Last August I spun a rod bearing in my v6 and have been contemplating swapping in a 350 or another v6. I need suggestions. I don't want to get rid of the car because...well..it would feel like putting down the family dog. any suggestions as to what i should do are welcome.

thanks for your time.

 

If you feel that attached to it, it might make a good candidate for the v6-v8 swap. This wont be easy however...a search will reveal all you need to know. And welcome to the boards.

 

Doing a v6-v6 swap can be done for cheap, if you have the tools and time available. Then at least you can be driving the car! A v8 swap would require, for the easiest swap, buying a v8 beater, and using it for the parts. That way you're not going back and forth to a junkyard constantly for wire harness clips or sensor connectors or brackets or etc.

Also, what year is your car? If emissions is strict in your area, and they check the block for it's date code, they might fail you. There's a stupid rule that says you can't put an older engine block into a car... for instance, if I tried to put an '85 V8 into my '86, the smog police would have a fit. It depends on your state.

 

Put down the family dog and then it won't be so bad to get rid of the car...


What I would [really] do:
Rip out the computer and every wire etc in the engine compartment, buy a V8 chevy block of whatever size you want (hint 400) and build it for ~450-500 Hp.

 

Stupid Smog....

Jeff

 

The car is an '86 and i have made my decision to keep the v6 or get another one like it. I want the car as a daily driver so i won't get a v8 (especially a 400) I don't have the money to get a new v8 or to cover the cost of conversion from v6 to v8...also, i dont have the time. I'm currently working on a '77 GMC Sierra 2wd as a project ...i'd go for a 454 or larger engine for it, not the car. thanks for all of your input, i'll appreciate anything else you'd like to add.

 

You can do a nice rebuild on the 2.8 or just be cheap and buy a 3.4 from a junk yard with under 40K miles for 350-400 bucks...

I loved my 2.8 and would have rebuilt it.. Bored it 40 over ect... The 3.4 makes more dollar sense and gives you a few more HP...

 

3.4 = 160 hp, 200 ft lbs.... I think you'd be extremely happy with that swap. Do a search for the "3.4 swap boogie" if you're looking for more info. And KED85 is the master of it....he's done it to just about every car he's owned I swear.

 

A 3.4 will "pull like a freight train."

That hasn't been said in a while.

 

I like the idea of a 3.4, but now i have to find one around here...the most abundant engine in this area is a 350, this should be difficult. thanks for the feedback.

 

Where do you live? I need to move there......

 

I know Maine kinda well.
Family members out there.
That said, yep, you will find more 350s out there.
WHAT TO DO
ME?
I'D SERIOUSLY CONSIDER DUMPING THE CAR & HERE'S WHY!
R
U
S
T
!
FOR THE EFFORT, ya GOTTA LOVE YOUR CAR to do ANY MOTOR SWAPPING.
That said, a 60* V-6 Swap to another 60* V-6 swap is the EASIEST TO DO (detailed very true, but so easy!)
That said....
Yes, I do upgrade to used running 3.4's & have done so twice, now (see signature).
IF you haven't a true honest with yourself clue how to do a swap, DON'T START IT!
Sell the current car & obtain a later Fbody that's in better shape.
It takes me about a solid month + to do a proper swap. Yes it is so worth it (ask me about leaping over hills, with car of passengers & AC blasting Ice Cold Air!).
Yes, my Firebird does pull like a frieght train.

AGAIN,
IF ya haven't a true honest with yourself clue how to do a motor swap, don't start now!
You'll end up with a bigger mess than ya could imagine.
Good luck with the decision!
Used 3.4s can be had for as low as $210 to $800-$900 (I pay high end prices for lower milage engines).
Add in gasket set & misc. parts & rental car for the duration of the swap.

PS NOTHING TRULY WRONG WITH CA SMOG LAWS, just have to know how to work the rules in your favor!
Think I tell the smog inspector I swapped engines?

 

This area is known for a lot of rusty vehicles, but mine isn't one of them since it was never driven in winter and wasn't in maine until three years ago when it was given to me by my brother. I have a truck to drive in the winter, and i have a pretty good idea of how to swap an engine, so that's not a big issue for me..... And yes, 350's basically grow on trees around here....no v6's to be found and almost definately no RICERS.....the reason being that there are so many trucks, nobody really needs an engine other than a v8. the small block v8 is a way of life here (i think that some of my neighbors have shrines dedicated to 4bbl carbs.)

 

Pretty much what I can suggest is contact the local wreckers seeking a 1993-1995 F Body with a V-6.
And get swapping.
One can also use Ebay for sources for 3.4 60* mills, too.
New 3.4 go for $1800 and all ya need add is a set of injectors from a 3.4 (those can even be from a front wheel drive car.)
Ya gotta really love this car to do this 3.4 swap boogie.
YET IT IS SO WORTH IT!
PS I MISS MAINE/NEW ENGLAND IN THE FALL!

 

Except from California or Florida where the 3.8 was introduced in '95 in moderation... 3.8/4.3 is a much more involved swap being 90* engines and all...