I am starting my research for the possibility of swapping the 2.8 out of my 89 Camaro RS and stuffing a 350 into it.

Some concerns I have are about the VIN showing a V6 and not passing emissions with a V8 in it, and replacing/splicing the wiring harness.

Is it worth it to do this with the car I have or should I just save some cash and wait for a good deal to come along with a V8 already in it, keep the RS for a backup car and shack the other while tricking it out?

Also I want to know how to make this car not just fast from the line but also give it plenty of top end for those impromptu races that happen at speed on the highway, cruising along at 60+ MPH and get challenged by a stang... I want him to eat that challenge hard. So not only 0 to 60 in the shortest time but also 60 to 120 in the shortest time.

Any advice about things I should start checking into for this would be nice.
Keep in mind I have never done anything like this before but after I bought my first Camaro I was bitten pretty hard and now I want to do all this insane and deadly stuff.

 

In my opinion, its usually cheaper and easier to just get a V8 car.

By the time you get it all together, you will have more down time and more money wrapped up in the swap than if you just sold the V6 and got a V8 car.

Especially if you have never done anything like this.

 

I have to agree..Butt...it has been fun doing mine. Just dont go into it blind like I did.

 

...and you may be able to find a good-body, toatsed-engine ThirdGen V-8 for a reasonable price. Look for nice 305 cars with a lot of miles. The chassis is likely to be in better condition than a high-mileage 350 car, in general. The ECM and wiring, heavier transmission, and all differences will already be installed.

 

Hey Lunar
What was the outcome with respect to the driveability issues...
As I recall ...
1. Check grounds (good, bad, corrected )
2. Check EGR operation (good, bad, corrected)
3. Negotiation with mechanic ....

 

I posted a more detailed synopsis in that other thread, there was some wiring that was rubbing against the manifold and creating a short, so the ground is fine (as long as its not being looped on itself) The EGR is fine, the mechanic charged me $2.00 for fuel, I think they just had to have some paper on the time he spent because the bill showed something like 15 hours labor for 0.00 and gasoline for 2.00.

All in all I am not displeased, I have my beloved Camaro back and now I can think about other fun stuff like what to do next, stepping forward.

 

i did the v-6 to v-8 swap. in my opinion usin a v-6 body is better cuz the v-6 doesnt put as much stress on the frame as the v-8 does so the frame is all good. as for the $$$ issue it does take alot of money and it is time consuming so if the car has no sentimental value for you i would wait for a v-8 car. also the vin isnt nothing to worry about. well it is they will smog your car for what the vin says so if it says six its getting smogged as a six. so a v-6 to v-8 conversion is very tough to get away with emissions wise. unless u have all the emissions devices still on the car you better know someone that will pass you.