2.8 to a 3.8 swap
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From: Niles, Michigan
Car: 83 Firebird
Engine: 305
Transmission: 2004r
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi 3.08
2.8 to a 3.8 swap
My idea incorporates the 82 2.8 being swapped out for the newer 98 and up 3.8 with manual trans.
I know that the comp and all would be needed, along with maybe a rear end swap, but other than that, has anyone done this? I read the 3.1 to 3.8 turbo FAQ, but thats not what I had planned, if this is a easily feasible swap, later I would most likely throw a underhood blower (paxton,pro charger, or the like) on for added performance.
I know V8 swaps are far more readily done from a V6, but whats the comparison in gas mileage from a TPI V8 to a 3.8 EFI? I have been watching and found I can pick up a decent mileage 99+ Camaro V6 with manual trans, complete totaled car for 2200-3300. Whats all of your opinions?
I know that the comp and all would be needed, along with maybe a rear end swap, but other than that, has anyone done this? I read the 3.1 to 3.8 turbo FAQ, but thats not what I had planned, if this is a easily feasible swap, later I would most likely throw a underhood blower (paxton,pro charger, or the like) on for added performance.
I know V8 swaps are far more readily done from a V6, but whats the comparison in gas mileage from a TPI V8 to a 3.8 EFI? I have been watching and found I can pick up a decent mileage 99+ Camaro V6 with manual trans, complete totaled car for 2200-3300. Whats all of your opinions?
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From: Readsboro, VT
Car: 85 IROC-Z / 88 GTA
Engine: 403 LSx (Pending) / 355 Tuned Port
Transmission: T56 Magnum (Pending) / T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / ?
My opinion is that it's a huge waste of effort and money. That 3.8 is going to be just as hard to swap in as a V8, but give you far less performance.
The gas milage will be similar, though on the highway the 3.8 will probably get a couple mpg better, but considering that you should be able to get a solid V8 drivetrain for a grand to $1500, the money saved can pay for the gas differential for a LONG time.
The gas milage will be similar, though on the highway the 3.8 will probably get a couple mpg better, but considering that you should be able to get a solid V8 drivetrain for a grand to $1500, the money saved can pay for the gas differential for a LONG time.
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iTrader: (2)
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 177
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From: Niles, Michigan
Car: 83 Firebird
Engine: 305
Transmission: 2004r
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt posi 3.08
ok if I would go with a 5.7 swap, should I do a roller or a tpi or what, cause I am only doing a 3.4 in the 2.8 place for now anyways.
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Posts: 13,579
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From: Readsboro, VT
Car: 85 IROC-Z / 88 GTA
Engine: 403 LSx (Pending) / 355 Tuned Port
Transmission: T56 Magnum (Pending) / T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / ?
That's entirely up to you. The sky is the limit when it comes to V8 options, but I would say that you're better off getting a roller block so that you can run a more modern cam profile.
TPI, carb, aftermarket injection, whatever. That entirely depends on what your budget is and what you want from the car. At least with the V8 swap, you've got the option of changing all that stuff later on.
TPI, carb, aftermarket injection, whatever. That entirely depends on what your budget is and what you want from the car. At least with the V8 swap, you've got the option of changing all that stuff later on.
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