Definitely a newbie to this forum... I have a stock 89 RS with the 2.8. I'm going to be switching out my stock 2.8 for a 350 carb setup. If someone has the time, could they let me know what this would entail. Do I need a new tranny? What tranny is stock on this 89 RS? I know I will have to redo the suspension and exhaust, but what will be redone in the engine compartment. I'm looking at the 350 HO crate engine from GM.

Thanks...

 

You don't need to switch your exhaust, only your front susp[ension, and hey, while you're at it, DON'T SWAP THE ENGINE!!! And if you really want to know how, don't waste our time asking, if we all had tiny little dicks and felt the need for a large engine to make up for that, we could help, but we have V6's, comfortable in our endowments, and couldn't care less for the V8.

Hope I wasn't too harsh...

-Reno

 

Ouch, wasn't expecting that on my first post. I like the V6, don't get me wrong, but I want to return this third-gen to 1st and 2nd gen muscle status (at least under the hood, not crazy about old bodies). I'm looking to put a 350 under the hood and a TH400 under the seat. What is so wrong with that?

Hoping for someone who wants to help,

Jax89RS

 

I thought about doing the same with my car. Problem is, all of the stuff you have to change. Here was my list so far (some of it you might not have to do, but I wasn't sure so I figured they should be changed anyway): shocks, springs, radiator, take out computer, different fuel pump, all sensors taken out, tranny, rear end, driveshaft, motor mounts, pretty much all the suspension, mounting brackets for serpentine system (since some things switch places like the AC compressor and alternator), maybe something with the ignition too?????
All in all, I figured I was happy with my V6 outrunning 305's and I just don't even try a 350.
Vman

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1989 Camaro RS
2.8 V6
K&N's
700R4 tranny
Cragar Street Pro rims (old Series 30)
Pioneer DEH-P3000

1969 Camaro SC
350 HO from a Vette
Turbo 350 tranny
In the process of being restored

 

Vortex, you're right on the money with most of that info. But the rear end is fine... and the front/rear suspension's fine too. V6 or V8 (or I-4) didn't matter, all cars got the same suspension- other than the stronger springs for the heaver v8.

Jax, do you have to worry about emissions?

If you're going to a non-computer-controlled carb and distributor, that makes life easier for you. The aftermarket loves guys like that! There's plenty of carbs out there that have nothing to do with a computer, and MSD makes some distributors (which you'd have to use their series-6 ignition boxes with).

If you do have to worry about emissions, then you'd need the correct v8 intake and comptuer and wiring harness from a junkyard.

I've also thought of doing the same thing, and would love to have a v8 under the hood. However, the cost is way out of my budget! The work is also out of my scope, since this is my daily driver. I'd have to have the thing done in a weekend, and that wouldn't happen. Plus I don't think my frame could take a v8. Right now, I'm sticking with the v6.

If you can, try scoring a wrecked v8 car. Then you won't have to hunt any parts down; you could swap it all into your car.

Let us know whatchya do!


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

 

Oh and hey why the TH-400? Just curious, since it takes more torque to spin than a TH-350.


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

 

On the TH400, a mechanic friend thinks this is the most bullet-proof transmission to put in a high HP daily-driver. I would like to hear other opinions.

Another quick question on rebuilding the suspension. Would it be possible to go with a larger sway bar and will it bracket up properly? I'm not sure on the size of my OEM parts, but would like to put the best in. I currently have an old beater I'm driving so this may take a few years to finish.

Thanks for the helpful suggestions,

Jax89RS

 

Any 3rd gen suspension part will interchange with another. I don't know about aftermarket parts, but I assume they're made to fit the stock locations.

I know the TH-400 is one of the strongest transmissions out there, but because of that, it absorbs more torque to spin. How powerful were you going to make the motor?

