Hypothetical V6 to V8 swap
07-13-2009, 02:11 AM
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Hypothetical V6 to V8 swap Just as the title says. Let's say I have a bone stock v6 F-body (2002 camaro or firebird). If I were to swap to an LS1, what parts would be needed (other than the LS1 and matching automatic transmission). Are the rear ends the same? Also change gears? New PCM? Or just a tune?
I tried running a search, didn't find the 'laundry list' I was looking for. Thanks in advance.
I tried running a search, didn't find the 'laundry list' I was looking for. Thanks in advance.
07-13-2009, 03:18 AM
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Just as the title says. Let's say I have a bone stock v6 F-body (2002 camaro or firebird). If I were to swap to an LS1, what parts would be needed (other than the LS1 and matching automatic transmission). Are the rear ends the same? Also change gears? New PCM? Or just a tune?
I tried running a search, didn't find the 'laundry list' I was looking for. Thanks in advance.
I tried running a search, didn't find the 'laundry list' I was looking for. Thanks in advance.
you need ls1, transmission.
trans mount x member
computer
harness from same year car
k member from ls1 car w/ ls1 mounts
ls1 steering rack, rag joint
rearend's are not the same unless you get a car optioned with g80..I had a 98 v6 w/ 3.42 limited slip, so they are out there
exhaust from front to back
I'm probly leaving stuff out, but you get the point. you would need a lot of crap. I did one and it was hassle to locate parts
07-13-2009, 03:07 PM
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It's just a hypothetical, lol. I was wondering what went into it, I remember a couple years back there was a thread where the member did an LS1 swap into his 300ZX, he listed every part he had at the time, the ones he needed to get, showed pics of the work in progress. I was hoping something like that was available for an F-body swap.
07-25-2009, 02:32 PM
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Ok, I've got an opportunity. Fellow member here in Hawaii has wrecked his '01 Z28 (rear end swipe, insurance totaled) He's parting out the car, what do I need to grab from him to modify and drop into my 2000 V6? Again, because I haven't found a write up on this, I'm assuming I'm replacing a TON of parts, but no fabrication is required...
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07-25-2009, 03:05 PM
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buy the entire car. swap the front end including motor and tranny and rear and replace into your v6. pm me for my number if you want more info i went from a 1994 V6 A4 to a 1994 LT1 M6 so quite a big swap all by myself with no lift of anything or even air tools all hand tools and ****. but lemme know ill help ya out.
07-25-2009, 03:06 PM
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like previousl stated you DO need the tranny cause of different mating surfaces. the rear would be highly highly recommended. i didnt swap the rears and it was no good. well it ran 13.1 at 109 with the v6 rear unsure of gears and a stock z28 rear put me at 12.4 at 111 on a tire. so itll help out alot plus with MPG
07-25-2009, 03:11 PM
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I second that. I like working on cars, but hate to tell you that is a lot of work. The whole interior harness has to be swapped as well. Along tanks, fuel pump. Depending on what options your V6 has most LS1 car have TC and 4 wheel 4WAL braking setups. ABS block, lines, shocks and springs. sway bars. I think you have to swap just about everything from one car to another.
07-25-2009, 03:37 PM
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wrong you do not need to swap tanks and fuel pumps. all the fuel pumps in our cars are the same whether LT1 LS1 3.4 or 3.8 its the fuel psi regulator up front that has the affect. im telling you from experience.
/\ what do you mean leave the stock suspension in it?
/\ what do you mean leave the stock suspension in it?
07-26-2009, 01:42 AM
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I wish I could buy an LS1 guys, in fact ever since I sold my SS July '08 I've regretted that decision, but then I look at my niece and it's worth it. She's gonna be 6 so now she can ride without car seat. I tried to find the guy who bought my SS, but turns out he moved from Hawaii.
At any rate, I'm weighing all options, I've saved up some, I own the Firebird outright, so it's a matter of what I need, manpower (newbie greasemonkey but lots of gear head friends, especially F-Bod) and $$$.
Thanks and keep it coming, I need all the info I can get. I really wish there was a write-up or how to page...
At any rate, I'm weighing all options, I've saved up some, I own the Firebird outright, so it's a matter of what I need, manpower (newbie greasemonkey but lots of gear head friends, especially F-Bod) and $$$.
Thanks and keep it coming, I need all the info I can get. I really wish there was a write-up or how to page...
07-26-2009, 03:05 AM
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The v6 suspension will do fine for a while. The springs are rated at a higher weight because the iron block/head l36 3.8l v6 weighs more than the ls1. Id definetly plan on upgrading down the road.
Ive got a 02 3.8 and I thought about this swap but with all the aftermarket for the 3800 im gona be the underdog and see what kinda numbers I can get with my current setup.
Ive got a 02 3.8 and I thought about this swap but with all the aftermarket for the 3800 im gona be the underdog and see what kinda numbers I can get with my current setup.
07-26-2009, 03:24 AM
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Im pretty schooled up on what all the v6s can do, what they have, what to upgrade. If your gonna do the swap lemme know..
You dont need things like a new driveshaft (unless you want a lighter one),rear end(Its the same one just crappy open diff and most likely terrible gears). And if the tranny is a 98+ all you need is a different bellhousing. These models have a seperate housing that bolts to the engine and the tranny. Prolly be best to go ahead and get some sort of stall converter as you will need a new converter. If you have abs disc brakes all the way around... well then you have the same setup as the v8 cars. (remember when I said the v6's weigh more?) why would chevy put a less performing brake system on a heavier car? ( My car weighed in at 3430 without me in it, my friend ben weighed his (an 02 SS) and he was around 3300~)
You dont need things like a new driveshaft (unless you want a lighter one),rear end(Its the same one just crappy open diff and most likely terrible gears). And if the tranny is a 98+ all you need is a different bellhousing. These models have a seperate housing that bolts to the engine and the tranny. Prolly be best to go ahead and get some sort of stall converter as you will need a new converter. If you have abs disc brakes all the way around... well then you have the same setup as the v8 cars. (remember when I said the v6's weigh more?) why would chevy put a less performing brake system on a heavier car? ( My car weighed in at 3430 without me in it, my friend ben weighed his (an 02 SS) and he was around 3300~)
07-27-2009, 01:18 AM
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Thanks 1slo, cbailey, and everyone. I appreciate all the feedback, keep it coming. As I told someone else, it'll probably be 6mo-year before I can seriously do this, in the meantime, I'll be collecting parts, or getting a donor, or just keeping an eye out for an amazing deal on LS1 F-bod.
