Torque22

I have a 1988 Firebird with a 2.8.

It has a 4 sp. automatic.

I believe it to be the notorious 700r4.

The question is: Will a SB chevy engine bolt up directly to this tranny in this car?

And another question: What about engine mounts?

I will have a older SB w/carb.

I already figure the mounts will need changing. I am aware of the fuel system changes, and the torque converter switch.

Is there anything else I need to know?


Thanks.

Wadebryant

Your 2.8's auto wont bolt up to a small block, sorry. Housing bolt pattern wont match. You'll need a new trans. BTW, nothing wrong with a 700r4. There's a lot going for an overdrive transmission. You'll also need new motor mounts but, given the scope of your project now, those parts are just a given.

Good luck with your project

Torque22

So what transmission will be long enough, and also bolt up to a small block chevy in an 1988 Firebird?

I suppose those borgs warner 5-speeds or a 700r4 out of 3rd gen that has a small block engine?

Thats just stupid that they would make different 700r4 tranny's for the different motors.

Tommychu

I just used a 700r4 out of a 4.3 astro (4.3 light truck v6's have the same tranny bolt pattern as v8's) and changed the tailshaft housing to the one off my 2.8's tranny. But I had a terrible time finding donor parts so that was the only option.

Torque22

Is a 700r4 transmission out of a 4x4 out of the question, or can I use the tail shaft from my 2.8 700r4?

Apeiron

The 4x4 700R4 has a shorter tailshaft, you'd need to disassemble the transmission to change it.

elano

iTrader: (2)

If your car has a torque arm, you will need a transmission with a torque arm mount or a conversion kit.

Torque22

Is there a mesage board that can address all of my questions about putting a V8 SBC into my 1988 Firebird?

I do thank all of you for your input also!

Apeiron

This one

Torque22

Well ya, I figured that out already!

What I meant to say was, is there a certain thread that addresses a V8/2.8 swap in my paticular Year of Firebird.

lol

iroc a 86 berli

here you are

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...swap-read.html

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Note the title of that sticky about the V6 to V8 swap - rarely followed, but it answers every question you've asked.

Torque22

Ya, I guess I am an idiot.

The thing is, this message board is huge! I looked around in here for hours already. I was just trying to fast track myself to the info by asking.

Sorry for asking.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Eh, all is forgiven. I shouldn't have been so harsh. Sorry.

I don't know how to make those stickies more visible. We try.

Anyway, read through the sticky. You're bound to have more questions, so when you've digested what's in there, follow up with what remains. The sticky is a bit general in nature; like it says can't list all the possible combinations and details.

What exactly is your engine? That's where the details start getting into the mix.

Torque22

Ok, I found the sticky.

I found out all that I really need to know.

I need a new 700r4. That really sucks because I was counting on the one I have to work with the new engine.

I am going to try to find a donor car. I did, and it has all the parts I need, even body parts I seek, but it is smashed in the rear and it is 11 hours away.

The 2.8 engine I have in the car still runs good, so I am going to attend to the body work, and body mods I am planning, while I collect the parts I need for the engine swap.

Thanks for all of the help.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Yes, that's one big downer to the swap.

Smashed in the back is good. 11 hours away not so good - you might want to get the whole car and scrap it when you're done putting yours together.

Torque22

OH, believe me.... He wants $450 for the car, It will cost me $70 in gas to get it back, IF IT DRIVES....I am still trying to get a reply about that.....

....I am going to take ALL parts from that car.... and the parts I take from mine.... and SELL them! After that = Scrap.

I paid $500 for my Firebird, he/she want $450/b.o ('91 Firebird 305 5.0) for theirs. (I am sure I can get it for $350-$400 if not less.)

I should have a nice car for that price, and maybe a few dollars back from parts sales!

A lot of work, but I am not afraid to get dirty!