sorry for sounding ignorant, but what is speed density, i've never heard about it....thanks

 

Speed density is a system used to measure air intake. A more common system that you may be familiar with is MAF. MAF = Mass Air Flow. It measures air intake directly via a sensor in the air stream...trick is, an MAF has to restrict air through it to measure the flow.

Speed density utilizes an MAP, or Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor, which connects to a hard plastic vacuum line going to the backside of the upper intake manifold (plenum). The sensor measures air intake by looking at the vacuum and air pressure inside the manifold, and compares it to a chart programmed into its computer to calculate out how much air it's getting. The catch with an SD system is, it's not good for supporting large amounts of horsepower because the tables it uses to calculate its values lose their accuracy with higher power #'s.

82-89 V6 F-Bodies got an MAF system
90-92 V6 F-Bodies got the SD system

 

so if my plan can work out, and i end up gettin my new engine, it will be an increase of 185hp, from 140 to 325. what would i have to do to make sure there's wasn't a conflict? (I have a 92 V-6)

 

Will you be getting the full computer system and all for the new motor? Your car already comes with a Speed Density system, but that doesn't matter since your computer won't be compatible at all with a V8, not to mention my guess is that the LS1 used MAF, not SD.... Just try to grab as many sensors and electronics with the LS1 as you can, cause you're gonna need them. I doubt any of the Third Gen stuff is transferrable.

 

here's an explanation of what comes with it. this is from the guy i'll be buying it from:

"a beautiful LS1 5.7 liter engine and 4L60E automatic transmission from a 1999 Pontiac Trans Am. This incredible 325 hp package has 32,000 miles and includes all belt driven accessories, ecm (computer), starter, all sensors and exhaust mainfolds. Complete from fuel injection to oil pan and includes transmision. Wiring harness is also included."

(it says trans am but he said its a misprint it's really from a camaro, if that makes any difference at all). so based on what's listed here, do you know of any problems i'd run into switching the motors besides needing new engine brackets??

 

Engine and trans brackets/mounts will be the biggest problems.

If you don't expect to be done in a week, it can be done. The biggest pain will be routing the new wiring harness into the third gen engine bay. Make sure that all connections to the wiring harness are labeled so you know where to plug the sensors in.

however, since you are looking at having a shop do this expect to pay $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. There are some shops that do custom work like that but the average labor charge is about 60/hour. So how many hours can you afford?

 

not enough $$ to pay for all in the installs. i have $4800 to spend, and it'll cost $4100 for the engine, tranny, and shipping. i didn't count on it being a hard install., so i figured with $700 to spend on installation, i wouldn't have to scrounge up too much more $$ to pay for it all, but with custom work being done no way i have enough. plus not only would i have to pay them for installation, but the time needed to take out my old engine and transmission. (both work excellent so i'd be able to sell them for a pretty good price). i have a friend that has a 79 camaro, and he took out his old engine, rebuilt a different engine, and then put it back in so maybe we could work on it over the summer. he didn't have to deal with all the electronics though with a 79. oh well i'll get it done somehow...maybe i'll buy a lottery ticket later today..

 

Honestly for and LS1, tranny, and harness, its not too bad a price. If I had the dough I'd get it and store it away until time permitted. But something like this is more rewarding if done by the sweat of your own brow. I rebuilt an 83 carbed V6 and brought it back from the dead. it may be slow as hell but still satisfying everytime I drive it cause I DID IT.

 

yeah i guess i could buy it and store it away till i made enough money for the install. i'm livin at college now though, if i was stayin at a house where i could keep the car while i worked on it, and could have another car to drive around, i'd figure out how to get the engine in by myself. but yeah that's a good idea, i think it's an awesome price for the engine and tranny, so i'll prob. buy it and store it till i make another $1500 or so

 

$1500? divide that by 60 and you get 25 hours. Need to save about $3000 to be on the safe side. Unless you know someone who will do it for 1500.