Shocks, are they the same as on a v8?
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,065
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From: Tucson, Az, USA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T5
Shocks, are they the same as on a v8?
I just got some new tires for the car and I see that the shocks are leaking. I was offered some from a friend of mine and they were off his iroc.(He just got them and took them off to replace with some other ones.) Are they compatible with my car? Or do I have to get some for the 6? Also, how hard are they to install? I heard they are pretty simple but struts are hard. Who knows, maybe my haynes manual might help me this time! Thanks to anyone who helps. 
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: oklahoma city
I dont think they would be compatible. The Irocs wright more. Remember v8s are quite heavier then a v6. your v6 is 191 ci his is probaly 350 or 305. Thats almost twice as big adding alot of weight.
------------------
Josh
1989 Firebird
Working the 2.8 to 3.4 swap with a 5 speed.
Kills: 2000 Silverado V6, 1995 v6 mustang, 1994 rodeo v6, 2001 Ford Sport trac, 1992 honda prelude riced out
Losses: 89 GTA, 95 Z28, 90 Camaro 305 TBI with mods
------------------
Josh
1989 Firebird
Working the 2.8 to 3.4 swap with a 5 speed.
Kills: 2000 Silverado V6, 1995 v6 mustang, 1994 rodeo v6, 2001 Ford Sport trac, 1992 honda prelude riced out
Losses: 89 GTA, 95 Z28, 90 Camaro 305 TBI with mods
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,937
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From: Moorpark
Car: 1991 CAMARO 1968 FIREBIRD
Engine: CAMARO 3.1L FIREBIRD 455
Transmission: CAMARO 700R4 FIREBIRD TH-400
Call a autostore and ask them to see if the part numbers for v-6 shocks are the same as v-8 shocks
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Az, USA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T5
Are you sure ked85? What about the weight difference thing that was stated above? Thanks a lot guys! I really appreciate it and I will call the auto parts place to check on the numbers, just to make sure. 
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown, WV
I have been led to believe that the springs will definately be different between a v6 & v8 because of the weight difference. The shocks, however, should be the same. I also believe that all Camaros from 1982 through 1992 will use the same style/size/shape shocks and struts. When I ordered my shocks and struts I don't remember seeing different versions for v6 vs. v8 for the dozen companies I looked at.
The good part is that the shocks are really EASY to change. I've never changed any shocks before and it took me less than an hour to do mine.
The shocks off your buddies Iroc will fit ... grab'em ... throw'em on ... and enjoy.
The good part is that the shocks are really EASY to change. I've never changed any shocks before and it took me less than an hour to do mine.
The shocks off your buddies Iroc will fit ... grab'em ... throw'em on ... and enjoy.
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,065
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From: Tucson, Az, USA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T5
Your the man Belker! Thanks. 
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
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Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,221
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From: Halifax, NS,Canada
Car: 1995 Z28
Engine: LT1
Transmission: Built 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.23's - Limited Slip
I thought the main differnce was no the shocks but the spings. My front spring broke, and I looked at the V-8's and they are signicantly heavier than the V-6's.
I believe the front struts(shock things) whould fit. But you will need someone who knows for sure cause the last thing you want is your car jacked up like a MOTHER...
I believe the front struts(shock things) whould fit. But you will need someone who knows for sure cause the last thing you want is your car jacked up like a MOTHER...
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 13,414
Likes: 6
From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
Agreed; shocks & struts are the same. They only dampen the spring- the spring is what supports the car.
BUT- What year is that IROC? Are they the original shocks? If so, why replace your leaking shocks with bad shocks? If they're the originals, your friend is giving you (unintentionally) free "Crap"- spend the $20/shock and pick some KYB's from Summit.
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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)
BUT- What year is that IROC? Are they the original shocks? If so, why replace your leaking shocks with bad shocks? If they're the originals, your friend is giving you (unintentionally) free "Crap"- spend the $20/shock and pick some KYB's from Summit.
------------------
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
No, the shocks, for this TYPE OF CAR AND THIS vehicle WEIGHT RANGE are virtually identical.
Springs DO HAVE different "thickness" and foot pound "spring cycle" patterns, that make that item, unique, specific.
FOR OUR DISCUSSION of OUR 3rd Gen Fbodys, this is correct.
