I want a V8! - F-Body Online

Fletch88 · 04-07-2008, 07:42 PM

So I've had my pretty little red birdy for about 8 months now, have enjoyed every bit of it. Even if it is a v6 it seemed peppy enough for me. Something thats been burnin' my ass thought is a red Trans Am at a local dealership(Almost identical to mine). Decided to go up there and do my best to convince the guy to let me get a test drive, wasn't too hard to convince him, simply told him I wanted an upgrade. He agreed to the test drive and even let me take it to a low trafficked straightaway road

. From the moment I started it I fell in love, the instant rumble, the feel of the gears shifting...and when I gunned it at a rolling 30 mph my pants rose up in the you know where section. I REGRET IT! That little test drive SPOILED me. I'm not saying my v6 is slow...but it ain't fast to me anymore. So I've decided I want to pop a v8 in place of my v6 and I'm curious as to how much trouble its gonna be, how much its gonna cost me, where I can get one, and if I need anything new specifically, like I know the Trans Am's have traction control, v6 doesn't. Any advice or opinions towards my dilemma would be greatly appreciated!

Rocket 442 · 04-07-2008, 08:03 PM

It's possible to throw a LS1 in place of the 3.8 you've got. I'd only swtich it out if you've gotten a great deal on a donor LS1 from somewhere else. It's much easier to buy a LS1 F-Body before upgrading from a V6 to a LS1 in a V6 car.

Both options have +'s and -'s, depending on your financial situation, skill level, etc...

Fletch88 · 04-07-2008, 08:18 PM

Well I have 0 skill level so I'd have to pay for the install, as far as just buying a Trans AM...Yeah it would be easier but far less convenient. I'd have to sell my car, come up with a few more grand and frankly, I don't wanna take that much time. But I'm interested in some of the complications that would come from simply swapping engines. Thanks again.

Rocket 442 · 04-07-2008, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch88

Well I have 0 skill level so I'd have to pay for the install, as far as just buying a Trans AM...Yeah it would be easier but far less convenient. I'd have to sell my car, come up with a few more grand and frankly, I don't wanna take that much time. But I'm interested in some of the complications that would come from simply swapping engines. Thanks again.

Selling your car, and finding a Trans Am/Formula will most likely be FAR less complicated than finding a Engine, Getting a quote, Paying for an engine, wiring harness, rear-end, transmission and hiring a shop to swap.

Are we talking about a 93-97 or 98-02?

Fletch88 · 04-07-2008, 08:46 PM

98-02. And I have to replace the transmission along with the engine? Or do modifications to it? And also it WOULD be cheaper buying the new engine rather than a Trans AM I'd assume. Bought my Firebird for 5k, I can't find any Trans AM that matches the mileage of my car that isn't 10k+

Rocket 442 · 04-07-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch88

98-02. And I have to replace the transmission along with the engine? Or do modifications to it? And also it WOULD be cheaper buying the new engine rather than a Trans AM I'd assume. Bought my Firebird for 5k, I can't find any Trans AM that matches the mileage of my car that isn't 10k+

But add up the price of an LS1 (or LQ9, or whatever you're looking at throwing in).
Price of Rearend
Most Likely a Transmission
Accessories
Labor...

and you've got yourself a new car

What is the exact year of your Firebird?

Rocket 442 · 04-07-2008, 09:07 PM

Needed:

Complete Engine
Transmission (different bolt pattern)
Radiator
Fuel Pump
Engine Harness
Throttle Cables and System
New Susp. for added weight
Steering rack

Plus others specific to each year...

3.4/3.8 V6 to LS1

Fletch88 · 04-07-2008, 09:14 PM

Ahh, thats much more work then I anticipated. Sounds more expensive too. I've got a 99 model Firebird btw.

Fletch88 · 04-07-2008, 10:26 PM

Well then here's a ridiculous question. How much effort (or money) would it take to make my v6 have the same power under the hood as the v8s?

Rocket 442 · 04-07-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletch88

Well then here's a ridiculous question. How much effort (or money) would it take to make my v6 have the same power under the hood as the v8s?

V6 FAQ

Not recommended, unless you want to spend much more money than it would cost to buy a V8. It'll also be less reliable, and most likely less streetable than just about any Stock V8 that you're trying to keep up with.

Phate's got his right at the limit, I'm sure he can explain this a bit further.