F-Body V6 to V8 SwaP (Help PLZ)

**Jager686** · 02-11-2010, 02:10 PM

Alright, time has come for me to finish the other half of my project on my baby. So far last year i finshed the body conversion 94 firebird to "98-02" Trans am body conversion. Now that spring is almost around the corner im doing the engine swap and like input towards how to do it and not reasons y i shouldnt, inturn ill create another FAQ sheet about the project unless there is one out for it already....

By null, shot with BlackBerry 8330 at 2009-11-22

Need a list of items "requied"
and possible best way about to doing the swap...

**redbird555** · 02-11-2010, 02:19 PM

do not post nonsponsor links...

**Jager686** · 02-11-2010, 02:22 PM

omg sweet list thx!!!

**Jager686** · 05-11-2011, 06:12 AM

Ok, so last year I chose to do a t top conversion instead of the swap but now its the last thing on the list for my yearly ritual plus the 3.4 is starting to run like a pos. So ill b starting prep on 5-31 with or without the engine and parts. I've researched for a long on wat engine to go with and considering ls6 or ls2 plus a T56, HOWEVER I'm having problems trying to find one at a decent price. So if u have parts related that u no longer need I may b willing to buy them.
Plus I could use some guidance on this project, haven't worked much with engines.

**transamtom** · 05-11-2011, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Jager686

Ok, so last year I chose to do a t top conversion instead of the swap but now its the last thing on the list for my yearly ritual plus the 3.4 is starting to run like a pos. So ill b starting prep on 5-31 with or without the engine and parts. I've researched for a long on wat engine to go with and considering ls6 or ls2 plus a T56, HOWEVER I'm having problems trying to find one at a decent price. So if u have parts related that u no longer need I may b willing to buy them.
Plus I could use some guidance on this project, haven't worked much with engines.

Find a wrecking yard with a complete totaled V8 F car,buy it and tow it home.

There are tons of write ups on tech and here plus every web site devoted to Fbodies

**Jager686** · 05-12-2011, 02:33 AM

There arnt many of those around here in MN sadly, otherwise I would've gone that route in the very beginning lol o well but I'm leaning towards a aftermarket ls2. But thanks for the suggestion

**KMdef9** · 05-12-2011, 06:38 AM

LQ9 out of your price range?

**transamtom** · 05-12-2011, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Jager686

There arnt many of those around here in MN sadly, otherwise I would've gone that route in the very beginning lol o well but I'm leaning towards a aftermarket ls2. But thanks for the suggestion

Its just that it would be cheaper that way.

All the small stuff is what kills the budget.

You might need to go on a road trip with a truck and trailer.

**Jager686** · 05-12-2011, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by KMdef9

LQ9 out of your price range?

Ha! Wats the spec n price??

**Jager686** · 05-12-2011, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by transamtom

Its just that it would be cheaper that way.

All the small stuff is what kills the budget.

You might need to go on a road trip with a truck and trailer.

I know wat u mean, especially paying s/h on each part, wich is why I'm trying to stay away from a stock ls1 conversion, where it be wiser to have just boughten a car with a v8

**Z28_Driver** · 05-16-2011, 11:11 AM

Don't limit your search to just F bodies. GTOs, vettes, etc. Check with a few local body shops also. They ususally know of other sources to get wrecked cars cheap.

**Jager686** · 05-17-2011, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by Z28_Driver

Don't limit your search to just F bodies. GTOs, vettes, etc. Check with a few local body shops also. They ususally know of other sources to get wrecked cars cheap.

Ya I usually keep do an eye out however now that lq4/9 was mentioned, I found several locally on car parts.com...
So now my last issue is trying to pick up a T56 trans.

**Z28_Driver** · 05-17-2011, 08:29 AM

Good to hear. Keep us posted.

**Jager686** · 05-18-2011, 05:16 AM

So local junkyard is selling a lq4 with 91k miles on it for $900 should I consider it?

**Z28_Driver** · 05-19-2011, 11:19 AM

Its been a while since I purchased a junkyard engine. Anybody else know the going rates?

**Jager686** · 05-19-2011, 01:05 PM

Ok so far this is wat I've gathered for my shopping list, let me know if I'm missing something cause I'm new to this.
V8 CONVERSION
LQ4/9 Short block $600-800
Intake manifold
Heads
Oil Pan
Altenator
Ls1 Wiring harness
Ls1 Ecm
T56 Trans
Tubular k-member $500
A Arms
Steering rack
Power steering
Ls1 Gauges $75
Exhaust $400-$800
Shocks n Coils $400
Radiator
TIRES $800

**Z28_Driver** · 05-20-2011, 06:34 AM

Looks like you have it covered.
Make sure you replace cooling hoses while you have it all apart. It seems obvious, but I have seem guys fire up a recent project and have to scramble to get a pan under it to catch coolant.
If you have any rust issues in the engine bay now is the time to clean it up.