt mean ones swap is "half assed" . Sure a donor car would be nice for all the small crap you forget about when you undergo a swap like this . But is it needed? No. Just like swapping the front springs isnt needed. Some people take days even weeks to complete a swap like this. Others take a day or two. Just because one takes shorter then the other doesnt mean its a "half assed job"

Also , if one needs a car sitting next to him so he can see how the motor etc goes in one shouldnt be doing the swap to begin with.


Also what is this about a 5.7 carb only in a kit?

Seems like people are confusing opinions with facts. :lala:

 

and i wish people would stop saying there is v6 springs they dont exist

 

Go to the parts store and check them out for yourself if you don't believe there is such a thing.

 

We all have to start somewhere. If you expect to get paid to do this job, I'd agree with what you said. If you're only going to do one car, then it's a good way to go.

Quote:

Also what is this about a 5.7 carb only in a kit?

The factory never put a 5.7 in 3rd gens with a carb (on the production line, anyway). They did, however, have a kit available through dealers, emissions-certified, to convert a carbed LG4 or L69 (auto transmission only) to 5.7 using a ZZ4 crate engine ( http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/gmgoodwr...on=ce&cat=9274 top of page).

Quote:

Seems like people are confusing opinions with facts. :lala:

Yes, I sure wish you'd stop doing that.

 

In 5-7's defense, it is a tough job to do. I did it, not fully realizing how much work was going to be needed. 5-7 gave the right advice to the kid. He doesn't have the experience needed to finish a project like this. Well, I shouldn't go that far. He could do it, but from a cost perspective, buy the v8 car. Please don't make it sound like a simple pull-out put-in type of deal.

About the v6 spring argument - the springs from the factory, or at a parts store as 5-7 said, are different v6 to v8.

About the donor car - I wish I would have had one. I did it without, but I don't think having one sitting next to the swap car should disqualify you from doing the job. It's just another tool to make sure you're doing things right and also a source for parts that may be different.

 

Well I am in the middle of a engine swap for my '88 Bird. My donor car just happens to be the remains of my '88 Formula. I will be rebuilding the engine, it will be the LO3, don't laugh becasue you can put out over 350 horse if you build it right. Well anywas back on subject, I would like to agree with the whole get used to driving then get the V-8. While you are getting used to the car you can gather all the items you need for the swap. I personally would reccomend staying with F.I., It works so much better than a carb. You will have better gains with F.I. If you go that route, one thing that is important that should be considered- WIRING HARNESS. Go the the company Painless Wiring. They sell all the harnesses you will ever need. On th springs, while you are swapping the engine you should change out the old ones, or hell upgrade the whole suspension.



ps- Is your car an RS clone?? The only years I know of that the RS had a V-6 was '86-'87. Someone might have put the Rs badging on your car. I would say run the VIN through and see what turns up.

 

If I was you and had the option to keep two cars I would leave the RS as is for a daily driver. Its a V6 so you will probably get decent gas milage while still driving a cool car. Then I would just get another thirdgen. Get one like I did with a toasted V8 and start from there and build the motor as the kind of motor that you want, not what somebody else wanted. Also the car will be set up for a V8 so that will cause you a lot less headaches. I picked up my z 28 with a great body/interior for only 250.

Matt

 

thats prolly whatll end up happening the Rs will be a daily driver and the Z28 or iroc will be the weekend warrior

 

I disagree. It is a hell of a lot cheaper to buy a good conditioned v6 for $1200 and throw the v6 in the trash. You spend about $300 on mounts, springs, and misc items just to make it up to par with a v8 and pay v6 insurance....Texas kicks ***.

 

Exactly! Well except for the Texas part, never been their.

 

Well, down here we don't pay state tax and if it says V6 on the vin....its a v6, even told the lady it had a v8 in it...she said if the vin is the same, it doesn't matter but you'll need an appraiser to cover the full value of the car....Texas kicks *** .

 

no thats incorrect there were 3.1 v-6's in the 91 and 92 rs ....

i have a 91 rs in my garage right now thats a 3.1 and auto all original with 80,000 miles and a really bad case of culvert collision on the front end ..lol...its a parts car but its definatly original

 

I think what everyone is trying to say is that it would be easier for the kid to buy a V8 car because of his obvious (not meant as an insult) lack of experience in turning wrenches.

