help!i have a 86 camaro with a v-6 and 5 speed.Can i use the trans?if so know anyone that has another bellhousing??
what else do i need to know?
mike

 

Are the bellhousing changeable? Are the insides the same strength? I wouldn't trust the 5 speed behind a v-8 with any moxy anyway.

You also need the motor mounts from the v-8. The holes are already in the x-member. If it's fuel injected it would probably be a good idea to change your pump, or get rid of it (for a carb swap). Instead of telling use the myriad of trans/x-member/driveshaft mods i'd say get a 700r4 and a driveshaft from a swap yard, rebuild (or have it) the trans. Make SURE you get a core from '88 up (check the date code of the casting) the older trans had weak 3-4 clutchpacks and although better frictions will help em why start with crap, plus the rebuild kits are cheaper for the '88 & up. WIN-WIN..

You might get lucky and get an aluminum shaft

There is alot more involved but these are the immediate PIA's. If your talking fuel inj. swap it would be alot cheaper to get a wrecked donor. Sensors, wireing and all the odds&ends will quickly kill the budget. Maybe a smashed '95 LT1 with a T-56 six speed!!!


Umm... now I wanna go out and rip my 2.8 out!

'88 Camaro RS
'88 Formula 350 w/ too many mods to list.



[This message has been edited by JoelOl75 (edited January 27, 2001).]

 

I WANT TO HAVE A 5 SPEED.iTS MORE FUN.i JUST WANT TO THROW AWAY THE LOAKED UP JUNK 2.8.whY DO CAR COMPANYS MAKE A KICK *** BODY+SUSPENSION ANS MAKE IT LOOK FAST,THAN DROP A 4 BANGER(F41)OR A 6 BANGER(BERLINETTA)
MAIES ME WANNA PUKE LOL
ANYWAYS I NEED A NICE USED HYUDRAULIC BELLHOUSING FOR V-8 AND POSSIBLY A TRANS TOO ALONG WITH A FLYWHEEL.
MIKE

 

I've replied in pretty good detail about this swap (which I have done) in a few other posts. Have you read these yet? Let me know if there is anything you need, but can't find in them.

MikeS

 

There are lots of things that will need to be replaced, but the simple answer to your question is get a new tranny.

The V6 tranny has a different spline count on the input shaft than a V8 tranny. Because of this, the clutches for the V6 and V8 have different spline counts, not to mention different diameters and resulting holding forces. Also, the tail shaft of the V6 and V8 trannys have different spline counts so you will need to replace the front yoke on your driveline too. Stick with the V6 driveline because they are made with thicker tube walls than the V8 models and are stronger.

You have a lot of other issues to work out too but you will figure those out as you choose the parts you want.

If you choose to use a carburator then use the stock fuel pump. At the level of fuel pressure required for a carb, the stock fuel pump will supply more fuel than any mechanical pump will. Simply tie in your stock flexible fuel lines located in the engine bay to an adjustable regulator, complete with fuel bypass valve, designed for high pressure input to low pressure output. Moroso makes one for about $80. Supply fuel to your carb from the regulator. Use an Accel TPI fitting to -06 AN fitting adapter kit to attach your stock fuel lines to the regulator. This is a great solution becuase you keep the integrity of the stock fuel system in place (both feed and return lines) along with the electronics to run the fuel pump.

If you want to use a TPI setup, two of the available V6 ECMs will also drive a V8 TPI system. Your car might already have one. You can contact TPIS to get the serial numbers for those compatible V6 ECMs. You will need to upgrade your fuel pump.

 

Ok, if you want to do this, the easiest way will be to keep everything from the transmission case and back (driveshaft, etc) as is, like 89V6toV8 said. Then go to a local clutch shop and have the center for a V6 clutch put on a V8 sized clutch disc (10 1/2 " ??? don't really remember). That takes care of any clutch problems. The replacement clutch kit should come with throwout bearing, etc. Then grab a V8 T-5 bellhousing with the clutch fork and bolt it all together. No problem. Its an easy swap. Unless you didn't want to worry about having a custom cluch disc made up...then you might be able to change the input shaft or something. I haven't done that though.

 

MikeS's comments are good. mikeage2, I didn't say this before because I didn't want to discourage you, but I don't think it would be fair to you if I didn't say something:

Unless you're using a very low performance engine for this swap, your entire V6 drivetrain has to go. You're going to break it. Plus, you won't get much benefit from more power with a smaller V6 clutch or the open differential rearend like you have right now. The T-5 tranny and rearends from 3rd gen F-bodies are marginal units even for factory Hp ratings. You would be wise to think about the ENTIRE project cost before even considering this engine swap. Not only do you have to think about the engine swap, but you also have to think of how you're going to get the new found power to the ground so you can actually use it. I think you're in for a suprise. I have $15,000 wrapped up in the swap for my car and I've done all the work myself. Although, I will admit I purchased the best of the best because durability is the number one consideration for me. I'll be danged if I'm going to be stranded at the drag races because my tranny lost a gear or the axles broke. Personally, I would recommend you sell your car, get a factory 350 V8 car, and start from there.

[This message has been edited by 89V6toV8 (edited January 30, 2001).]

 

well,i definately would have done that in the first place if i could afford it.I have a posi 308 rear already,and some other stuff.I have parted alot of thirdgens.I just need a v8 trans+housing,and il be set.if i had $4000 cash outright id buy a nicer v-8 stick car,but im poor.besides,when i build this one insurance will be real cheap(hehehehe finally),and il know what i have and know it hasnt been beat all to hell.Sorry im only a underpaid ase certified mechanic...not a doctor..lol

 

I have recently finished this swap. It is farely easy to do. You will need to get the V8 bellhousing (still avalable from G.M.-$147) You can use the same driveshaft. I will advise the use of a V8 radiator or you will have cooling problems.Installing the V8 motor mounts is a pain. You will need to run a mechanical oil pressure guage, the original runs through the ECM. I have not had any problems with the swap yet.