97 Firebird engine swap 3.8 to 350 or 5.7
12-09-2006, 11:48 AM
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
97 Firebird engine swap 3.8 to 350 or 5.7 Alright guys im a big noob here i got pretty good mechanic skills i work on Jet Skis and other stuff but havnt done anything major with a car but wana start so go ahead and pull the jokes and stuff but im pretty commited to do this. I wana know if there is a kit that includes engine mounts or trans mounts or whatever i need to swap my 3.8 out of my 97 firebird and put a 350 in it. it most likley will just a be a older carberated motor not the 350 5.7 that goes in the 97 formula unless using this motor would be easier? Bassicaly i have a good idea how do it but i have no idea what i need but anything you guys think i should know please post.Also if theres any links or stickeys or other threads please post. Any input will be highley appreaciated. thanks guys !!
12-09-2006, 02:53 PM
#2
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
Posts: 7,564
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
A 350 is a 350, and a 5.7 is a 350. Now the LS1, diff story.
Anyways, you'll need an engine cradle I believe, for the LT1 (since it's a standard 350 block still), but you might be able to get away with just special mounts. You'll want V8 springs for the front as well, since the V6 springs are weaker. As far as carbing it, I don't know how easy that'd be for you. Personally I'd stick with LT1 fuel injection. I don't know why you'd want to go with a Carb setup.
Anyways, you'll need an engine cradle I believe, for the LT1 (since it's a standard 350 block still), but you might be able to get away with just special mounts. You'll want V8 springs for the front as well, since the V6 springs are weaker. As far as carbing it, I don't know how easy that'd be for you. Personally I'd stick with LT1 fuel injection. I don't know why you'd want to go with a Carb setup.
12-10-2006, 05:34 PM
#4
On the tree
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You will have some issues trying to run th carbs as the ECm controls the gauges.
I would also vouch for going the FI LT1 route as well. There would be giving up all of the gains and reason for having a FI V8.
I would also vouch for going the FI LT1 route as well. There would be giving up all of the gains and reason for having a FI V8.
12-11-2006, 06:16 PM
#5
Staging Lane
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Iowa
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i believe an older carb setup will have clearance issues with the windshield cowl so an lt1 style system may be required. you sound set on keeping this car so i dont want to discurage you at all. what are your goals? are you just trying to make it fast or are you really wanting a v8? those 3.8s are really good motors and respond to boost very well. i know there are some wicked turbo setups. (before i get flamed think 89tta) just throwing some ideas out. whats your budget?
12-11-2006, 07:09 PM
#6
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
Posts: 7,564
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
+1 for Turbo 3.8
If it's a blown engine that's whetting your appetite to do the V8 swap, then well that might not be a bad route, if that's the case then +1 for donor car. Heavy rear end damage or T-Bone. Be careful on the T-Bone since you'll need the K-Member and maybe the tranny crossmember.
If it's a blown engine that's whetting your appetite to do the V8 swap, then well that might not be a bad route, if that's the case then +1 for donor car. Heavy rear end damage or T-Bone. Be careful on the T-Bone since you'll need the K-Member and maybe the tranny crossmember.
Trending Topics
12-11-2006, 09:46 PM
#8
Teching In
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by y2k_ta
Save yourself the hassle....sell your 'bird and buy a V8-powered one. You'll thank me later 
It's just too much work to do the swap on a daily driver. Now if you're building a drag car, then that's a different story.
It's just too much work to do the swap on a daily driver. Now if you're building a drag car, then that's a different story.
12-14-2006, 03:05 PM
#9
On The Tree
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: AZ
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you really want to do the project, and really love the fact that it is YOUR car, then go for the swap. Really the best way to go, like others have said, is to get the entire LT1, transmission, mounts, wiring harness, k-member, radiator, brakes, etc etc etc from a wrecked LT1 f-body. There are A LOT of different components between the V6 and V8 f-bodies. The steering ratio is quicker in the V8s, and the V8s have different rear gear ratios (unless you have the Y87 package in the V6), the speedometer is different, etc.
However, LT1 f-bodies can be bought dirt cheap- it's not uncommon to see them going for $3k-4k. You would really save a lot more money (not to mention time and headaches) by just selling your car and buying an LT1 car. With the money you save, you can spend time fixing other things in the LT1, or adding headers, swapping spark plugs, etc. Not only is this the much easier route to take, but it will make the car easier to insure, and easier to sell later on (it'd be hard, if not impossible, to find a buyer for a swapped V8 car with how cheap LT1 cars are to begin with).
However, LT1 f-bodies can be bought dirt cheap- it's not uncommon to see them going for $3k-4k. You would really save a lot more money (not to mention time and headaches) by just selling your car and buying an LT1 car. With the money you save, you can spend time fixing other things in the LT1, or adding headers, swapping spark plugs, etc. Not only is this the much easier route to take, but it will make the car easier to insure, and easier to sell later on (it'd be hard, if not impossible, to find a buyer for a swapped V8 car with how cheap LT1 cars are to begin with).
12-14-2006, 03:53 PM
#10
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Hanover, PA
Posts: 587
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd suggest to do an LT1 or LS1 Swap. If you really wanted to install a Carborated 350 it can probably be done and if you do search you might find something. But it makes the most sense to install an LT1 or an LS1.
12-14-2006, 04:53 PM
#11
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Gainesville, FL
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I too thought long and hard about this. After talking to alot of people and doing research i found out this... Sell the bird by a TA. In the long run its alot cheaper and lot less headache. Now you could always turbo charge the 3.8 that would be cool!
11-26-2013, 01:45 AM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My engine recently seized up and I have to do a swap for it on a very tight budget. I found a 350 (5.7) Vortec, and I was wondering if I would be able to go from a 3.8 with a 5 speed manual and put the 5.7 in, and would I have to get a new tranny and radiator and other stuff? I would like to keep as many of the same parts as possible because I am low on money.
11-26-2013, 06:45 AM
#13
My engine recently seized up and I have to do a swap for it on a very tight budget. I found a 350 (5.7) Vortec, and I was wondering if I would be able to go from a 3.8 with a 5 speed manual and put the 5.7 in, and would I have to get a new tranny and radiator and other stuff? I would like to keep as many of the same parts as possible because I am low on money.
