I have a 1988 Firebird with a 2.8 wc T-5. How hard would it be to do the v-8 swap but keeping it a 5 spd. I know i need a V-8 5 spd or i could make up a custom clutch for mine but it may not last. Anyway has anyone completed the swap with a v-8? Either TBI it TPI? How hard was it? Was it worth the time? I love my car and don't want to sell it but looking for more power. What do you guys think. Thanks

 

The old RS use to have the 2.8 in it, now there is something with a little more grunt in its place.

As with any swap, theres 3 basic factors. How much money can you spend, what resources do you have to pull off a motor swap and how far are you willing to go . If you have the money and the tools/place to do it, then the rest is up to you. Good luck.

 

Went from a 2.8 V6/Auto to an LT1/T56

It pulls just a tad harder than the V6 did. Very much worth it, and the 27mpg on the Interstate speaks for itself.

2.5 times the power than the 2.8 and 5 more MPG, it was well worth it.

 

i went from a 2.8 to a 305 and now to a 355. im glad i put the 305 in theere for a little while so i could get everything dialed in for the 355. My sportcoupe was my first car as well, and a puny v-6 wasnt in there long. If you have any questions on going from 2.8 MPFI to an eight cylinder carbed, let me know, i took plenty of pics on the swap

 

Thanks for all the advice. I have the space to do it. I probably also have all the tools also. I'm very mechcanical however not so good with wiring. How did you set up the carb on your car as far as the wiring? How hard was it? Any suggestions? Was your car also a 5 spd? Thanks again

 

I was lucky enough to get all teh dash & engine harness's for my swap. As for what wiring for carb, going electronic or regular? electric, vacuum, or mechanical choke?

 

What would u guys recommand? I want something with decent power but i don't have a crap loud of money to put into it. Its not a daily driver so it would not kill me if she sat for a while. What would be the eaiest thing to do yet giving more of a kick then the 2.8 Thanks again

 

If i were you i would go with a budget 350 build. you can use your v-slick t-5, you just need to change out the bellhousing.

my car was an auto car before. As for the wiring i used the existing harness but i took off what wasnt need to run a non computer controlled carb setup( injector harness unplugs and comes off).

My 355 cost 1200 with all the machining and balancing and parts. I put it together, it was my first ground up rebuild and i researched ALOT so i wouldnt mess anything up. I also work at an auto shop and had those guys hawk over me to make sure i didnt mess anything up.

 

Thanks man. What did you use for your carb? Did you use electric choke or manual? How hard was splicing up the electrical? Also I don't think I can use my WC-T5 because I think the splines are also different and it will not work along with the bell housing. My big worry is emissions But I can deal with failing for a bit Any other advice would be great. Thanks again