Hello, I have trusted this forum for help with my 2.8 engine many times. now I need help with getting rid of it. I have the opportunity to buy a L98 engine with 70k miles out of a 90 trans am it has ecu and harness included for a good price. I wanted any insight to some things to consider before attempting this swap as I have searched and found very little on something like this other than the basic V6 to V8 swap posts on this forum. will my tranny hold up? Its the stock 5 Speed. will my rear end make it? Its drums non posi stock. I have done an engine swap on different cars before but not on my own car and not on a classic American made like my camaro. if this swap can be done the only thing I will miss about the V6 is standing between the engine and the radiator while changing spark plugs or doing work on the distributor! and the 22mi/gal.

 

700R4 isnt a 5 spd, its a 4 spd auto

If you have a manual 5 spd its a T5, if you have the auto it will not bolt up, if you have the T5 you can use it, though its not the greatest idea, but it'll get the car down the road for a bit until you can get one out of a V8 car if you dont have the money for one initially.

To do the swap, assuming the engine is complete with all front accessorys tpi and uncut wiring harness you'll need:

manifolds, Y pipe, and possibly the rear half of the exhaust depending on what exhaust is on the cars

V8 mounts to bolt to the K member and the engine halves.

V8 bellhousing, clutch, flywheel, clutch fork

TPI fuel lines

V8 power steering hose

V8 radiator and hoses

preferribly the v8 dual fan setup

Wiring harness will need to be modified as your 87 camaro has the wiper wiring as part of the engine harness, the engine harness to the 90 doesnt have this.

a/c lines if you'll be keeping a/c

The heater hardline setup along the frame rail is different, i'm sure you could use the V6 stuff, but going to the v8 setup should be easier

The fuel pump shouldnt be necessary, however it would be a good idea.

That should cover it all, but if anyone see's anything else needed i'm sure it'll get caught before you go to put it in

 

I apologize for the incorrect name on the tranny it is a t5. this looks good. the harness is uncut I am assuming. I will let you know once I receive pics of it if it has the belt accessories or not. which tranny would be best to get for fit in 87 camaro and bolt to the L98. I will be taking out a loan for the swap so as long as all parts for the swap stay near $2000 I should be ok money wise I just want to have a good plan before investment.

 

A V6 T5 is a non-starter behind a V8, in my opinion. And, behind a 350, even more so.

At the very least you should get a V8 T5. But, even they aren't that strong. A T56 from an LT1 f-body is the best bet, but that would probably put you over your budget.

 

I have found significant testimonials to the L98 holding up to the t5 but usually not for long when its abused. I intend on taking care of it but, like all of us, maybe getting on it sometimes. would rebuilding with performance parts help hold up or is it the housing that's in question? The t56 sounds like to much for little gain in the strength dept. any other suggestions before I start. she's coming off the road begging of Oct.

 

The V6 T5 to start with has higher gears numerically and will be easier to break.

Rebuilding a V8 T5 will most likely help it last longer especially if rebuilt properly with tolerances held tight. However the reality of it is that more often than not, you're gonna break it.

I dont know where in the world you come up with too little gain in the strength dept on the T56, you'll NEVER ever ever ever get the T5 to the same strength level of a T56, a good used T56, or a properly rebuilt one you'll likely never be able to break unless you absolutely suck at shifting.

If you have a budget to work with, and want to drive it right away, throw a V6 T5 in, drive it reasonably, and start putting aside funds for a T56 and looking for one.

 

well most research found is from ppl who are guessing. but the solid info I have gained from designated t5 sites is that post 88 tranny world class tranny are best. being my camaro is an 87 I am assuming it is a non world class but I intend of verifying later today.the t56 from what I have found I will have more modding to it than just changing the bell housing from v6 to v8. No doubt the t56 will hold up better. but I baby my car and I shift well so I do not intend on beating this transmission. but I would like to if need be have significant acceleration. I kno some ppl have this l98 with t5 setup and have made it work for them for multiple years.