3.1L to 350 swap question...

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Mar 13, 2007 | 07:47 PM
  #1  
First of all, I am new to the forum, new to the world of chevrolet/pontiac, and the new owner of a 1990 Firebird. Previously, I have only owned Nissans, so forgive me if my ***** knowledge and experience leads me astray.

Anyway, I was given this firebird 2 weeks ago, the body is in very good condition, but it has a 3.1L V6 that, aside from being drastically underpowered, has 272K+ miles and it run very rough. My friend, who lives about 1 hour from here has aquired an older but rebuilt 350 and tranny to replace my engine, but as neither he nor I have a truck, it looks like the swap is going to have to happen in his garage. Now here is the tricky part. I get off work friday afternoon, and have to be back by 5:30am mmonday morning. Is it reasonable to be able to accomplish this swap during the weekend.

I have new motor mounts, and I can fabricate exhaust pipe to work with my current muffler/cat at his place. Accessories and instruments can wait till I get it back home, I just need the engine to run and the brakes to work.

Any time saving tips would help tremendously, as well as general advice.
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Mar 14, 2007 | 08:29 AM
  #2  
Did you read the sticky at the top of the page you posted this on?

Do you have ALL of the parts on hand that are called out? That'd be a great place to start....
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Mar 14, 2007 | 08:44 AM
  #3  
Quote: I get off work friday afternoon, and have to be back by 5:30am mmonday morning. Is it reasonable to be able to accomplish this swap during the weekend.
I'd say it's unlikely that you'll do it in a weekend. You will ALWAYS run into problems.
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Mar 14, 2007 | 09:17 AM
  #4  
Welcome aboard, IMP.

Sounds like you've got a decent car to work with. The V6's never were "performance" engines. 3rd gens have some "unique" characteristics that can make them difficult to understand to old-time Chevy guys.

What transmission does this friend have? How complete is the engine? Basically nothing attached to the V6 will work with the V8. The V6 exhaust will kill a V8 (although it will probably run).

By all means, read the sticky at the top of the forum about V6 to V8 swaps.

And, I seriously doubt you could get this done in two days and three evenings. Although there are those who have done it.
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