If he has had experience pulling engines and doing alot of mechanical work then he wouldn't have even posted this post...

I did the V6 to V8 swap in my 85. I was experienced and it wasn't hard, but there is a /lot/ of things to do. Granted I went from FI to CARB so eliminating the computer/electric fans/intank fuel pump etc added more headaches. And you DO need V8 springs unless you want your front end to drag the ground - although some ppl like that ******* look i guess.

My advice would be as stated above, keep the v6 for a couple years, get some driving experience under your belt. Then when you get to college age sell the V6 car and get a V8 one simple. Hell by then maybe they'll have a 5th gen out! I'm patiently waiting... :lala: :lala:

 

_____________________________________________
Wow more misinformation, im so shocked! I went from fi to carb also and you DO NOT need to eliminate the computer (why people think theirs a need to rip it out is beyond me) ,Electric fan still work on there own as it always has, (adjustable fan switch), The intank fuel pump stays mallory 4309 works great, And for the last time YOU DO NOT NEED V8 SPRINGS!!!! The car will not drag the front end on the ground, The suspension WILL not bottom out. I drive my car 40 miles a day with no problem, I know for a fact theres more members on here who have done the swap and kept the springs.

I think what people are trying to say in this thread is stop with the misinformation.

 

Got to agree with br()bert. Didnt change my springs, and my car sits EXACTLY 1/2 of an inch lower. It does not
That is a load of crap. Nothing involved is that difficult. Everyone says that the engine mounts take hours and hours. 45 minutes and they are done. Does this kid have the ability? I dont know, but most people would. Compare it to a V8 > V8. The only difference is changing the mounts, radiator, accessories, trans. But if one was going to rebuild or replace a trans, and engine, not very much more work at all.

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

I'm not saying it is not difficult for you and I, but given his experience would be better off buying a V8 car - can be had really cheap nowadays.

Now for some issues:

Computer - well I guess you don't really have to remove it. I did?! He could leave it in if he wanted. Really not anywork to remove anyways.

Electric Fans - I should have clarified here, I removed the electric fans because mine were shot. I had a fanclutch and fan laying around as well as a shroud so it was easier for me at the time to just throw that on. If his electric fans are ok - then by all means use them...

Mallory Regulator - not a fan of this idea. Sure it works - but your going to eventually fail your intank pump and have to drop the tank anyways - put on a mechanical pump (cheap) and an intank pickup and you will be money ahead in the long run.

Springs - ok so I exagerated. It won't drag the ground - man ppl take things so literally. I guess should have clarified here more too. V6 vs Z28 springs. The Z springs are what I put into mine and defintely noticed a handling difference. If you've got a V8 and got the engine out - the spring swap will be cake while you have it all down and changing the mounts. Do it then.

 

Fuel pumps die all the time but will a mallory regulator cause it to go faster? No. Hooked to a tpi induction the pumps pushing like what 45 psi ? On the carb induction its pushing like 3-7. All the extra gas is returned to the tank so the pump is really running cooler then it was with the tpi induction.

 

Its not worth arguing about it. Its plain and simple.

Yes, its more work
No, its not a lot more work.
Yes, it is more money.
No, it is not a lot more money.
Is it worth it? Depends on the person.

 

being 16 years old and doing a v6 -v8 swap, it was rewarding to even get an engine out and in the bay alone. after firing up the 350 for the first time and hearing nothing but the open headers, it was worth every single minute i worked on it and every single penny i spent on my car.

 

Definetely agree after anytime you do an engine swap or rebuild an engine the sweetest sound in the world is that engine firing up for the first time. Sometimes I think my wife is jealous!!! hehe

 

Buying a car with a V6 and then swapping in the V8 makes PERFECT economic sense, you will save money in the long run due to insurance savings, becuase the V6 is cheaper to insure.....

At least in my state and my insurance company....

 

And not true in all states or with all insurance companies. Even if they rate based on VIN, a claim could be denied when it's discovered you have a V8 in there. Words like "fraud" may even come up.

This thread has long exceeded useful discussion.

Say, "Goodnight, Gracie."