1987 Firebird. Switching the 2.8L v6 with a 350?

Question

My friend and I are researching possible ways to give this car some speed (not for street racing etc. It would all be legal).

It currently has a 2.8L v6 and everything is stock. If we were to switch out engines what would be the easiest, cheapest/ most efficient way to do so?

[[ I'm not entirely sure of it's 0-60 time. the stock on a 1987 Firebird should be somewhere within 7-10 secs?]]

Answer 1

I own a shop, and race a lot. I build engines, transmissions, and rear-ends. If you do this swap and want it all legal, then get ready to put out some serious money. The way to go would be to purchase a wrecked G-body that has the 350 in it, and swap everything you need. This way you can sell the rest to a junkyard and recoup some of your money. You will also need to use the wiring harness, and the computer out of the 350 car in yours to keep it legal. A car with a 305 is NOT the same, so that won't work. You would be better to swap engine, and transmission into yours, if yours is an automatic. You will also need to use the engine, and maybe the transmission mount out of the V-8 you purchase in yours. Wow! That sure is a lot of swapping out of things. If it was me; I would rethink what you are doing, and consider doing something different.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

I have the 1986 350 with the automatic turbo and I figured once I get the v6 out then that's when I need to get new motor mounts and new springs suspension on front end. Then I would have a drive shaft made for the size I need and then put in a limited slip or posi trac. Maybe get lucky and finf a 1987 v8 Camaro and take those headers and be on my way.

Answer 3

I agree with the first answer. There is a great deal of work changing from one engine to another. Not just all the work to make it fit, then all the accesories including wire harnesses. The other big thing is the front suspension is designed for a 6 cylinder and will need to be beefed up for the V8. You almost need another whole car to do it. Take from a guy who has been there, not worth the work and you end up spending more money in the long run.

Good luck.

Answer 4

The easiest and cheapest way to go is just find and buy a Camaro or Firebird with a V-8 already in it. Used cars like that can be found fairly easy. It will save time and money. I have seen late 80's Camaros that run and drive for $500.

Answer 5

Dont listen to these folks about how expensive it is. It depends on what u want to have done & how much money u have & finding someone who will do it & not try to rip you off. I'd say expect the worse & plan to change out the tranny & modify the driveshaft too so it will fit. If you get an old 70's 350 or 454 if it fits it shouldnt be too bad. Then you can just neatly put away the wires to the computer, hook up you're tach, oil & coolant guages & smoke that baby to hell!

Answer 6

you will have to change the transmission also.. and make modifications on the motor mounts and do away with all the computer electronics...like 350 small block 4 bolt main with distributor and carburator.....lots of work...and get ready to spend some money..I do this for a living and the pay is great...

Answer 7

Why dont you just buy a car with a V-8 and sell your car that is the most ligocal solution

Answer 8

take it to a stable shop they are in a position to tell u if its inner or not through fact it basically got here approximately suddenly this doesnt sound stable,thes weren't reliable engines first of all a stable tech could be able to permit you be responsive to if this one is nicely worth fixing stable success.