I might FINALLY be getting my GTA running. I've had a wrecked '88 in my driveway for 2 years now (my brother's car, actually). Motor (L98) runs great, but the body is trashed. We've been looking for one that's the oposite; good body, but needs a motor. We may have finally found one, a maroon 89 that's supposedly in great shape except for a siezed motor. We're going to look at it this weekend.

Anyway, assuming we DO buy it and start the swap, anything we should do to the engine and tranny while they are out? I figure we should changle all the fluids and seals, and replace the u-joints while we're at it also. And might as well do plugs and wires, they'll be easy to get at with the motor out. Anything else come to mind?

Also, we've never done an engine swap before. Most complicated thing I've done is replacing a tranny on an '80 T/A. Think the engine swap will be a total mightmare for us? I'd really like to try and do it myself.

One last question: Our GTA hasn't been driven in 2 years, and the motor hasn't been started in about 9 months. Think the engine and transmission are okay, or are we in for problems once we start using the car? I plan on swapping the tranny from the '88 into the '89 since it was replaced at 55k by the original owner. The car has 105k on it, but the tranny only has 60k on it.

Thanks for any info.

 

NOTHING...don't do anything. Its that kind of mentality that makes a motor swap turn into a never ending project. Sure some things might be easier with the engine out but soon you'll find yourself running out of money, time, and motivation. Anything can be done with the engine in place, just might be a little harder.

 

May want to consider applying POR-15 to the engine bay:


https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...&highlight=por

 

SSBowtie, I think you're right. I'm already starting to think "Gee, it sure will be easy to install headers while the motor is out". It's also easier to do a cam swap and replace the torque converter while the engine and tranny are out. This swap will cost a FORTUNE if I do all that. I guess we'll just drop the motor in without messing with it. Well I DO intend on changing plugs and wires, because the car could use them anyway.

 

You might want to change all the hoses and maybe even the motor mounts.They are already 15 years old and you`ll have them off anyway.Also you may be dealing with two different
computer systems(speed density and mass air).I think 89
was the changeover year but I am not sure.

 

Actually the only difference in 89 was the elimination of the cold start injector. They did not swap over to speed density until 90. I see you live in New Beford. That's not far from me I live near the Braintree/Brockton area. Here's a link to my website.

http://members.cardomain.com/ssbowtie1

Maybe I'll see you around. Good luck.
BTW...if you are in need of any parts email me I have a ton of random parts.

 

Thanks for the info. I thought the same thing, that '90 was the changeover year. I was not aware of the elimination of the cold start injector, however.

If thats the case, would I bet better off using the computer that's in the 89 and just not hooking up the injector, of would I be better off using the computer from the '88 so the injector will work?

Oh, and that's a nice looking Z, SS. I'll be sure to let you know if I need anything.

 

i agree completely that it will turn into a never ending project. I decided to put a 383 in my car, now im doing headers, trans, rear end, paint, bodywork, new interior, fuel cell, new suspension, and the list goes on...........

 

Just use the same computer that was intended for the motor. If its out of the 88 and you are going to use the 88 harness...save youself some headaches and just hook up the 88 computer. You can always disconnect the cold start whether its an 88 or 89. Really doesn't matter...its a minor technicality. Good luck.

 

Well both cars have the L98, so I was planning on just dropping the '88 motor into the '89 body and hooking up all the wiring from the '89 right up to the '88 motor. With the exception of the cold start injector, everything should be the same, right? I wasn't planning on swapping harnesses or anything.

 

Yah you'll be fine

 

Well, I'd go ahead and change the plugs and wires. Doesn't take long at all. Also, I'd clean up the engine bay really good for good looks. Also, changing the oil pan gasket on these motors while they are in the car is a PITA. If it's really old, I'd replace it. Matt

 

If the engine is as good as it sounds, i would only do minor tune-up stuff (which my uncle did on my engine before i really knew what to do)

stuff like a new oil filter, fuel filter(?), upper/lower rad hoses, accesory belts, plug wires, plugs, some (not all) gaskets like valve covers, intake, pan, etc., cap and rotor if needed.....

Don't do anything drastic if its a good engine.