Joined: Dec 2017

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

From: Minnesota

Now, I will preface this by saying that I am 18, ill-experienced, but have the help of my dad who has been around GM cars and has the tools/confidence/majority of the knowledge of these cars. He hasn't done this type of engine swap ever (mostly because he works on the practical fwd cars). I recently afforded myself a rough looking and non-running 1998 Firebird. I'll be swapping a running 3.8 in it as a winter project and drive it while I save the money and execute a v8 project. The plan is to have the v6 running by this summer then work my butt off to earn up enough money to put the v8 in, then once that's in, work my butt off another summer to make the baby shine like she's on the showroom floor.
Yes, I realize this is like a 4 year project, but Minnesota winters suck are perfect for projects in a heated shop.

I'm reaching out for the knowledge and wisdom of those that have done this before. As I've looked around, the 5.3 vortec (<$500 for the whole truck) seems to be the route I'm going because I'm a poor college student. Here's where my questions begin. I've read countless threads and just got overwhelmed. I would like to know what exactly I can and can't use in the Firebird, what I should buy OEM, aftermarket, in kits, what I have to modify, what to buy used, etc. I would like it to look nice but that's not really a huge priority. I have found a whole intake kit with the injectors, a tune, intake manifold, throttle body, and wiring for about over $2k. There has to be a better way. Coming from a 3.8, I can't imagine many things will transfer over, but that's what I'm looking to find out.

I'll also want to know what sorts of suspension upgrades I'll have to make to make the car support the weight of the bigger engine. That's not really my first concern right now but it would still be a great thing to know.
I don't mean to make anyone my slave and have them source my parts for me, but any suggestions would be great. I plan on putting in a T56 at the same time.
Money is obviously my main concern with this build (which is why I don't just own a Trans Am, that, and insurance), however, I don't want to cheap out and put garbage components in/on my engine. I will put forward the money for quality parts, but not ultramegapowerful performance parts. I just want the v8 to run well and have at least some longevity.
Any and all responses that aren't just, "u r st00pid 4 doing this, just get an ls1" are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, let me know!
Thank you so much for reading!!