The gear ratios are pretty close, too. The 350 is 1=2.52 ,2=2.52, 3=1.00 and the 400 is 1=2.48, 2=1.48, 3=1.00. Hey wait is that wrong? Hm. Anyway according to these #'s there shouldn't be any difference felt in take-off from a stop.


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

 

As far as the motor, it will probably push 320 to 330 HP at first. I'm keeping my eye on future mods though, such as possible supercharging. How much torque (an estimate) do you think the TH400 would eat as opposed to the efficiency of the TH350?

 

Keep the 2.8L and get you a new 2001 SS! Help out F-Body sales while keeping my fellow V6ers happy here lol. That wasn't smart on posting that question here I dont think. And I agree with RenoLB8 about how V8 guys dont have dicks near the size of any ant alive. I mean yea a fast car is great and all but when you're in trouble cause you cant find a gas station and you just filled up the other day you will be missing your V6. And dont think V6s arnt fast cause I beat a 350 once from red light to red light. Thats where the fun is...The light, not the strip. Dude, keep the V6 maybe build it up to a 3.1, but keep it.

 

Why not do a 700R4??

Think about it....3.73-4.10 gears, and you can live with it on the highway!! And if its built right, it will easily live behind 320-330HP

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Jason E
'89 Camaro RS 2.8
Grey/AT/T-tops/all power
Hypertech chip/2 K&N filters/Accel cap/rotor/8.8 wires
Eclipse CD and 100x4 amp/Boston 746 4x6 plates and RX 6x9 3 ways/ALL Monster's goodies
Alpine Alarm w/ Keyless entry
IROC tailights/t-windows

 

Man, what the heck do you guys have against a v8?? Jax asked us for help. He didn't bash our v6's at all! Talking about the size of a v8 owner's member seems way out of line here.

Anyway, I think Jason's got a good idea... people can really build up 700r4's now. They've got a bad rep because they're [edit] more complicated than the 350/400 trannies, and harder to rebuild. I read somewhere that when the 350/400's came out, everyone thought they were crap, and were dumping them for Powerglides!

Hot Rod had an article a while ago about how much HP the 400 ate compared to the 350.. I'll dig around tonight and see if I can find it. You might be able to find that info on the internet somewhere.. do a search from http://www.yahoo.com and let us know if you find it!


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


[This message has been edited by TomP (edited October 11, 2000).]

 

I found the info on the TH400. It said approximately 14-18HP extra over the TH350. Maybe I'll be going with the TH350 as I've read they are in supply about 3 to 1 over the TH400's... I have a 700R4 in there now. Possible to reuse with different bell housing? Also, can I reuse the rear end (10 bolt) or will that need to be replaced also?

Thanks,
M.

 

The rear will be fine and it more than likely has a 3.42:1 gear in it. As far as the bellhousing is concerned it is not a seperate piece that can be changed.
As far as my opinion of the V6 to V8 swap goes, I pulled my 2.8 and transmission out last weekend and hopefully this weekend I will have my 400ci w/ 700R4 installed .

And Reno, I've found that I need the extra muscle that a V8 will provide to haul my **** around. It's so BIG that the V6 is in a strain just to get me and my member rolling.LOL.

[This message has been edited by Hurtin4Hp (edited October 05, 2000).]

 

Oh, sorry if I worried you Jax, I thought the 400 sucked up more HP than that; that's why I brought it up. I hear that the Th350 is pretty easy to rebuild, and it doesn't need a bunch of specialized tools.

If you search enough, you might be able to find a 1984 Trans-Am.. those came with 3.73/posi/disc rear axles. I just swapped one into my car- getting the air out of the master cylinder was the hardest part.

Hurtin4HP, damn, a 400? Sounds like a tight squeeze! Do you need to make your own motor mounts?

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

[This message has been edited by TomP (edited October 05, 2000).]

