so here's the deal, i have a 91 formula 305tpi. it's a detroit car so the floorboards/gas tank are pretty rusted. drive great though. i just bought an 86 s/e (nevada car) off of some 17 yr old for 100$. I have no clue of the engine, not the 305 or 350, but it doesnt turn over. the body's sweet (w/ttops), just wondering what kind of problems ill run into putting all the guts(everything mechanical, steering column,tranny,radiator, moter...etc.) from my 91' formula into the sexy body of the 86, any help??

 

Welcome to thirdgen.org!

We have a motor swap forum, might be a place to start.

You are doing it the easy way though....both cars side by side.

Take lots of pics of the engine bay...you'll want the '86 to be the mirror image...don't hack any wires.

Is the '86 a V6? if so, you'll have a bit more work...pretty sure the V6 and V8 front suspensions are different...springs for sure...maybe radiator mount, etc...then look closely at motor mounts too.

Find out about the speedo...could be some differences with the VSS and speedo drive.

I'd probably start by getting Helms manuals for both cars.

Good luck.

Fallon? I think I used to drive through/near Fallon...near Feather River Canyon?

 

yeah, my 86' (i just picked it up yesterday) is a 6 cylinder. doesnt look like a pontiac engine, i'll have too look a bit more at it...do you know much about the headlights? i hooked a battery up, both headlights raised (on the 86) but the DS one wont go down. Plus i have a 350 lined up for november when i get my signing bonus , sounds like a bomb engine, completely custom built and goin for about 3 grand. i'll get the specs of it soon and put them on here to let ya see what im talkin about. i've never rebuilt a car, or engine, but im pretty fearless and confident about the job. im only 20, so this is the project thats gonna help me gain knowledge automotives. any help you can offer i'd be grateful for. ill get some pics on here when i get a chance (can you post pics?).

Yeah, fallons about an hour east of reno, where top gun trains.