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Engine SwapEverything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.
I have a trans am and it probably wouldn't fit, or it would be really close. Camaros have a little more room. You're totally on the line, you may need a different air filter. But the engine will fit nicely and bring joy for years to come! A drop base filter may be all you need.
Last edited by Firechicken82; Oct 12, 2023 at 04:05 PM.
I agree that it'll be close.
My 86 IROC with the stock hood had the slightest of contact with a dual plane intake and dropped base air filter case. The RPM Air Gap is taller than what looks to be a traditional Performer intake so you may gain a few fractions there.
Speaking of dropped bases, they're not all created equally. There's a version from GM that's extreme. I can probably dig up a part number.
Last edited by skinny z; Oct 12, 2023 at 07:58 PM.
And this radiator, have seen some good reviews here: Dewitts 1.25 tube
Any other parts I need to order to go with this swap?
A couple things come to mind although I know there are details that others might chime in about.
The rad: inlet and outlet sizes? I ask because the Griffin rad I have has upsized fittings. That is 1-1/2" top and 1-3/4" bottom (rather than the factory 1-1/4" and 1-1/2") so that necessitated a search for hoses that would work
The heads are indicated as having a 1/2" raised exhaust port. You'll want to be sure your headers will accomodate that.
No mention of whether the flexplate or flywheel is included. The (weighted) harmonic damper is included but nothing is said of the backend. It's also a weighted unit so you'll have to investigate that.
You'll need a compatible starter.
There are a number of other items too but it depends on what you're starting with. Alternator, power steering, pulleys and belts, fuel pump and all of the associated bracketry.
Lookup how many brands of headers there are and that’s how many different answers you’ll get.
You can still buy shorties from several brands that are 3rd gen specific, but if you want longtubes you’ll have to buy a set for a 2nd gen and make them work.
...And this radiator, have seen some good reviews here: Dewitts 1.25 tube...
Originally Posted by skinny z
The rad: inlet and outlet sizes? I ask because the Griffin rad I have has upsized fittings. That is 1-1/2" top and 1-3/4" bottom (rather than the factory 1-1/4" and 1-1/2") so that necessitated a search for hoses that would work
That DeWitts unit is a solid quality radiator. I bought & installed one earlier this year. The inlet/outlet sizes are the stock sizes so you won't have any issues with hose fitment. One thing you need to be aware of though is fan fitment. With the 1 1/4 tubes, the thickness of the radiator is noticeably larger than the stock radiator. With a much thicker radiator you start running into issues fitting the fans in there without hitting the steering box or pulleys. It can be done with some massaging, but it wasn't fun.
You can still buy shorties from several brands that are 3rd gen specific, but if you want longtubes you’ll have to buy a set for a 2nd gen and make them work.
There are still a few long tube headers available for these cars.
I've got the Hedman Street Headers 68460.
The issue with the Blueprint engine is that the exhaust ports are raised 1/2" over the OEM. This may cause some interference with the chassis.
Keep in mind too, that since the demise of the Hooker/Blackheart headers, there's no longer a fully bolt-in header to tailpipe setup. It'll be on the builder to make a y-pipe to adapt the headers to whatever catback exhaust is in there.
Last edited by skinny z; Oct 16, 2023 at 09:17 PM.
I've got the Hedman Street Headers 68460.
The issue with the Blueprint engine is that the exhaust ports are raised 1/2" over the OEM. This may cause some interference with the chassis.
Keep in mind too, that since the demise of the Hooker/Blackheart headers, there's no longer a fully bolt-in header to tailpipe setup. It'll be on the builder to make a y-pipe to adapt the headers to whatever catback exhaust is in there.
something must have changed, there was a time when all the sellers had taken these down due to new regulations. I think there was a thread on here about it. Glad to see they’re back!
something must have changed, there was a time when all the sellers had taken these down due to new regulations. I think there was a thread on here about it. Glad to see they’re back!
I know that the Hooker/Blackheart versions were pulled by Holley. Something to do with the EPA saying that Holley was encouraging car modifications that excluded catalytic converters. True or otherwise, the Blackheart headers were about the top of the line especially considering the packaging available for the rest of the exhaust. And the tech support supplied by the engineer who helped with development was also top of the pile.
As for the OP and the raised exhaust ports, it may well be that I have a similar port architecture but I can't say for certain without being able to compare directly. I know that the Hedmans I posted installed easily, fit perfectly and offer plenty of clearance for the spark plugs and tools needed.
