new to threads v6 to v8
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
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From: phx
Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 5 speed
new to threads v6 to v8
I just picked up a 1992 firebird convertible. for 700.00 bucks it had the v6 in it but it wasn't getting power to the starter or the injectors, but was getting fuel pressure. I'm pretty sure it has the vats system. Also the previous owner changed out the steering column with a 1984 firebird column. is that gonna cause any problems? So i took the motor out and I'm doing a v8 swap in it. I have a 1988 camaro with the 305 tbi in it. I'm just getting done with the motor mounts to drop it in there. my first question is? will i in theory even be able to pass emissions? second question? It has the tubes on the exhaust manifolds do i need those to pass emissions? or can i put headers on it? third question. if i still have the starting issue. cant i just remove the whole anti theft vats system? or will it be like its not there with the v8 computer in it? any help would be appreciated....
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Technically, this is not a legal swap. The engine you are installing has to come from a passenger car that is the same year or newer than the receiving chassis. All of the equipment that was used to certify the donor vehicle has to be transferred to the receiving vehicle, or certified aftermarket replacement parts used.
From a practical standpoint, there were no significant changes between the '88 LO3 and '92 LO3, so if you put all of the equipment on the receiving car, you should be able to pass the visual inspection and and sniffer test as long as the year model of the donor vehicle is not put in the mix.
My 305 swap met the criteria, as the donor vehicle was newer than the receiving car, and all required equipment was installed. I even used the emissions stickers under the hood from the donor vehicle. But, when I went to the testing station, they just scanned the VIN and tested it as a 1982 V6. After upgrading it (cam, heads, headers, intake, air cleaner), it still passed with flying colors - the technician even congratulated me on doing a good job on it.
You can bypass VATS. Look for a tech article on the topic, linked from the thirdgen.org homepage.
From a practical standpoint, there were no significant changes between the '88 LO3 and '92 LO3, so if you put all of the equipment on the receiving car, you should be able to pass the visual inspection and and sniffer test as long as the year model of the donor vehicle is not put in the mix.
My 305 swap met the criteria, as the donor vehicle was newer than the receiving car, and all required equipment was installed. I even used the emissions stickers under the hood from the donor vehicle. But, when I went to the testing station, they just scanned the VIN and tested it as a 1982 V6. After upgrading it (cam, heads, headers, intake, air cleaner), it still passed with flying colors - the technician even congratulated me on doing a good job on it.
You can bypass VATS. Look for a tech article on the topic, linked from the thirdgen.org homepage.
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