ok. I now have a 2.8 and its starting to make funky noises mostly cause i run the **** outa it. so i need to either get a new one or get a V8 which i would prefer (i was kinda liking the rareity of the 6 but its getting anoying getting passed by family sedans and suburbans.) so what would be the best and cheepest path to swaping in any v8 possible? i under stand it will be in the thousands but it needs to be done. The old exhaust was falling off so my sister had it replaced, the exhaust shop gave her some $ off cause she let them use 2 1/2 inch which i think was the stock size for the v8s so i should be ok there.

Things i know i need:
V8 (duh) $1000
trans $1000
front springs JY prolly $100
manifolds/headers JY $50-$100/$200+
FP regulator/mechanical pickup prolly $100

This is all a guess on my part so start shooting holes though my V8 dreams

Its possible i may have access to a 383 but im not shure.

 

here is a good place to start...https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...swap-read.html

 

I've got a 4 bolt 350 I'll sell ya for 900. Its not completly put togther but the only thing it needs preaty much is trans, I've got every thing else (and the heads to be cleaned up (hottanked, fluxed, ported, larger valves needs to be done, new rockers,and sprigs, ect. 416 castings)

I see your in kansas I'm in missouri so it wouldnt be that far of a drive for ya. (I would offer to meet half way but I dont have a truck any more) for specs on engine PM me.

or e-mail kalino_wski@yahoo.com

 

does it just need to run or are you building a budget performance engine?

and a used tranny can be had for less than that. $300 is the norm, though i've picked up a few v8 700r4's that worked great for around $125. you just gotta look. or if your wanting to go t5, this would be a good time...though you'll have to budget about $1500 to do so and that's for used stuff.

 

Already read the swap article.

Wow those are quite a bit different from what i thought they would cost.

Read that, posted this, went to bed and then i decided that if i go with an 8 im gonna get a different car. leave this one for my daily. ill swap in a 3.4 when this 2.8 goes.
Dont want to put a big engine in a nice car cause then it would hurt more when/if crash it. if i get an old Z or IROC that is already beat to hell i wont miss it much when i wreck it or something.

 

do what I'm doing, swap in a buick 3.8 (thats why I'm trying to sell my V8 stuff)

 

that will require lots of v8 parts and will cost more...not economical.

i like your idea though xplane. a 3.4 with a 5spd would be lots of fun in your car (just throwin' out ideas) then you can pick up a v8 car for your fast ride. make the v6 car handle and the v8 car drag. then make them look identical and when you run into someone at the drive in with the v6 car you know you can't take, just tell him your runnin' home to "uncap the exhuast" then come back with the v8 car...well...that's what i'm wanting to do!

 

Find out your budget, then double it. then you may have enough money.
i have personally done this swap.... 2.8 to 350
You will need the following for a carbed set up
Any V8 you want...
if you have a 700r4 then sell it, if you have a T-5 it can be used but it will be 16 spline and your choice of clutches really suck, so i would get rid of that too and get a 26 spline T-5. make sure it is mechanical speedo since you are 85.
you will need new motor mounts
V8 springs
new tachometer
new headers (i recommend Hooker 2055's comes with awesome y-pipe-)
new catback V-6 is unacceptable exhaust horrible...
you will need to modify the V6 wiring harness for carb.
1. modify alternator plug or do what i did use the V6 alt which is 130 amps. V8 carb amps are only 60 amps.
2. you will have to modify fan wires
3. you can still use stock temp sensor wires for the water temp
you will have to redo the throttle cable.
you can not use the same ac compressor stuff or power steering lines.
But you can take all the acessories off a donor car in the junkyard. any 350 will do. whether you want serp or vbelt.
Upgrade the radiator for sure.

do not cheap out on the engine either. i did with a 305 and i was hosed in the end. do it right. Buy good parts, take your time. since you have to replace some PiTA things like motor mounts, might as well get the prothane ones.

if you have anyquestions let me know... ive already done this swap. its not easy, or cheap. but it can be done and it was worth it. the transformation when you first drive it is like night in day.
incase you are wondering it cost me about $3000 to finish the swap. but instead of buying mediocre parts i got some decent things, like the hooker headers and full exhaust. get good quality, sucks doing it over
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Not to scare you out of doing it, but if i had to do it over again, for the amount of money i spent it would have been cheaper to buy a V8 Car and modify all that stuff...
but i did it all by myself, no help, (except advise from TGO peeps) and it feels good.... like some people say here. You cant call it yours unless you do your own work. good luck