hello all...

i am 16 and i recently bought an '85 Firebird for 300$. it runs great, has a few dings, overall great car for 300. right now it has a v6 (unsure of hp) but i kinda want to put a v8 in with auto trans. i was thinking at least a 350. im not too crazy about fuel economoy but i want something thats gonna get me more than 10 miles per gallon. i plan to go to a 'what we call a pick'n'pull' to find the engine. can anyone tell me what type of cars to look in to find a good engine, and how much it might cost.... im an engine noob (more of an audio guy) but i obviously will bring a mechanic with me... any help would be great.. thanx

 

Before you go, read the V6 to V8 sticky at the top of the forum and then write down all of the parts that you need.

Next, take your list to the pick'n'pull and write down the prices to match the items on your list. Now total up your cost...

You will begin to see that getting a whole car is a more affordable way than the pick'n'pull - at least at the beginning.

If you just need an engine, You should look for a chevy 350 from 1987 or newer. Most likely it will be from a pickup or a van. I think having a late model block (relatively speaking) is the best way to start. If you are looking for just a running engine already, then you may want to go a different route.

Really the best option is a wrecked V8 third gen car. You need a V8 transmission, mounts, accessory drive, etc... Don't forget that if you get these from a wrecked firebird or camaro you will also get every goofy bracket and weird sized bolt required as well. You will see the difference in price if you do it the hard way one piece at a time.

Just giving you some advice from someone who has been there before...