I am in the process of gathering information for swapping my 91 V6 to a V8 (350 or 383). I have read the sticky above over and over and I will most likely read it again and again, LOL! I was just wondering if anyone has actually done the swap to their 91-92 and if they have chronicled it or at least made some notes as they went along. I've never attempted something like this and I am a little intimidated. I know it can be done, I just need some direction and a few pointers. Any advice and information is greatly appreciated!

-Chops

 

I figured some more info about be car and the donor car would help you guys help me!

My Car;
91 Camaro RS
3.1 V6 w/ 700R4
130000miles

Donor Car;
84 Camaro Z28
305 4BBL w/ 700R4(i think)
unknown mileage

Swap details;
I want a carbed V8 (350 or 383)
Will be a driver not a racer
Keeping the 700R4


I don't know what other info would be helpful but this is all I have so far. One thing I found was the intake on the donor car is aluminum (GM 14101074) and I want to try to use it in my build. The 305 is in rough shape. Once I tear it down I will have a better idea of its condition but as of now it only rotates about 90 degrees with the plugs out and the rocker arms and push rods look like they have spent years at the bottom of the ocean! Anyway, I hope this info has helped you guys get an idea of my project.

Thanks!
-Chops

 

I did an 86... I can't imagine there is much difference. I swapped the engine trans and front crossmember with the suspension attached, as a unit. I made "t" shaped retainers to hold the springs, compressed, into the crossmember. Disconnected the wiring at the body and laid it on the engine, disconnected the driveline and fuel lines, exhaust and all the other little things, then lifted the body up and off the engine trans assembly. It was actually very simple.

 

Unfortunately, there will be. The '91 has the VSS on the transmission and no speedometer cable, the '84 has a speedometer cable and the VSS on the speedometer. The good news is you can swap the sensor from the '91 transmission to the '84 transmission; and the '91 speedo is operated from a "buffer box", which should keep the speedo operating. But, you'll need to keep the '91 VSS wiring, and I'm not sure about the details there. However, the ECM wiring shouldn't be a problem between the two cars (the VSS pin-out is probably the same - however, you or someone else will have to verify that).

The '91 and '84 gage clusters are different, correct? (I don't really know, because the newest 3rd gen I've had is an '86.) You'll need a V8 tachometer, which you'll probably have to get somewhere else (again, I'm not clear on that, you can go out and look at the two cars and answer that).

I wish I would have done it that way. I didn't know about TGO until after I had the car running. I asked after I joined if it could be done (looked to me like it could have), and I was told, "No, you can't unbolt the crossmember." Well, people are smarter here now.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys!

So far I have the engine/transmission out of the donor car. I still have to get the suspension pieces I need before selling it off. I also got the ECM out of the 84 just in case I might need it. The wiring on the 84 is in terrible condition. I will try to salvage it if nothing but for the connectors. Once I get everything off the donor car and get it out of my way I can start disassembling my 91. I already have the hood and front nose piece off so all I have to do is tag all the wires and commence to extracting my tired 3.1 (actually runs quite well).

Yes the gauges are totally different on the 91-92 models so I will have to find a V8 tach from those years. Unless someone knows where and how to change the resistor or whatever would make it work. My radiator will work from what I read in the sticky. I will also be keeping my rear end since the donor car has no posi. I do want to measure the sway bar on the rear to see if it is bigger than the one on my 91.

Well that's it for now, Next time I work on it I will get some pics of everything and get the posted.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

-Chops

 

make sure to take a look at your local laws on emissions. You may have to use FI

 

Well fortunately we don't have inspections here so I won't be worrying about that I haven't really done anything in the past few days, I've been laid out with a bad back. I hope to get more stuff off the donor car before scrapping it. I'm gonna make a list of the things I need(want) for my car to get it back on the road. I will have to get some insurance and tags before I do the swap so I need some things to get it "road worthy".

 

Word to the wise: Get the receptor car running before scrapping the donor car.

 

Yeah I know that's the ideal thing to do and I have the extra room. I need to look at it tomorrow and finish cleaning things up from the engine puLl so I can get the suspesion off. I need to keep it where I can at least move it if its in the way. It will be a whole lot easier to move now that the weight of the engine/tranny is gone. I'm still looking for a V8 tach from a 91-92 model or if anyone knows how to modify the V6 tach to work that would be great.

-Chops