Your actual "other cars", this discussion would/could be totally different.
IF I wanted to make my 1967 Camaro a real 1/4 mile warrior, AGAIN (my Camaro convertible lead most of it's life on the drag strip, during the 70's, so told me by the former owner and I see the evidence), I would install the 1968 6 Cylinder Camaro spings into my 1967 car.
The "spring rate" is weaker, then my V-8 springs. Thus, the front end rises, quicker, & I have better weight transfer, traction on the rear tires.
You'll do great, IF those shocks are GM originals, and they do not leak.
When ya paint them, make sure your shaft is covered.
ALSO, call this place.
Performance Suspension Components, Phoenix, AZ.
800-572-3768
Ask for Larry, he knows his stuff.
I did exactly what you're doing, got used shocks.
WHAT I DID WAS THIS.
Example:1974 Corvette.
I got used KONI's at $4/each. 5 way adjust oil dampened shocks, their best for my car. I found them on a wrecked 1979 Corvette.
I installed NEW poly bushings on these used shocks, before I put them on my 1974 Corvette.
My shocks are now, "rebuilt", fresh bushings and adjustable performance.
Install the new POLY bushings & you've got a winner package deal for yourself.
IT'S SO WORTH IT!!
GET THE SWAY BARS FROM THAT Z-28 CAR, TOO & INSTALL THE BARS WITH NEW POLY BUSHINGS, TOO!!
You will have given your ride such DIRT CHEAP canyon carving performance, it'll be so hard to wipe off your smile!
DO IT!
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Springs DO HAVE different "thickness" and foot pound "spring cycle" patterns, that make that item, unique, specific.
FOR OUR DISCUSSION of OUR 3rd Gen Fbodys, this is correct.
Your actual "other cars", this discussion would/could be totally different.
IF I wanted to make my 1967 Camaro a real 1/4 mile warrior, AGAIN (my Camaro convertible lead most of it's life on the drag strip, during the 70's, so told me by the former owner and I see the evidence), I would install the 1968 6 Cylinder Camaro spings into my 1967 car.
The "spring rate" is weaker, then my V-8 springs. Thus, the front end rises, quicker, & I have better weight transfer, traction on the rear tires.
You'll do great, IF those shocks are GM originals, and they do not leak.
When ya paint them, make sure your shaft is covered.
ALSO, call this place.
Performance Suspension Components, Phoenix, AZ.
800-572-3768
Ask for Larry, he knows his stuff.
I did exactly what you're doing, got used shocks.
WHAT I DID WAS THIS.
Example:1974 Corvette.
I got used KONI's at $4/each. 5 way adjust oil dampened shocks, their best for my car. I found them on a wrecked 1979 Corvette.
I installed NEW poly bushings on these used shocks, before I put them on my 1974 Corvette.
My shocks are now, "rebuilt", fresh bushings and adjustable performance.
Install the new POLY bushings & you've got a winner package deal for yourself.
IT'S SO WORTH IT!!
GET THE SWAY BARS FROM THAT Z-28 CAR, TOO & INSTALL THE BARS WITH NEW POLY BUSHINGS, TOO!!
You will have given your ride such DIRT CHEAP canyon carving performance, it'll be so hard to wipe off your smile!
DO IT!
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Az, USA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T5
Thanks guys, the iroc struts my friend has are almost brand new. They were only on his car for a little bit. Maybe I can get those sway bars too.....thanks ked, that's a good idea! Has anyone installed these struts? They're for the front of the car and I heard it's kind of a pain. My chiltons made it sound REALLY simple. Is it true that you really don't need a spring compressor?
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
Supreme Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 0
From: Pueblo Co
Car: 1989 C4
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 307
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by elevario:
Thanks guys, the iroc struts my friend has are almost brand new. They were only on his car for a little bit. Maybe I can get those sway bars too.....thanks ked, that's a good idea! Has anyone installed these struts? They're for the front of the car and I heard it's kind of a pain. My chiltons made it sound REALLY simple. Is it true that you really don't need a spring compressor?
