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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.
Like the title says, I’m not rich like the rest of us right, but my goal is to as cheaply as possible v8 swap my very slow 3.1 v6 in my 92 RS. I think I want around 250-300 horsepower and also want to be mindful of gas guzzling! (I’ve heard corroborated motors tend to use a lot of juice?) What am I looking for a CSB 350? or something else… also what else should I expect to upgrade, rear differential, transmission ? what else ?
What would you do?
very new to auto mechanic stuff but so far like it and wanna get my hands dirty for something I’ll have pride in!
Live in SA Tx if you have an old motor or parts!!! 3.1L v6 -> ??? V8
Just let me preface this by saying you post is more often found on FB groups than here, as this forum generally prides itself on sanity, IMO.
It's silly and ridiculously expensive to swap a V8 into a V6 car. If you do your research, you can easily get the horsepower you're looking for out of that V6. Or, sell the V6 car and buy a V8 car.
It can be done if you locate a v8 "parts car" to take all the needed parts from-a '90-92 v8 RS would be good Once v8 conversion is all working like it should,then engine can be upgraded to get to the(easy) HP goal you have listed.
Non-stock engine swaps are $5k, the only way to make it cheaper is to absolutely reuse everything from another running car and replace only broken stock parts with stock parts.
That being said, you can do the non-stock swap investing $500 every month in the new bundle of parts you need and then save up while you're making progress on the swap over the course of a year.
And buy a V8 roller....
Much easier and less work than starting with a V6.
^^^^This is probably the most practical approach, since all the other systems besides the engine and transmission in a 6- cylinder 3rd gen will require upgrading. It makes better sense to start out with a car that already had a V8 from the factory.
The only possible exception, IMO, would be if the 6- banger car was absolutely pristine, inside and out. And even at that, plan to bring a big bag of $$$.
What is your budget? Cheap is relative. You may be better off just buying a V8 thirdgen if you don't have the means or experience mechanically.
NOOO my father has told me this … but I don’t wanna do that I want this bb to be something cool I got the pride and elbow grease into… : / like 2-3k building the motor and keeping the v6 to daily until then is my goal 🤔 reasonable ?? Ofc tranny as well but piece by piece.
Last edited by Camaro1992RS; May 10, 2024 at 08:49 PM.
Just let me preface this by saying you post is more often found on FB groups than here, as this forum generally prides itself on sanity, IMO.
It's silly and ridiculously expensive to swap a V8 into a V6 car. If you do your research, you can easily get the horsepower you're looking for out of that V6. Or, sell the V6 car and buy a V8 car.
Im delusional I get it… what’s new, aren’t we all…
Do you actually know I can get 250-300+ HP from a 3.1 v6 (IVE GOT A LOT OF NO’S) is this realistic without something failing or exploding. one guy said said yes, but with a turbo kit. So what’s actually up 🤔
Im delusional I get it… what’s new, aren’t we all…
Do you actually know I can get 250-300+ HP from a 3.1 v6 (IVE GOT A LOT OF NO’S) is this realistic without something failing or exploding. one guy said said yes, but with a turbo kit. So what’s actually up 🤔
Yeah you could probably throw down 250 with a turbo. It'll still cost you 5k and you might as well be doing a turbo 350 so when you break stuff it'll be proper violent and explodey.
Yeah you could probably throw down 250 with a turbo. It'll still cost you 5k and you might as well be doing a turbo 350 so when you break stuff it'll be proper violent and explodey.
It CAN be done cheaply if you put in the effort. Last year I bought two 3/4 ton work vans from a local heating and cooling company for 1k. They get too many miles and get shoved to the back lot. Both had over 200k miles. I brought a battery, air tank, and fresh gas, and after some tinkering was able to drive each one home. After basic tune-ups, and fluid changes They both ran excellent with no noises or issues. My total investment before I sold them was around $1900. That was TWO LS style engines, TWO 4L80 trans, and all accessories, wiring, ecu, etc needed for swapping into something else......in good RUNNING condition!! Look around, make a deal on A COMPLETE VEHICLE, and swap everything. Including a basic overhaul, mounts, headers, etc I think you could do it ALL for less than 4K.
You will be money ahead if you find a similar car with a V8.
Regarding V6 to V8, I think the easiest thing to do would be a carbureted engine. Your fuel system will support it, just need a proper fuel pressure regulator. You'll need the V8 engine and transmission, engine mounts, accessories with brackets and belts, and exhaust. Wiring will be minimal with a carbureted engine. May need V8 front springs to prevent car from squatting too much. Watch coolant temps, may or may not need a radiator / fan upgrade.
Word of advice... at your age you will be interested in this car now and interested in another 6 months from now. I would not dump money into this car, your interests will change quickly as your income changes. You'll be through with this car and on to another before you know it.
Once v8 conversion is all working like it should,then engine can be upgraded to get to the(easy) HP goal you have listed. 
