Here's the deal . . . I have a 2.8L V6, and my tranny went out. I would like to just swap a 350V8 w/ carb w/ a TH-350 in instead of wasting time with this POS V6 tranny. I have read ALL the posts about the swap, and have done engine builtups/swaps before, so I have experience. What I don't have is alot of money (at the moment). Should I do the swap or not?
Also, I plan on rebuilding a smallblock, rather than buying one new or remanufactured.

 

Well, since all you're asking for is opinions...

Economics have to mean less to you than this car. You would probably spend less money selling the V6 car (even in its crippled state) and buying a factory V8 car than you would keeping this car and getting everything you need for a V8 swap. TH350's are good transmissions, but aren't the best for a daily driver. The best way to get all you need is to find a factory V8 donor car and use the parts from it - rebuilding the engine or swapping in a rebuilt 350 in the process if you like.

I love my formerly V6 car in it's present state (and it's getting better), but I'm sure I've spent more getting it where it is than the neighbor down the street who found an '87 350 TPI driver that has since needed a rebuild. I'm not sure if I can outrun him or not, but he probably gets better gas mileage.

There, now you have my opinion.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4, 2300 stall TC. Ported World 305 heads, Crane PowerMax 2050 cam. ZZ3/4 intake, oil pump, pan & baffle. Accel HEI SuperCoil & module. Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" catback w/dual-opposite Flowmaster 80. 2.93 limited slip. Spohn SFCs waiting to be installed. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily year-round driver. Best ET, speed TBD...
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7:1 forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 700 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).

 

If you dont have alot of $$$$ I would consider putting this PROJECT on the shelf. Ive also done engine swaps before, I am currently plumbing and wiring my 350 where the 2.8 used to sit. Even with JYP the swap is costing me about $1000. Thats not including the cost of the motor. Probably 200 in gas back and forth to the JY and parts store. If your looking for a cheap swap..dont look here. You would be better off putting that V-8 in a volkswagon!!!
PS. If you do decide to make the swap, I'd be happy to help. Good Luck & Merry Xmas.
PSS forget the th350..Stick with the 700R4. (V-8,) Unless you want to add more Convert Kits, Driveline.

 

Thanks for your opinions, I kind of had the same feelings as far as the complexity. Riley's35089rs+, I have a stupid question, what is JYP ? Also, can you kind of explain how the swap is costing 1000 not including the engine price? I'm trying to find the little things i'm overlooking in calculating my cost.
Thanks Again!


[This message has been edited by Truckman (edited November 29, 2001).]

 

Thanks for your opinions, I kind of had the same feelings as far as the complexity. Riley's35089rs+, I have a stupid question, what is JYP :O ? Also, can you kind of explain how the swap is costing 1000 not including the engine price? I'm trying to find the little things i'm overlooking in calculating my cost.
Thanks Again!

 

JYP = Junk Yard Parts.

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$150.00 2.8 Auto.
short block now
turbo eventually, 3.4 may be in the future
Giving the enemy the opportunity to die for their country