CamaroRSpimp

Hey guys, I have a 1989 Camaro RS. It came w/ the 2.8l MPFI, and I love the car, but the engine's gotta go! I would like to swap it out for a carbourated 350. Let me know what you guys think. Alright, first, I don't know if I should buy a new engine (the cheapest COMPLETE engine I can find is around 3k plus shiping) or if I should buy a rebuilt engine, or if I should pull a junkyard motor and have it rebuilt. I don't know what the cost of the second two options would be, or how reliable the engines would be. After that, I know for a fact that the tranny won't bolt up, so this brings me to another issue. Should I buy a rebuilt, stronger TCI TH 700-R4 (roughly 1,200-1,300 bucks) or get one out of a junked V8 Camaro and have it rebuilt. Again, I wouldn't know the cost of the second option. After that, I know I will need to get a complete exhaust (headers, y-pipe, cat, and cat-back). I have some questions. Would I experience any overheating problems due to the stock V6 Radiator and Fan? Second, how could I re-route/hook up the air conditioning? Third, I know I will need all V8 accessories, could you tell me all the accessories I need and which would be safe to get from a bone yard and which you would recommend getting new. I would also need a new flywheel. This is a huge project, and I am just trying to make sure that I have all my bases covered. If you guys see anything else or have hints/tips, let me know. I appreciate it!
Jake

CamaroMike

WOW, that is alot of work! Unless this car has a special place in your heart it would be easier and more cost effective to sell your current Camaro and buy a factory V8 car. Just my opinion but believe me it is an experienced one.

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84 Camaro ZZ4 with HOT cam. 1.88 60' (12.98 @ 105MPH E.T.)
Other Mods: You name it and I have probably changed it.

91 Firebird 5.0L TBI

ASE Certified CHEVY DEALER Auto Tech
LIVE AND DIE BY THE ALMIGHTY BOWTIE!

Hurtin4Hp

I just finished the V6 to V8 swap on my '86. I would get the accessory brackets off of a V8 '89. I'm not sure but I think all of your stuff(alt, ps, a/c) should bolt up although you might need to swap the pulleys off of a V8 too. What side is your a/c on now? If it is on the drivers side you will need to get to get the hoses off/for a V8. As far as the radiator is concerned, the inlet and outlet are swapped on a V6. I would recommend a new one.
You will need motor mounts(the clam shell pieces that bolt to the crossmember) and inserts.
Good luck!

Rob P

iTrader: (1)

Thats a big swap. I pulled the 305 from my RS and installed a L98 TPI, then pulled that for a ZZ4. What complete motor for 3K? I paid 2990 for my ZZ4. Only thing you would have to add for your car would be some wiring and a carb, the ZZ4 is pretty complete. You could go with your existing car if you are going to do a simple carb engined swap. If you are going fuel injection, i'd trade your car for a TPI/TBi car.
Good luck


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Go over to the Motor Swap forum. This question is asked almost every day, and you'll see answers that are more complete, including questions you didn't ask but should have.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R. 2.73 unlimited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LB9 w/ZZ3 cam, TBD heads, exhaust, paint, etc.).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. 0.030 over 396, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

John Millican

iTrader: (1)

If you get the accessarys off of 88 or later serpentine belt car be sure to get the water pump for the serp. engine. It is a reverse rotation water pump on 88 and later due to the serpemntine engine.