i have an opportunity to get hold of a turbo v-6 with computer and was wondering how hard that would be to put in my 85 Camaro, it has a 2.8 and a 700r4 now. seems easier than a v-8 plus it would be easier on the gas when not spinning it up, anyone???

 

most liekly the only reason you're thinking it sounds easier than a v8 swap is because it has two less cylinders and your engine right now only has six as well...the truth be known, the swap isn't necessarily difficult (as the parts are available for it) however, it's not nearly as simple as a 2.8-3.4 swap, but the gains aren't anywhere in the same ballpark either, they're on different sides of the town. A 3.8L turbo engine will fit into f-body w/o modification of the motor as long as the A/C is deleted. If you're keeping A/C you'll need a different set of heads. I believe the heads tat are used are FWD 3.3L heads, and those will destroy the clearance issues with the A/C. there are several on the boards who've done the swap, i think fly89gta maybe, (if the names right, or i'm combing names lol) if you've got a chance at getting the motor, all the work will be well worth it. Also, i think most people use the 200-4R for it's gear ratios as oppposed to the 700r4 when it comes to the turbo motor. Good luck, and go for it, if you think you wanna, this said the gains will be worth it plus some.

 

If you keep the A/C and swap heads, you'll need TTA-spec pistons too... FWD heads have a much smaller combustion chamber.

You have no choice but to do a transmission swap. The V6 700R4 bolts up to 60 degree motors only. Find a 86-87 GN 200-4R if possible, they're built to handle the stress (They are NOT virgin 200-4Rs.. people choose them because GM went "Oh.. crap.. we need a stronger tranny" and made some otherwise aftermarket modifications to the 200-4R stock for GN/TTAs)

 

The V6 700R4 bolts up to 60 degree motors only


Isn't the 3.8 V6 60 degree also. Well either way I pretty sure it is meaning that he can stick with the 700R4 tranny even though it bolts up to 60 d.

 

The buick 3.8 is just that.. a buick 3.8. It is not a chevy 60 degree v6.

60 degree motors == 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3800, and Northstar V8... even supposing he *could* stick with the 2.8 tranny, it would grenade in its first attempt at a WOT quarter. But he can't. It doesn't bolt up.

 

IIRC, 3800 != 60º V6...

 

The 3800 is the most questionable of the bunch... but I've read enough posts that say the bolt pattern is the same to list it... I'd love a chance to see it for myself, though.

 

i was thinking that the FWD versions were the same, but perhaps both are...i guess you could ask project85, given that he just finished swaping one into his bird, and if i recal correctly, it's got a tranny too. Northstar uses nearly a 60* tranny boltpattern, minus one bolt which needs relocation....it is however a 90* v8....but because of the FWD, uses a FWD bolt pattern, which just happens to be the same as our 60 mills.

 

Ahhhhh.... now I see =)

 

well what about just throwing in a carburated 350? forget the Multi-port, TPI, etc...just yank the 2.8, get some headers, throw in a SB, will i be able to fire it up or how does one go about eliminating the "computer" ? is that possible, i know its a whole lot easier than anything else i have heard...tell me what i am missing. i figured out here in AZ they check your tailpipe, gas cap and the return on the cannister, which i can easily reconnect to a SB, its only a vacuum line....i know i can build a SB that wont emit crap out the tailpipe and that would be without a convertor, although i would have to keep it because of the fuel situation and all...again, what am i missing if i do that.
thanks so far for all the inputs, it helps. i am more old school regarding cars, damn the emissions, especially when i see trucks on the highways, planes taking off at the airport, factories....i remember 9-11 and the Phoenix area cleared up from the brown cloud when the jets were grounded so i dont buy airplanes are not a major contributor, but its easier to hit us little guys just trying to have a decent ride...

 

The 3.8/3800 is a 90* motor. However, most of the late model 3.8's i've seen appear to have a 60* style bellhousing. The top is flat, whereas the 90* pattern has a point at the top.

 

Well, you could just throw a small block 350 in with a carb on it, wouldn't be the hardest thing done, you will need v8 front springs, v8 transmission, and probably a v8 radiator. From there on out, it'd be little things such as motor mounts, and other parts to make your v8 run. Depending on your cars year, you might need to disengage the vats to run the old carbed engine, you'll also have to disable the v6's fuel pump that's in the tank, as the v8 sbc would most likely be using an engine driven mechanical fuel pump. The only other drawback to having a 4bbl 350 is the fact that who doesn't have a 4bbl 350? It seems that this swap is the common swap, done by everyone, at every show, and on every corner, kinda doesn't matter what ya own either....32 coupe, 39' zypher, 57 chevorlet, 72 camaro, 84 firebird, etc etc etc....for some reason it's like the common swap, and makes things not particularlly "showy, or interesting" actually, when i pass a 3rd gen at a car show (not thta you're going to be showing yours off or anything) if i look in and see a carb swap v8, i tend to think that the guy/girl simply didn't put much money into the swap, or wasn't really going for the A+ job, but that's just my personal opinion, and we all know what opinions are like.

 

I agree - although I may be doing a 2.8 to 2.8 swap (booooring... but the one I got is tired), a buick 3.8t swap would definitly be conversational material, as well as brand you as being different. Think outside the box!

 

Damn I missed this thread

The Buick 3.8 is a 90* block.

Also, you CAN run a 700r4(90* version) or any chevy bolt pattern trans for that matter using TCI's adapater plate.

Also, if you do a 3.8 swap I'd swap the fuel pump too, something like a Walbro 340 pump with a hotwire kit.

Any more questions post up.

 

Hey fly89, its getting close to late spring, is the motor about ready to go in? What goodies you adding to it this time around? Any guesstimations on HP/TQ?

 

No, not yet. I haven't had time to really work on the car

Anyway, as for mods not everything is set in stone but here's a rough estimate of what's going in. Some parts I have, some parts I still need to get.

TE60 turbo
55# injectors
ATR 3'' downpipe with external wastegate
210-214 roller cam
ported heads with 3-angle valve job
intake will be port matched
65mm throttle body

and for the finale a progressive alchy kit..nothing like running 25#'s of boost on the street


There is much more being done to the car in general, and I probably missed stuff being done to the engine.

As for power goals? Not sure...I'm really just building for mid 11's at this point...but the turbo could take me into the 10's if I pushed it.

 

All 3.8\3800 series I,II,III 231ci v6 GM engines are 90 degree to this date.


and true that to the 700r4/4l60

Dont forget an intercooler, its very important.

 

im running a built up 700r4 with my 86 gn motor, go to any buick board
www.turbobuick.com
www.turbobuicks.com

they have adapter plates for the 700 im pushing about 430 horse and i have no probs with my tranny. tranny has a shift kit upgraded clutch packs, reverse valve body, and a few other things i know im forgetting to list.
anyway yes the 700 will work but if you have the cash the 200r4 off the GN's


(still waiting for my 10 bolt rear end to give out so i can go get a new 12 bolt =D

 

What he said

 

No you dont! Buy a 3 port adjustable fuel regulator. It has a return line for all the extra fuel so your pump doesnt burn up. You adjust it down to what your carb likes and thats it.

Springs,There are members on here who have went v6 to v8 and kept the front springs.

IF you went v6 to v8 you would need the rad IF yours isnt the correct hose routing,the v8 trans also, and the mounts.BTW the exhaust will need some work on it.


BTW the sawp isnt all that hard, its not like your trying to put a motor in that never came in an f body.