a*jones

ok i wasn't sure where to post this. but anyway. i'm looking at buying a 305 4bbl out of a 84 T/A. how easy is it to switch a 3.1 MPFI to a 305 carbuated? a guy said a proffesional would charge about $500 to install it. is this correct?

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a*jones (bandit II)
'92 Firebird MFI V6
Vortex Muffler,
k&n filtercharger,
rapidfires,
B&M shift kit
'79 T/A graphics,
bushing less tranny mounts
soon to come:
march power pulleys
1/8 mile times
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see old pic at
www.geocities.com/transam_man92/firebird.html

RenoLB8

Since announcing your intent to switch to a V8 brands you as a traitor, I will only laugh and point a finger at you, HA HA ! for being crazy enough to think a pro will only charge $500 for an engine swap...

-Reno

TomP

Ouch yeah $500 won't swing it, the guy's trying to get you to buy the motor. Ask him instead of he'll sell you the car's rear axle- that's the same axle (3.73/posi/disc) that I just swapped onto my car.

If you got rid of the T/a engine's computer-controlled carberuator (did he mention you'd need the computer for the carb and distributor to work?) and distributor, and replaced them with aftermarket pieces, you wouldn't have to fight the computer. You could put on a Holley 4bbl carb & pump, and MSD distributor and ignition box. However then, you won't be emissions legal... you could tune the motor to pass the smog test, but some states say you can't put an older block in a younger car.

There's other stuff that has to change too.. namely, your automatic trans will NOT fit up to the v8. The tranny housing is too small, and there's no way to modify it. So add the price of another tranny onto your engine.

-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

85f-bird

I think Tom P hit on just about everything but i decided to give my .02 also. Now, not to sound like a cruel, and evil man, but still it's just my opinion. Switching your 3.1L into a 5.0L especially an older 5.0 probably isn't worth it. I nearly beat a guy with a 82 5.0, and this was in an all stock 85 2.8L. With a 3.73 rear end, your 3.1 will be hecka faster than the 5 litre. But if you insist on getting a v8, i'd recommend a 350. It'll be just as much work as the 5.0, plus it's a much stronger engine. you'll need to change your mounting bolts on the blocks, tranny, I think driveshaft, and especially the rear end. And switching for MPFI to Carbed might also require the relocation of fuel lines. all in all, it'll be a nice little job, but if you want an 8 and you'll pay the price go for a 350.

GOLD85

dont listen to any body here.i made the switch from a CRAPY v6 to a real motor(350) myself.all that is required is the proper rad, motor monts, and a v8 trans. if you put a non comp controled q-jet and a hei disributor you will not have to put up with the bill$hit computor. if you have any question pleas email me

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when the green flag drops the bull$hit stops

350,performer RPM intake ,650dp, 700r4, headers, 3inch exhast

[This message has been edited by GOLD85 (edited September 14, 2000).]

3.1 firebird

dont l;isten to gold...........sell your car and get one with a V8 f thats what you want. Otherwise be prepared to go through hell trying to find the necessary brackets, wires, and harnesses. If you happen to have a junker V8 f-body laying around then I could see doing the swap. Fuel injection is nice BTW.

Graeme'sFirebird

sorry...im with 3.1 with this one. NEEDED for fi: engine, trans, coil springs, fan shroud, dual cooling fans, trans, motor mounts, ECM, wiring harnesses...for all this the best price i found was 2200

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89 RS
305 TPI...

Previous:
2.8 s/c'd firebird

Brian K

If you do the swap be prepared to make it a project.. Give yourself a few months to complete it and be ready for a lot of hassel and fun. I recommend atleast a 350 cause the 3.05 is not that much better than your 3.1 liter V6. Make sure you have a tranny 500-1500, New V8 shocks, struts and springs, new radiator, and many other little parts. THe neat thing about it over all the hassel is:
1. you know your car is in good shape
2. you did it, you built your own unique custom car and that no one can take away form you.

People have been swaping engines for years, go for it, but realize the 1st time will be hard, the 2nd time easier and by the 5th or 6th time you will be a pro and doing it in your sleep.