oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

Here is the situation, the Z28 has a tired old 305 in it with a 700R4 that is slipping real bad. I wanted to build a LSx engine but any time I shop for parts they are stupid expesive.
Then if I did get the LSx built, with the price of gas I wouldnt be able to afford to drive it. The junk yard here almost never see anything LSx and if they do, guys that work there snach them up and use them or sell them some where else (ebay) for a premimum price since there is a UPS freight terminal right down the street.

To build a V6 worthy of replacing that LG4 you are only looking at like 200hp and about 200 torque. A V6 with close to the same HP and torque that is 200+ pounds lighter than what its replacing is enough of an up grade for me.
Im not putting turbo charging it off the table. Since I custom turbo charged my diesel suburban and I'm really pleased with the results.

My local junk yard has 2 camaros with 3400 engines, I am sure at least 1 has a good block. I would like to use a RWD block.
My junk yard also has loads of late 90s and 2000s GM FWD 60*V6 stuff they can barely give away.
So I am thinking RWD block, FWD, heads, pistons and intake. And a standard transmission, since I need another transmission anyway.
I am not sure which FWD heads I would like to use, at least FWD 3400s, maybe 3500s or something better???

Also is there any way to retro fit a roller cam into that RWD block?

Is there any reasonable way to get a longer stroke crank from a newer 60*V6engine in the RWD block? If not just throw a couple of turbochargers on it and call it good.

DeathStarr89

iTrader: (1)

IMO.. scrap the RWD block and just toss in a whole 3500. you already beat your 200/200 goal, then boost it and hold on.



I will agree with the V6 haters though, the LS engine will give you far more potential. Even a bone stock 5.3 would be fun in a 3rd gen.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

I could toss in a 3500 block I read your build thread where you made motor adaptors and had to use an auto transmission because of starter location.
I would like to use a standard trans, but there is an L460 or L460E on one of those V6 camaros in the junk yard I am sure I could pick up for reasonable price.

Z28ricer

iTrader: (2)

You're going to need to do an awful lot of work to go from carb'd V8 to efi V6.

Realistically at this point you would be a lot better off grabbing a vortec 350, rebuilding it and installing it.

DeathStarr89

iTrader: (1)

I went from a carbbed 327 to my 3.5, you're right it is a lot of work.

If your goal is a lighter car that gets good mileage and you aren't afraid of some fab work, wiring and other random things then go for it.. but if you want easy, sure a Vortec 350 with a good intake, cam and headers plus a rebuilt trans will put down some good numbers and be fun to drive.

Z28ricer

iTrader: (2)

Lots indeed, I converted my 86 Z with everything when I totalled my 89RS, that was a LOT of work.

Z28ricer

iTrader: (2)

Oh yeah, and then got to pay Z28 insurance on a V6

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

What ever I use I dont want to go with a carbed all cast iron GenI SBC.
I would consider an early aluminum block 5.3, if I could find one for cheap. Motor mounting isnt a problem since I plan on getting a new cross member.

Z28ricer

iTrader: (2)

If you are swapping in a V6 you'll mainly need an efi sending unit and fuel lines, mounts, and wiring.

If this isnt a dedicated drag car I wouldnt be swapping the K member out.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

Are people still having problems with them cracking?

Z28ricer

iTrader: (2)

I'm sure there are some that dont have issues, the reality is that for the minimal weight savings, the purchase price doesnt get you much.

The money would be much better spent elsewhere.

DeathStarr89

iTrader: (1)

I haven't had any problems with mine, aside from letting the FWD oil pan clear it also gives tons of room for custom headers.


There isn't much weight difference at all, those who claim otherwise probably never actually put them both on a scale.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

I read your post and was thinking the same thing, more room for exhaust and oil pan if I use a non standard engine.

project89

iTrader: (1)

with the engine out tack a piece of steel bar between the frame rails, then cut out the center of the k member and box in both ends.

after that u can make 2 tabs on each side were u can bolt in a piece of tubing with ends on it to make a removable center.

this gives u access to drop the center out for taking off the oil pan and tons of clearance for the fwd oil pan

im actually going to this on my iroc this winter so i have room for a large sump oil pan, and to make it easy to pull the pan off to do maintenance on the rod and main bearings during the race season

project89

iTrader: (1)

since u are starting with a v8 car i would go the 4.3 with a turbo or two route, then u can leave the front suspension alone and reuse the trans u have now

jensen73110

iTrader: (4)

Check craigslist a lot. I see complete 5.3Ls all the time for $500.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

The TH700 in there now is shot, I can drive it but I wouldn't put it up against summer heat and a long drive because it slips real bad.

That is why I am wide open to a trans swap.

I like the 60 degree engine over the 90 for a few reasons.
I know the engine line better. The 4.3 is a 350 block lower end with fewer cast iron only top end options.
The 60 degree has a lot of aluminum head options, canted valves lots of fuel injection options. Plus the engine is narrow, giving more room for turbos.

$500 for a fully operational 5.3 would be nice.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

What are the compression ratios on some of the FWD motors?
I am considering turboing it. Evenly spaced FWD exhaust ports give us a lot more options for turbo exhaust manifolds. The FWD style ports make it possible to turn the exhaust manifolds up side down or switch sides, something not possible with cast iron head 2.8-3.4L or 4.3L heads.

The altitude is the main reason why I turbocharged my suburban. As soon as I got on the cap rock it was like I had no power even with a 6.5L, 22:1 compression engine fed ram air.

Since I am over 4300ft above sea level there is about 12% less air up here.

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

The port spacing is exactly the same on the FWD motors as it is on the RWD motors. Manifolds will not "flip over", or be swapped side to side, well side to side is possible, but I haven't seen this be advantageous in any swaps, especially in a RWD conversion/hybrid, usually the manifolds will exit towards the center line of the engine, that would be over the top of the bell housing, and interfere with belt driven accessories when swapped to exit forward, or they exit in the middle of the manifold and down, that causes issues with cross member clearance.

Static Compression Ratios of the FWD engines ranged from 8.8:1 (Turbo Grand Prix and STE) based on a genII 3.1L, to 9.5:1 (most of the genIII engines, including 3400s, to 9.6:1 for the 3500.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

That sucks. I had thought the exhaust ports were evenly spaced.

I can move most accessories and build exhaust piping no problem.
I have no reservations about replacing or modifing the cross member.
When I turboed the suburban the power steering pump was in the way of where the drivers side crossover pipe needed to go. Just had to relocate it a few inches higher.

kmcn47

i love this idea, i really wanna see it done, i also really wanna do it, my l69 is on the verge of death and parked for good now (bad noises and pissing oil) so who knows what i'll be doing in the winter season has anyone ever heard of this car? gm had the idea too, should have followed through

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

I do like that 140mph speedo.

If I were to use a 4cyl then I would have to turbo it or it would just be wrong to turn a Z28 into an iron duke.
The nice thing about turbochargers is its like adding a second engine under your hood (at least for diesels).

Also added more take off parts to my parts for sale listing.
Any one need a set of control arms to rebuild or a torque arm?

kmcn47

i have that 140 speedo, only mine has a z28 logo on it, it isn't very accurate being that its cable driven, but it looks badass



also i'd like to see more engine pics of the car in the article if anyone can find anything more then this article on it, the intake manifold particularly.