</font>
Thanks guys, the iroc struts my friend has are almost brand new. They were only on his car for a little bit. Maybe I can get those sway bars too.....thanks ked, that's a good idea! Has anyone installed these struts? They're for the front of the car and I heard it's kind of a pain. My chiltons made it sound REALLY simple. Is it true that you really don't need a spring compressor?
</font>
SSC
------------------
85 Camaro Z28, Cowl induction hood, Black-355/TB400,3:42 posi, Tons of goodies but if you ask, "Its stock
" 82 Firebird, White, red in six months-355/TB350,3:42 Powertrax posi. Not an insane amount of goodies but it runs like a motha!
76 Chevy C10, Firemist blue, 355/Muncie HD 3speed,3:73 TorqLine posi. Show me another 12sec@4800ft SBC street truck??
91 GMC 1500 Sierra 4x4, Red, Was 4.3 now the proud recipient of the Firebirds LG4. 305/5 speed.
56 Buick Special, OG Blue&White, V8/auto. Maybee one day I'll get it going.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 904
Likes: 1
From: Modesto, CA USA
Yeah the hardest part is getting the bolts to break lose. Once you have the bolts lose t is a brezze. Just rember to get a bucket or some thing of similar hight to rest you brake calipar on.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
Used Hi Po sway bars of the same car and new poly bushings, the right size=great ride at a great price!
Good score for ya!
You'll really enjoy the results of this project!!
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Good score for ya!
You'll really enjoy the results of this project!!
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Az, USA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T5
Well I checked on the parts numbers and they are the same between the v6 and v8 models. Thanks a lot guys, I am going to attempt to change the struts this weekend. Wish me luck!
Oh, from what I understand, the only way I would be looking like I was riding a wheelie would be if I got v8 springs. It would look kind of cool though! 
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index...ew&rideid=8260
[This message has been edited by elevario (edited December 12, 2001).]
Oh, from what I understand, the only way I would be looking like I was riding a wheelie would be if I got v8 springs.
It would look kind of cool though! ------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index...ew&rideid=8260
[This message has been edited by elevario (edited December 12, 2001).]
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
BIG SIMPLE TIP.
TIGHTEN EVERY NUT, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON The GROUND.
IF NOT, you preload the setting and have a problem.
This statement only applies to the sway bars, not for shocks, etc.
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
TIGHTEN EVERY NUT, WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON The GROUND.
IF NOT, you preload the setting and have a problem.
This statement only applies to the sway bars, not for shocks, etc.
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Az, USA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T5
Cool, I just put the bolts on for the sway bars while the car is raised, then lower the car and then tighten, right?
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
Very correct!
IF ya use the poly stuff, use so much of that grease supplied, it ooozzzzeeees out.
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
IF ya use the poly stuff, use so much of that grease supplied, it ooozzzzeeees out.
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Az, USA
Car: 1992 RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T5
Cool. Thank you.
------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
Thank you.------------------
1992 Polo Green RS 3.1L
Just working on making it look good for now...
View my ride here on readers rides....
https://www.thirdgen.org/rides/index.tgo?action=view&rideid=8260
Supreme Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 1
From: ****SoCal, USA****
Don't so the grease part before a date.
You can't wash grease off easy, at all.
Enjoy your mission!
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
You can't wash grease off easy, at all.
Enjoy your mission!
------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 5,244
Likes: 14
From: Sac, CA
Car: '89 GTA
Axle/Gears: 3.27/9-bolt
just got some new kyb rear shocks for the 88'bird, what type of diff. if any will i feel? what about when i get the struts next month? thanks~!
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88 Firebird, 2.8, auto
Rebuilt engine/tranny (about 20,000 on them)
*K&N air filter
*Flowmaster complete cat-back exhaust system
88 GTA Trans AM, 5.7, auto
*K&N air filter
*New MAF
(Future Mods.)
-JET chip stage II
-180 thermo.
-Flowmaster exhaust
-SLP cold air induction
-SLP intake runners
------------------
88 Firebird, 2.8, auto
Rebuilt engine/tranny (about 20,000 on them)
*K&N air filter
*Flowmaster complete cat-back exhaust system
88 GTA Trans AM, 5.7, auto
*K&N air filter
*New MAF
(Future Mods.)
-JET chip stage II
-180 thermo.
-Flowmaster exhaust
-SLP cold air induction
-SLP intake runners
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