3.8 to LT1 swap
3.8 to LT1 swap I just picked up my drivetraine for my 97 RS. It came out of a 96 Formula. I'll be swappin it out after I go through the engine and tranny. I have everything I need to do it with i.e. k member, ECU, wiring. This will be my first swap on a F-body car. I have done a number of swaps on Hondas and other 4 cylinder cars. I'm just wanting to know if any body knows of any problems I'll come about along the way. And I will be doing it at the shop so I'll have lifts, air, etc. Thanks
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9
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I am not sure exactly what all you will need exactly, I was going to do the swap as well and researched it and figured its twice as cheap to sell the v6 car and buy a z28. Things i know you will need is a v8 radiator, z28 suspension, upgrade your fuel system. Things like your rear end. I dont know if the RS come with disk brakes in the back, that is nice to have when you need to stop quick. Gauges will need to be upgraded to the z28.
Goood luck with the swap, as you go along you will find out what all you will need, will be a bunch of little things. Post some pics as you do it, we need a good v6-lt1 swap guide.
Goood luck with the swap, as you go along you will find out what all you will need, will be a bunch of little things. Post some pics as you do it, we need a good v6-lt1 swap guide.
I am not sure exactly what all you will need exactly, I was going to do the swap as well and researched it and figured its twice as cheap to sell the v6 car and buy a z28. Things i know you will need is a v8 radiator, z28 suspension, upgrade your fuel system. Things like your rear end. I dont know if the RS come with disk brakes in the back, that is nice to have when you need to stop quick. Gauges will need to be upgraded to the z28.
Goood luck with the swap, as you go along you will find out what all you will need, will be a bunch of little things. Post some pics as you do it, we need a good v6-lt1 swap guide.
Goood luck with the swap, as you go along you will find out what all you will need, will be a bunch of little things. Post some pics as you do it, we need a good v6-lt1 swap guide.
RS suspension is not the same...It doesn't have to carry the load of a v8 engine.... However some people like the V6 rear springs b/c they allow the car to squat faster. But thats about all I'd want to keep the same...IMHO. But never the less it will still drive fine but the load ratings are all different. And Yes you will need the Radiator b/c the v6 is standard cooling flow and the LT1 is a reverse cooling flow setup... If you need any more help LMK.
I know that the easiest way to do the swap is to install an LT1 K- Member b/c the v6 K-Member sits higher and the mounts for the engine are not in the same location. Otherwise you may need to cut, notch, and weld some things here and there....James
I know that the easiest way to do the swap is to install an LT1 K- Member b/c the v6 K-Member sits higher and the mounts for the engine are not in the same location. Otherwise you may need to cut, notch, and weld some things here and there....James
I agree it's easier to do, and the money from anRS should pay for a decent Z28 or TA. RS camaro's go for a little more than just the basic coupes b/c they are only made in 96/97 so they're more rare. I'd try to sell it first imho. But if you do decide to do it, Just take your time and do it right. Otherwise it's only gonna give you problems in the long run.
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Yea I would think you would have alot of repinning to do with the front end harness and engine harness. 1995 has gauges for the miles and a 1997 has digital miles thats deff going to be some problems. heater hoses
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Verdad Gallardo I went and picked it up today. I got everything off the 96 Formula i.e. master cylinder, ABS box, engine, tranny, kmember, ECU, wiring, rear end, raidator, plus all the engine acssories and springs and shocks. I pretty much gutted the whole drivetraine.
