I am purchasing a 1988 RS with a 2.8L V6 and a 5 speed. I have a fresh 350 block from the machine shop set up for a 388 stroker. This is going to be my first swap and I have read the sticky on V6 to V8 swap. It has helped, but I was wondering if there was anyone out there that has done something like this before and has pictures of step by step process. Also, I am wanting to get a 1990-1992 dash to swap with the '88 dash. (I like the gauges and steering wheel better) I was wondering what my options were for transmissions. I can easily get a hold of a 700R4, but not sure it will hold up to the 500hp of the new engine. I am going to tie the subframes and possibly put in a 6 pt cage to stiffen the body. I am going to have to do this on the cheap! I also have a '86 IROC donor car (no title) I know that will be a good start.

If anyone has anything that will help me or point me into the direction of a good thread that I haven't seen, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

Your transmission options are a TH350, a TH400, or a TH700R4 for automatics - assuming a junkyard tranny or used tranny purchase in the $300-$500 range, you'll probably need a rebuild that will run anywhere from $600 - $1200 on top of that, or just buy a good already built auto tranny from someone like Pro Built Automatics.

For manuals about the only budget option is a T-56 from a 4th gen car - about $1200 used, plus the cost of extras - you already have pedals so that's one step ahead.

Otherwise, it's just a matter of doing it, one step at a time, removing the old, and installing the new, utilizing the info on the V6 - V8 sticky, and searching.

Not sure what your "budget" is, but when I swapped from a 305 to a 350 four years ago, the motor complete (carb to oil pan) only cost me $600, but the 'rest of the story' added another $800 at least with misc needs and things to get it all setup right, and that's NOT including the $500 I spent for a rebuild on my tranny - just an FYI that "budgets" are ALWAYS broken!