Hello everyone,

I have a 1985 v6 2.8 Camaro that is MPFI. I was wondering if it would be possible to get a v6 engine from a 4th gen Camaro and swap it with the third gen. I want to stay with a v6 since this car is going to be my daily driver to work and mpg is important these days with the gas prices. The newer engine means better fuel economy and performance because of progress in technology right???

Obviously a Camaro isn't the smartest choice for mpg I know, but the other car I was driving kicked the bucket and I still had my Camaro sitting around since the tranny had went out a while back. Long story short...tranny (700r4) has been rebuilt and is ready for the road again.

I guess what I am trying to ask is...

1. Is the swap possible without a tremendous amount of conversions (wiring, pumps, etc)?
2. Is the performance and mpg of a 4th gen v6 that much better than the 2.8 MPFI it currently has?

Any opinions on the situation would be greatly appreciated!

 

go to the v6 board and search. There are a "million" articles.

 

I came very close to swapping one of the 3.8 motors into a car. My dad had a completely take out 3.8, auto trans, wiring harness, etc. I just decided not to do. Wasnt financially the right decision at the time.

My wife's old 98 camaro with the 3.8 m4 always got 28-30 mpg.

 

Thanks, I will go search there.

 

I doubt you'll find any fuel economy benefits from a 3.8 compared to a mild v8. Hell, even the 2.8s didn't do any better on fuel than the V8 thirdgens. Combine that with the costs associated with the parts and the swap, and you could probably buy a V8 thirdgen and a lot of gas for what the swap will cost you.

 

long story short...

3.4.. easy.

3.8 hard. so hard very few people do it, instead opting for a v8 swap if they are going to do to that much trouble

 

Bingo, I wouldnt even bother with the 3.4 unless your 2.8 is on its last leg and this is essentially preventive maintenance

Bear in mind 305 TBI's were the most efficient engines put in 3rd gens. Personally, Ive topped 32mpg on the highway in one and its got enough grunt to still be enjoyable. To get better mileage than that you'll have to step up to a LSx swap which is RARELY cost effective from a gas-saving point of view

 

u got 32mpg in a 305 thirdgen??? hmm thats weird cause mine gets worse mpg than my 92 ext cab chevy with a 5.7 and thats not even drivin it hard. how did u pull that one off?

 

Well maintained engine, strictly flat highway using cruise

Did I hit it every tank? Absolutely not, but the point is the engines are efficient

 

well im not sure about all the considering i dont have cruise and im not on the highway that much, but i guess it might be able to be done

 

its factory rated at 27 mpg highway.i used to get that before the 3.42 gears.have you replaced the oxygen sensor lately?

 

good point there, i have no exhaust because the previous owner thought it would be a great idea to cut it behind the cat and rip everything out, so im running open manifolds basically. i guess i cant really chime in on MPG when my car has a weird miss in it right now and has no exhaust.

 

wow so good fuel economy with 305tbi? what mpg city is? and is 305tbi better mpg than 305tpi?

 

3.8 4th will waste a 305TBI what grunt that TBI motor has.