Just swapped in a L98 out of 88 Formula into 87 LB9 GTA. Mechanic had to splice some wire from the L98 harness but this is what concerned me.

He says the engine is sitting further forward now casuing a problem with the intake hooking to the air intake filter setup.

What do you think?

Anyone heard of anything like this?

 

pics maybe?

 

Will post some photos soon.

I am ready to be drivin!!!!

Please help me out!!!!!

 

if the motor was sitting further forward, so would the trans, IE it wouldnt bolt to the crossmember. I think its likely that he is mistaken and there is another problem with the airbox and or intake/throttle body. were the motor mounts changed?

 

I am going up there Tue morn Ill get more info then on specifics. Was also told I needed the 88 PROM.

Any suggestions on where to get a good deal on a PROM for this car?

 

sounds like the guy is a bit dumb..it should fall right in place

 

Just lloked at the engine in person. The problem is not that the engine is to far forward it is that on the 88 L98 the alternator and airconditioner are on oppisite sides than the 87 LB9.

This causes the box that connects to the tubing off of the intake to not fit between the radiator and the airconditioning pump. That box on the 87 comes off and makes a right angle turn to the filter on the pssanger side of the car.

What do you all think would be the best route to fix this? Also if I dont hook up the MAF shouldnt the car still crank? He is saying it will not crank up.

 

Doin a little research I see that a cold air kit takes car of the problem.

 

The car will run without the MAF connected, but it won't run the way it's supposed to.

I was thinking the '87/'88 difference was the problem, but didn't want to hazard that. Glad it's coming together (at least it sounds like it is).

 

I am now running into wiring problems. If anyone out there has experience w/ 87 to 88 engine swap wiring experience please let me know.

I currently have the 88 harness on the car and am being told this wont work. I cant depend on the mechanic I am paying to do this swap so I need input from you all.

I will likely get my car next week and either just wait till I have time and do it myself or take it to a shop that specualizes in third gens.

I really wish I could get my car back on the road. Its really fun to drive but I guess Ill need to be patient.

Heres what Im missing

 

The wiring harness from '87 to '88 are different, you would probably end up changing out the dash harness and the '88 ECM to make it work properly.

 

I don't think there are any major differences with the ECM, and the wiring harness should be mostly the same. The biggest difference should be the alternator and A/C compressor being on opposite sides, so their plugs will be in different places on the 88 harness. It might be worth it to swap to the serpentine setup as well, it would make the wiring bolt-in, and it's a fairly easy swap.

 

There are a few pinouts that are different between the two. GM practically changed the wiring harness every year from '87-92 with a few subtle changes here and there.

 

Alternator and AC switched sides between '87 & '88. I know connectors for same changed between '86 & '87, but I don't know specifics between '87 & '88.

I would think it would have been much, much easier to use all of the '87 stuff - accessories and harness - than to mess with altering the harness. In other words, change out the 350-specific stuff only - injectors, knock sensor & module, PROM. Basically a long-block change.