Hello...I have an '84 Camaro SC, currently equipped with the carbureted 2.8L V6. Auto-transmission, but not sure which.

The motor seems to run decently, but it's lack of power is ridiculous. You've all heard this before, but I'm thinking of doing a swap.

Here's my situation. I've never done an engine rebuild, much less an engine swap. I have, however, read a plethora of information about it and watched a friend do these things. I'd like to LEARN how to do it, though. I know it might be easier to simply buy a V8 car, but this is what I have to work with right now.

I read the sticky on the V6 to V8 swap, but I'm curious...aside from the ECM, wiring harness, engine, transmission, radiator, and mounts...what else would I be missing? Accessories, gauges, yes. Since the V6 was carb'd, would it require going into the tank or re-routing the fuel lines?

I already have some Hotchkis springs, and suspension would definitely be the first item of business...but how would a tubular k-member have fittings to hold the different lines?

I've located a few 350s and 700R4 transmissions. Here's where I need the advice though; since I've never attempted anything like this...would it be recommended to go with a 350 (cheap bolt-ons), or something else? I wouldn't expect this to be easy, but I can't imagine it's terrible.

Sorry for the barrage of questions; I'm an IT guy, not a hardcore wrench-turner.

 

If your going to a V8, then your best bet is a 350. if you're picking up a whole engine might as well pass up the 305 and move up to the best engine for these cars. and you can find a good one at the junk yard to rebuild pretty cheap. I'm currently doing a V6 to V8 swap on an 87 camaro. it MPFI though. a Carburated V6 is easier to swap to V8 I think. I know that the fuel lines on V6 camaros run different then the ones on the V8...since yours is carburated I'm not sure if there the same or not...It'd be best to replace them either way...9 times outta 10 they're rusted and ready to spring a leak. your gonna need a new radiator, the inlet and outlet on a V6 are opposite what they are on a V8. You'll need to replace the tachometer too, different resistence than the V8 one. Definatly replace the spring, shocks, and struts. You don't want you're new engine draging everytime you hit a bump. It's not really as hard as it seems to swap the engine and go to V8. it's just time consuming and can get frustrating. I've been working at it for a little over a month now...I don't have a lot of time though. The electrical is where I start to get discouraged. In my opinion, it's easier to just rewire the whole engine bay and do away with the ECM. That is, if you're going carb. TPI will need an ECM. IF you're keeping it just yank one out of a donor at the yard. keep those stickies in might. there where I went for my information and they really helped.

 

That's what I'm thinking as well. I was looking at a 305 once, but the general consensus seems to be that the 350 is the most bang for the buck.

Yeah; I was probably going to go with some Earl's lines anyway...just wasn't sure about the routing. I know some go around the transmission tunnel to the passenger side, but not sure if every 350 is done the same.

Yep. I'll get those covered; that won't be difficult. I'd probably go with some Covan's Classic gauges later on down the road. Hotchkis springs, and probably Spohn gear, with KYB shocks/struts.

Electrical is where I'm worried too. I've seen those clusters of wires from a different car...I suppose with a wiring diagram, it wouldn't be too bad. Not sure if a Painless kit would actually have everything I need though, for guages and whatnot.

I'm thinking carb is where I'd be going. I was tempted to go the carb'd LSx route, but I'd really like to build things myself and see how it all goes together so I can fix it in the future. But rather than EFI; I'm thinking these areas are what I'm most interested in:

1. Simplistic
2. Reliable (so I can actually trust it on road-trips)
3. Handling
4. Power (not ridiculous amounts, but comparable to my former '02 LS1 Z28)

Thanks for the time and words, and good luck with the swap!

 

Why go 350 why not 383? no replacement for displacement /// except for power to Weight ratio.

i have gone 383 on my v6-v8 swap. Im almost done and there is a lot of pictures ill post soon.

 

Did you stroke a 350 for that...? Looking forward to the pictures.

 

Yeah, I'd like to see some pictures too. I've got KYB shocks and struts in my TA. They're great for the price. I need to put some better springs in it though, it's too low.

 

No I bought my motor from a place from gear head performance. Its perfect 410 hp for just 2,885.99 after tax.

 

Cheaper and a whole lot easier to sell the car and buy one with the V8.

 

I have a friend with an 89 2.8 car that wants to put a v8 in.I tell him the same thing.

 

It's definatly cheaper in the long run. A LOT cheaper. But it's all about the fun. And the pride of doing it yourself.

 

its a whole lot cheaper to get the v8 this may be true. But the amount of experience you will gain from such a project is far superior.A smart v6- v8 swapper will chance everything to make his car even better than new.

the may be cheaper is due to the knowledge you will gain in this project. Think of what any other first attempt project will cost you in just frustration alone its much cheaper in the long run to learn in this fashion.

 

 

this is exactly what im planning on doing, im supposed to be getting my 350 within the next month or so, and within the next couple weeks im getting all my trans stuff.. pretty cheap too.

getting:

-700r4 from donor 89 camaro
-driveshaft
-torque arm
-torque converter (stall unknown)
-trans crossmember
-hurst megashifter

im getting all that stuff for pretty cheap.. like 100 bucks, but all pretty decent, the tranny slips a bit, but i figure since my brother is a certified master mechanic, if i get a rebuild kit he could do it for me.

as for the motor, im getting a 350 from an old cop car that was gonna be used for a demo car, but ended up getting pulled instead.. ill let you know how mine goes, and we'll see where we end up.