Hey guys, so I have a 89 rs camaro 2.8 and I can buy a 2002 v6 for 700 (88k miles) just because the extra 60hp difference and good highway milage since I use the freeway a lot ...iis this a good idea? What issues would I run into?

 

'02, if Camaro / Firebird, was the L36 3800 Series 2. If you want to try it, you need the complete engine, with PCM and harness. It'll need a custom Y-pipe for the exhaust, mounting may not be a simple bolt-together, you may end up needing one of Lokar's throttle cables, and you'll need a '96-'02 trans as well. If you use the automatic, you'll want to change the rear gears to 3.08:1.
$700 is too much, you can save $500 at a pull-your-own salvage yard.

 

So, I think you need to specify exactly which "2002 V6" you are talking about.

Regardless of which one, none will be a direct bolt in, though some will be easier than others.

 

I'm in the process of swapping an L36, from a '96 Camaro, into another car, an '83 RX-7, and I've had a 2.8L third-gen. So I'm a little familiar with the similarities and differences. The L36, and the 4.3L L35, are the only 2 V6s from '02 that are even close to "bolt-in". The L35s were in S-10 mini-pickups and C1500 fullsize pickups. The 4.3 swap is simple and known, but is considered too much work for too little reward. It's so similar to the SBC V8 that you may as well just get the V8 at that point. Getting good MPG from an L36 isn't too challenging, but getting a 4.3 to top 30 MPG can be a challenge. Geared right, a 5.7L can also top 30 MPG, with at least a third more power.