'99 Firebird V6 to V8 Swap...
#1
'99 Firebird V6 to V8 Swap...
How hard is it? Can the engines basically just be swapped out, and the new V8 (more on that in a sec) bolted up and it fit fine? Basically, could a professional mechanic do it in a week?
And on which V8, I'd most likely use an LS1- but if I found an LS2 or LS6, would it fit properly or would some custom modifications have to be made? I'm asking this because I trust local mechanics to be able to swap an LS1 in a car that it's available in, but I don't trust anyone around here to do ANY kind of fab work or work on anything that doesn't bolt in fairly easily.
If this has been asked before (and I'm sure it has, but I couldn't find it), please post the thread for me to check out.
thanks everyone
And on which V8, I'd most likely use an LS1- but if I found an LS2 or LS6, would it fit properly or would some custom modifications have to be made? I'm asking this because I trust local mechanics to be able to swap an LS1 in a car that it's available in, but I don't trust anyone around here to do ANY kind of fab work or work on anything that doesn't bolt in fairly easily.
If this has been asked before (and I'm sure it has, but I couldn't find it), please post the thread for me to check out.
thanks everyone
#4
TECH Resident
iTrader: (5)
All lsx engines will bolt right up. It's only fiscally feasible if you're doing it yourself and equipped with the technical (the hardest part is the wiring) and mechanical know how. No offense but if you're asking questions like "will an ls6 bolt right in or require fab work," then I assume you're not in the position to do it. You can find an ls1 for 6-7k just go buy one.
#5
My parents are paying my insurance while I'm in college, and won't let me buy an LS1 car because of insurance. They do, however, like the V6 car I found, and I do too.
And I wasn't sure if all LSx motors used the same brackets and in the same places- no, I am not able to do this myself, but my friends dad has built 3 or 4 cars from scratch in the past several years, so I'm sure he could handle it.
Has anyone seen any write-ups or whatever on the swap? If so, let me know where I could find it.
And I wasn't sure if all LSx motors used the same brackets and in the same places- no, I am not able to do this myself, but my friends dad has built 3 or 4 cars from scratch in the past several years, so I'm sure he could handle it.
Has anyone seen any write-ups or whatever on the swap? If so, let me know where I could find it.
Last edited by aaron_c; 09-03-2007 at 06:16 PM.
#6
Tech Resident
Originally Posted by aaron_c
My parents are paying my insurance while I'm in college, and won't let me buy an LS1 car because of insurance. They do, however, like the V6 car I found, and I do too.
Seriously, tell your parents to get on the phone and call around. There is almost NO difference in insurance from a V6 or a V8. That's a myth. They only care about the car itself, not the engine.
That being said, taking a V6 and swapping an LS1 into it is a huge pain. First off, you're going to have to buy the engine. Secondly, the transmissions do not bolt right up to it. GOD HELP YOU if you have an M5 with the T-5 transmission, because that thing won't last 10 seconda behind an LS1. You'll have to go out and buy a used T-56 and swap that in, too.
The 4L60E in the V6 cars is also weaker than the one found in LS1 cars. The torque converter is much weaker in the V6 model and you'll likely wear out the lockup clutch prematurely.
That being said, NEITHER transmission will bolt right up. You'll have to swap bellhousings or something, I don't know, but it's not going to work. You'll need a new PCM...ugh, it'll be a mess. DON'T DO IT!
Get an insurance quote. When your parents realize the difference in the V6 and the V8 model is less than $100 a year, they'll be in shock.
#7
Man, maybe I'll look for another type of vehicle then...thanks for the heads up. I don't think I'd ever find an LS1 car with low miles and in immaculate condition like this one for the same price ($5k). I'll just hold off and see what else comes up.
For anyone who ever wants to do the LS1 swap, though, here are a couple of links:
http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
For anyone who ever wants to do the LS1 swap, though, here are a couple of links:
http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
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#8
Tech Resident
Originally Posted by aaron_c
Man, maybe I'll look for another type of vehicle then...thanks for the heads up. I don't think I'd ever find an LS1 car with low miles and in immaculate condition like this one for the same price ($5k). I'll just hold off and see what else comes up.
For anyone who ever wants to do the LS1 swap, though, here are a couple of links:
http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
For anyone who ever wants to do the LS1 swap, though, here are a couple of links:
http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
#9
TECH Resident
iTrader: (5)
Originally Posted by ChocoTaco369
The 3.8L Series II V6 is one of the best V6's ever made. They typically go over 200,000 miles, and 300,000 miles isn't all that hard to find.
#10
The car was sold when I got there this morning...I found it on autotrader, and it turns out that when they sell a car off the lot, they don't take it off autotrader for some reason. So that fell through, but they had two Camaro's that I'm going to go back and ask about when I get out of class (didn't have time to ask earlier).
#12
Originally Posted by 180ls1
just pay your parents the extra insurance money instead of spending 6K or more on an new engine. I think you have not thaught this through very much. It would be a lot cheaper to switch to a carborated 350ci motor.
I'm going to get whatever I find first that I like- whether it be a Silverado/Sierra, Tacoma/Jeep 4x4, V6 F-body, another Dakota, basically anything in good shape with low miles.
Thanks for all the help, I'll keep you posted when I get something new.
#14
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Another option: Mod the V6. I do believe that people have put down decent amounts of power with the 3.8's. Unlike my old 3.1L Camaro, there are plenty of modding options for the 3.8. In fact I think there is a way to bolt the factory 3.8 S/C into the F-bodys.
#17
TECH Enthusiast
No Ls1
Originally Posted by aaron_c
Man, maybe I'll look for another type of vehicle then...thanks for the heads up. I don't think I'd ever find an LS1 car with low miles and in immaculate condition like this one for the same price ($5k). I'll just hold off and see what else comes up.
For anyone who ever wants to do the LS1 swap, though, here are a couple of links:
http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
For anyone who ever wants to do the LS1 swap, though, here are a couple of links:
http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/
#18
TECH Enthusiast
Originally Posted by metalmechanic
YOU may not be getting an LS1 but your still getting a decent car if it looks in good cond. buy the V6 and learn the feel and maintanence of the F BODY, then get a Firehawk in FEW YEARS. They arent going up in value. I drove a 96 f bird for two tears then have an 02 f hawk
#19
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (71)
what everyone said...
i have a 99 firebird.. at one time was going to do the gtp s/c... too much modding time and money.... actually bought an ls1 long block w/ 30,000 miles on it to do the swap into my car... and had many extra parts... researched... waaaaaay too many things they "forget" to mention all the lil things that add up... now my v6 and ls1 longblock are for sale haha