I know this is a popular issue with this generation Camaro. I did it by myself in my garage with no tech help. I started with my 84 with a 2.8L. I bought a frame-damaged 87 with a 305 after I had already purchased a 350 out of a 91 truck with only 110k on it. I used the tranny, cooling system(electric), stabilizer bars, front suspension, engine mounts, exhaust and the intake from the 87. When buying replacement engine components, like flywheel, starter, etc, I used the 87 as the description. I re-used the V6 alternator, just turned the back 180 degrees so the connector would not bump the engine. I got an HEI distributor and brackets from a junk yard. I just unhooked the main ignition power from the original V6 position (over the passenger side of the engine) and connected it to the HEI coil. I completely did away with the computer and all the sensors from the V6 and installed my own individually.

I also kept the V6 rear end as it provides the ultimate blast off the line. From redlight-to-redlight, I own the Mustangs! It sucks on the freeway, though!

I am not a mechanic by trade, but come from a long line of mechanics. I did the ultimate garage swap with common tools. I even borrowed the cherry picker!

If you have any specifc questions, please hit me up and I will help you as much as possible. Regrettably, I didn't take any pics.

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

That's basically how I handled mine, except I kept all of the V8 accessories and computer controls. It's a very good system. I hope you've done something to provide lock-up to the torque converter clutch (which the computer used to do), because without it, you're going to burn out your 3-4 clutch pack.

Oh, I finished mine about 6 months before finding thirdgen.org. Sure would have been easier if I found this site first.

 

I am glad you brought up the transmission. I think that may be one reason that it does not seem to hit that "final gear" becuase the converter does not lock in. I fooled around a long time with the kick down cable. Any ideas on how I can fix or counter that? There are no plug-ins on the tranny, so i figured it was OK. Any help would be appreciated, although I won't be able to do anything with it right now because I am deployed to Afghanistan. I should be home mid Feb.

 

Thank you for your service.

There should be a plug above the transmission pan, behind the shifter shaft. Both the '87 and '91 transmissions would have that.

The only "fooling around" with the TV cable should be to adjust it to the factory setting. You should NOT change the adjustment from stock to change the shift characteristics.

The torque converter clutch lock-up is electrical. However, without a computer controlled distributor, the computer will never lock up the TCC. You need to put in a lock-up kit, or fabricate one yourself.

What carb did you use?

 

Thanks. I love serving. I have over 17 years now.

I originally used a Q-jet from a 1980 camaro but it was in bad shape. Since then, I have installed an Edelbrock Performer intake and carb. Not a "high-end" model but it gets the job done.
I orignally left the kick down cable in the position it was in prior to conversion, but I read up on how to adjust it and I did, it works good now.
I also realize that engine timing has a lot to do with kick down and how it runs, i played with that quite a bit before I found the sweet spot.
It has been over 10 years since I done my swap but I honestly don't remember any plugs on the tranny. I think it was the original that came in that 87, but who knows? I will check it out when I return home. I don't want to destroy my tranny. What are the lock-up kits called and how much do they usually cost? I will definately get one if mine has an electrical plug-in.
I appreciate your help and info. I don't know anyone else who has a Camaro like mine. I wish I would have found this site a long time ago...

 

hey, thanks for serving, i plan to join the Air Force after high school myself, just wondering what if any modification to the frame and mounts you needed to do to fit the v8, i know it'll fit, theirs plenty of room in the engine bay, but what about the engine mounts? do they need to be swapped?

 

Good luck in the Air Force. I replaced the V6 mounts with the V8 mounts that came out of an 87 Camaro. It bolted right in without any modifications but those bolts were a pain because they were hard to get to.

 

Sorry, I lost track of this thread last month.

Lock-up kits are available from Summit, Jegs, etc., made by TCI, etc. The least expensive I've seen was around $75. Most are in the $175-$200 range.

The electrical plug on the tranny is almost impossible to see when the tranny is in the car. But, if it was a factory transmission, it has the plug.

 

thanks, and thanks for the info

 

how did you compensate for the added weight to the front, I was going to originally go with the ls1 but its to expensive a swap and I live in Canada, in a province that is not third gen friendly, there is only currently about 2 third gens in junk yards right now and they both are at the same yard and they are over charging to give you a clue $750 for a 305 out of an 86 camaro rusted to **** in need of a rebuild, i think im just gonna go with a used regular 350 tpi from a third gen also what transmission would be recommended, i have an automatic freshly rebuilt, my firebird is my everyday driver and I cant afford a second car im just sick of having a 2.8, id be taking a bit of time off to actually do the swap.

 

The added weight at the front can be compensated by putting V8 springs into the front suspension. This is one of the mods that you will have to do during the V6 to V8 swap.

The transmission type selection is absolutely up to you. Go with the one you prefer. You can install both manual and auto transmissions to these TPI engines.

 

I'm doing the same. got an lt1 and a 4l60e to go in my 90 bird. Im in my garage with very little room. I have jack stands and common tools. I can borrow a cherry picker. But one concern i have is whether i should pull my old motor and drop the new one in out from the top or the bottom.
What worked for you?