V6 to 305 swap? Worth it need? Need advice.
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Canada
V6 to 305 swap? Worth it need? Need advice.
Hey everyone.
I just found out that a guy I know is selling a 305. All he is selling is the block with pistons, cam, heads, valves, etc. Just the basic components. Is it worth it? He wants $150 for it. It would mean I would have to build it up and buy everything. I can do it so I am considering it. Only thing is I am 17 so money is not always there. How much to build up an engine?
Thanks
Trevor
I just found out that a guy I know is selling a 305. All he is selling is the block with pistons, cam, heads, valves, etc. Just the basic components. Is it worth it? He wants $150 for it. It would mean I would have to build it up and buy everything. I can do it so I am considering it. Only thing is I am 17 so money is not always there. How much to build up an engine?
Thanks
Trevor
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 741
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From: pgh,pa,
if you are going to build up a motor just get a 350 , not that there is anything wrong with a 305 however parts are gonna cost the same to rebuild, and a 350 is gonna make more power, hope this helps
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
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
Welcome to the board!
Yours is a very common question, and comes up about every two weeks. Look through the posts for about the last month and you'll see several that address both the V6 to V8 swap, and the 305 vs. 350 issue.
To address your specific situation, you are getting next to nothing that is required for this swap. You would be better off finding a factory V8 car that has been rear-ended or rolled so that you can use all of the non-engine things that are needed to get this job done.
On the other side of the coin, I say this a lot: There has to be something very special about your current V6 car to make the swap worthwhile, or you have a strong desire for being able to say "I did it myself". Otherwise, you're probably better off money-wise selling your V6 car as-is and buying a factory V8 car. Although I like my car, I had rose colored glasses about the economics of it.
I know that isn't what people want to hear, but sometimes the truth hurts.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Most of us are quite willing to share our ignorance...
------------------
82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/LB9 block, ZZ3 cam and intake, WP 305 heads ported & polished, Hooker headers & y-pipe, hi-flow cat).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. 0.030 over 396, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.
Yours is a very common question, and comes up about every two weeks. Look through the posts for about the last month and you'll see several that address both the V6 to V8 swap, and the 305 vs. 350 issue.
To address your specific situation, you are getting next to nothing that is required for this swap. You would be better off finding a factory V8 car that has been rear-ended or rolled so that you can use all of the non-engine things that are needed to get this job done.
On the other side of the coin, I say this a lot: There has to be something very special about your current V6 car to make the swap worthwhile, or you have a strong desire for being able to say "I did it myself". Otherwise, you're probably better off money-wise selling your V6 car as-is and buying a factory V8 car. Although I like my car, I had rose colored glasses about the economics of it.
I know that isn't what people want to hear, but sometimes the truth hurts.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Most of us are quite willing to share our ignorance...
------------------
82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/LB9 block, ZZ3 cam and intake, WP 305 heads ported & polished, Hooker headers & y-pipe, hi-flow cat).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. 0.030 over 396, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green, KY
Im doing a 2.8 to 305 swap right now. Heres a break down of costs:
87 Firebird 2.8L 5 speed: $500
LG4 305 complete (I mean everything, all accessories) $100
*motor is on a stand and I tore it down completley to clean it (I highly recommend)*
valve job: $180 (includes new springs and retainers)
engine lift: $50 (used)
engine stand: $35 (new at Advance Auto)
Lots of carb cleaner and engine degreaser ($20 and counting)
Need to replace timing chain: $15 (Summit Racing)
V8 springs: $30 (WS6 used, I got lucky)
V8 swaybars: $50+-(used)
V8 shocks: $30-80 (used)
V8 bellhousing: $80 (used from a Trans Am series race team, helps to know some pros)
Im sure that Im not done spending cash, but thats a basic run down.
Total (without car): $625
My dad has been helping me, he's a gearhead from the 50's, so that really helps. Good luck!
PS- almost forgot the new motor mounts: $10
------------------
Mike D. 87 Firebird 2.8L 5speed with V8 swap in the works.
[This message has been edited by Big Money Mike (edited February 09, 2001).]
87 Firebird 2.8L 5 speed: $500
LG4 305 complete (I mean everything, all accessories) $100
*motor is on a stand and I tore it down completley to clean it (I highly recommend)*
valve job: $180 (includes new springs and retainers)
engine lift: $50 (used)
engine stand: $35 (new at Advance Auto)
Lots of carb cleaner and engine degreaser ($20 and counting)
Need to replace timing chain: $15 (Summit Racing)
V8 springs: $30 (WS6 used, I got lucky)
V8 swaybars: $50+-(used)
V8 shocks: $30-80 (used)
V8 bellhousing: $80 (used from a Trans Am series race team, helps to know some pros)
Im sure that Im not done spending cash, but thats a basic run down.
Total (without car): $625
My dad has been helping me, he's a gearhead from the 50's, so that really helps. Good luck!
PS- almost forgot the new motor mounts: $10
------------------
Mike D. 87 Firebird 2.8L 5speed with V8 swap in the works.
[This message has been edited by Big Money Mike (edited February 09, 2001).]
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 3
From: out of my mind; be back in 5 minutes....
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: Internal Combustion
Transmission: Completed
Axle/Gears: ones that turn.
Speaking from experience, the swap is well worth the effort! 
Pete
------------------
Pete's Place
HiOutput Tech Page
<IMG SRC="http://www.hioutput.com/pics/SC.gif" TITLE="Pete's 83 SC">
My 83 SC...(originally V6) 204,700 mile LG4/5-speed from an 84 Z28, 3.42 one-tire-fryer, T-tops, PW, PH, boxed LCA's, Hedman Hedders and y-pipe, Dynomax cat-back, .420" lift cam, custom air induction .....best ET is 14.935@94.14</P>
[This message has been edited by Petes 84Z28 (edited February 10, 2001).]
Pete
------------------
Pete's Place
HiOutput Tech Page
<IMG SRC="http://www.hioutput.com/pics/SC.gif" TITLE="Pete's 83 SC">
My 83 SC...(originally V6) 204,700 mile LG4/5-speed from an 84 Z28, 3.42 one-tire-fryer, T-tops, PW, PH, boxed LCA's, Hedman Hedders and y-pipe, Dynomax cat-back, .420" lift cam, custom air induction .....best ET is 14.935@94.14</P>
[This message has been edited by Petes 84Z28 (edited February 10, 2001).]
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