Engine Swap Everything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.

4cyl to 8cyl question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-12-2009, 12:52 PM
  #1  
Member

Thread Starter
 
Zyddian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fayetteville NC
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 84 Firebird
Engine: V8 383
Transmission: 700 R4
4cyl to 8cyl question

Hey long time no post from me. I recently purchased a firebird that had a 4 cylinder in it. The car has been converted to an 8 cylinder engine. I need to reinstall the wiring harness, distributor, drive train, headers, plugs, wires etc, etc. What i want to know is there any books that will help with properly installing these items. It's been about 8 years since I tore an engine apart and put it back together. Also will the rear gears be able to handle the engine change? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Zyd
Old 11-12-2009, 06:04 PM
  #2  
Moderator

iTrader: (14)
 
five7kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
What induction does the V8 have? I'm guessing non-computer carb.

If that's the case, you can get the engine harness from the junkyard (or possibly the Classifieds on this Board). It's the one that comes from the firewall on the driver side. The 4-cyl harness connector should be the same as V8, so ignition power, starter power, chassis power, tach signal (if so equipped), oil pressure gauge signal (if so equipped), water temperature gauge signal (if so equipped), and alternator wires will be on the V8 harness and properly connect to the V6 chassis. If you V8 harness came from an originally carburetor-equipped car, you will even have a choke heater power wire. If your V8 harness comes from an EFI, car, there is probably a switched 12v source you can use for the choke heater.
Old 11-12-2009, 08:22 PM
  #3  
Member

Thread Starter
 
Zyddian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fayetteville NC
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 84 Firebird
Engine: V8 383
Transmission: 700 R4
Re: 4cyl to 8cyl question

Thanks for the feedback.

The carb is a non computer operated carb. And as far as I know the wiring harness was off a fuel injected 4 cylinder engine that was previously in the car. I have to rerun the harness.

Anyone know how to figure out the firing order so that I can tell what direction the distributor goes in? I can't remember if it fits only one way or not. Sorry been quite awhile.

Any wiring setup would also be greatly appreciated. Those are my main concerns.

Thanks a lot
Zyd
Old 11-15-2009, 10:05 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
breid16's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: rockford IL
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 firebird
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: 4cyl to 8cyl question

here is your firing order:
1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

the distributor rotates clockwise, number 1 should be the first tower to the left of the plug on the distributor, depending on you setting the distributor in the right place. if you arent sure how to set the dist. in, shoot me a pm.
Old 11-16-2009, 08:12 AM
  #5  
Member

Thread Starter
 
Zyddian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Fayetteville NC
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 84 Firebird
Engine: V8 383
Transmission: 700 R4
Re: 4cyl to 8cyl question

Thanks this helps!
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MustangBeater20
TBI
11
10-29-2022 09:20 PM
fasteddi
Organized Drag Racing and Autocross
15
09-10-2015 09:32 AM
Bubbajones_ya
Electronics
4
08-31-2015 12:02 PM
ezobens
DIY PROM
8
08-19-2015 10:29 PM
redmaroz
LTX and LSX
7
08-16-2015 11:40 PM



Quick Reply: 4cyl to 8cyl question



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:17 AM.