 

jax dont listen to any of these guys, the v6 to v8 swap is easy, hell i did it myself. yes you will need to change trans, the v6 trans will not bolt up. you more than likley have a 700r4 in ther now. i would try to find a 700r4, other wise a th350 sould be used. i would not bother with a th400 it is unnecesary for you aplication. beside th 350 has a slight better first gear, however you will need to swap the cross member. if you use a th400 you can use you stock x-member.as far has the engine compartment is concernd, you will need to swap the rubber month for V8 ones, and you must swap the rad out. if you going to use a carb, it should be no prob, however, if you planing on using TBI/TPI you might have some dificulties with the wireing. if you have ANY qustions fell free to email me and i will try to help you out.

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when the green flag drops the bull$hit stops

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

 

I agreee, go for it.. Take your time and do it as a project, but their is someting unique and special about creating your own car. Guy's do it to those Novas that had inline V6's, import guys always toss in other 4 bangers and turbo 6's all the time. I would recommend subframe connectors before your first ride and new lower control arms to handle the power.

 

I Meant inline 6's to V8's... TYPO

 

i had a bad experience witha inline v-6 not actualy bad but it made me sad.. im sorta lookin to get a 69 camarofaveorite year. Well i was at cruisers and saw a cherry 69camaro needed a lil work. So i stood to wait for the owner to come by so i could chek it out it was only 4000 and it seemed in good condition. Well he pops the hood and what is it a inline 6... and the guys like it has 100,000 orig miles bla bla bla as im lookin at all the leaks and how dirty the engine was. and as i was waiting i was tellin my friend i know its a 6 its just too good to be true oh well one day ill have my 69 with a 427 painted midnight blue

 

My dad used to own a '75 Nova with the 200CI I-6, and man, that was a huge motor! That was also a huge engine compartment.. woulda taken a v8 beautifully.

Of course the damn mount that held the chassis to the body rusted out. You'd stop the car, and the wheels would stop on the ground, but the body would lurch forward a few inches- not cool. Of course back then I knew nothing about welding (14-15 years old), or even metal fabrication, so we had to junk the car. He didn't feel "right" having a welder fix it for $200 and selling it for $500- what if the welder did a bad job. I understand his reasoning. Anyway the junkyard gave him $35- what a f'ing shame! I would've loved that car... and the interior/exterior was so perfect, too!


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

 

Don't worry about the heat you're getting from these guys: They're just scared b/c you'll be whipping their slow butss off once you get that V8 installed. I have done the swap twice.

One thing to remember is that there is a good chance that the swap will cost more than buying a V8 car (unless you plan to get junkyard parts, or have good sources), so be sure that you REALLY want to keep this car.

Be sure to plan a budget, and stick to it. For one of my swaps I bought all the best parts I could find, so it cost me an arm and a leg. But, there are ways of getting good cheap parts if that's the route you wish to go...(hey I may even have some parts...tranny and TC...and distributor...that I could sell you).


If you want the lowdown on the swap, I have lots of tips/instrux/etc I can give. It's not very hard at all, and is definitely worth it. Email me (from the message link) and we can chat...

 

The last post was right, DO IT.. I plan to after I get my 2.8 into the 14.9 range I plan to build a small block 400 and 6 speed I will drop in. Is it economical to do, HECK no, but Original YES, fun YES and who cares I have the time...

 

just a peice of advice....dont touch the car unless u know what ur doing. How would u explain to someone if u ever sold the car that u ripped out the origional motor for some old school rigged up 350. If ur set on a V8 just find a GTA with a 350 but dont start ripping out the computer, thats just a whole $hit load of problems. Dont act like u cant get that V6 to move. A few nice mods and that car will scream. BTW for the same price of a new motor swap u could run a shot of NOS or drop a supercharger on that ol V6 and blow the doors off 350s IMO

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Bright red 1989 firebird
305 TBI (stock)
5 speed
16x8 inch WS.6 wheels
T Tops
richmond 3.73s
Custom professionally done car audio system
tinted windows
Tail light blackouts
58000 origional one owner miles