I have an 86 Camaro with the 2.8L FI V6 with a 5 speed manual trans. I want to swap a v8 in it but I've never done an engine swap on anything before. I haven't really done anything harder than brake pads on a car actually lol. But anyway, I have a few personal sources for Camaro parts and these few people are pretty knowledgable (one being a certified local mechanic that works mostly on Camaros and Firebirds). It runs and drives fine and everything, just looks like crap. Plus I've always wanted a V8 Camaro lol.

But some things I've been wondering:

1. The guy I bought the car from ($350) said that he replaced the clutch with a "Borg Power II Stage 2 Clutch". I'm not saying that he's right or wrong, but I can definitely tell by driving it that it isn't the stock clutch. It almost seems like it was meant for a V8 engine (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear are really short). But, I'm not entirely sure.. That's why I'm here :P. So if I did a V8 swap, would I need to replace the transmission like the sticky thread says, or does that only apply to automatics? Because there was also something in there about how the V6 manual transmission can withstand V8 power, and is even more desirable.

2. I'm on kind of a budget, so what would be the cheapest way to go, but not cut any corners?

3. What exactly do I need to swap with the engine? So far all I know is that mostly everything on the V6 engine will have to be swapped with V8 parts including the tach.

4. Keep in mind that this is still going to be my daily driver.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, I bought it from a guy that was in major debt and needed to pay the rest of it off or else it would get repoed, and he only owed $350 more on it before it was his (so close!). It has a horrible white paintjob that's chipping off and you can see the factory red paint showing underneath (still stumped to this day as to why the previous owners painted it...). But yeah, running, driving V6 Camaro that needs new interior and paintjob for $350 isn't very bad if you ask me lol.

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

While the V6 tranny can be made to work, it's rarely the wise thing to do. You might be able to drive it, but you'll have to absolutely baby it.

Sell off what you can of the V6 stuff to fund the proper V8 stuff. You can't spend less money without cutting corners.

 

I agree with 57kid. I'm doing my very first engine swap right now, and honestly, its not as hard as it seems. The main thing I'm doing (probably what will help alot) is I have a roll of masking tape and a sharpie marker. Everything I unplug, like sensors and other wires, I label. Also, every bolt I remove, I put in a ziplock back with a label, like the intake manifold bolts all go in the same labeled bag...
As far as your transmission, you definitely go with a v8 tranny. You'll only want to do the swap once. Besides, I'm not sure if the v6 tranny will bolt up (bellhousing) to a v8 block...

 

It would definitely help if you had a donor V8 car whether you purchase one or just know of one at a junkyard. As for being on a budget, I don't want to say it can't be done but you may just want to wait until you have the funds in order to start such a big project. The transmission WILL have to get swapped out for one made for a V8. If I were you I would save up some money to BUY a Camaro with a V8 instead of swapping. They aren't that expensive anymore and it may be possible to throw a couple of bucks in the current V6 you own and sell it for a bit more. Not quite sure if you could because I don't really know the condition or mileage etc...Just some advice from someone who has done the swap before on my 87 firebird but I had a donor car and extra cash to do the swap. Hope this helps and good luck

 

Ahh, Its my dream. To scrap my 2.8 and put in a 454. Say goodbye to my rear tires.

 

i am about to start my 2.8 to ls1 v8 swap and they are right its not cheep at all its all the lil stuff that adds up over time that u dont think about that kills u on the $ side of it so ya i would git a donor car if u are going with a tpi v8 and kiss your budget good buy.