hey all! new here. i have a 1990 camaro rs with a 3.1L v-6 and am considering a change from the old v-6 to a more powerful engine. is it "economical" to change from a6 to an 8 or should i just buy a 1990 z28? there is obviously alot of work involved in the change. what will i have to change? motor mounts? what about the computer what will i have to do with that? is there a good manual or book that can help me step-by-step through the proccess? any help is greately appriciated!




Jon

 

you should just buy a 1990 IROC

 

Welcome aboard.

The conversion is a lot of work, especially if you have to maintain emissions legality. You need a lot more than motor mounts and computer - add transmission, wiring harness, radiator, all accessory mounts - the list goes on long enough that the only sensible way to do this is to get a wrecked factory V8 donor car - and it will have to be 1990 or later. The economics are not there - you can sell your V6 car and buy a factory V8 car in the same condition as your current car for less money than doing the conversion - and that's not even counting your time (if you want a shop to do the conversion, you aren't even on the chart).

If this car has a lot of sentimental value, like purchased new by your family or it's your first car, then economics aren't the real issue. Even then, sentiment has its value limits.

An alternative is to put a 3.4 crate V6 in it. It's still more work than a simple engine change, but a lot less work than a V8 swap, and will be a nice improvement in power over the 3.1.