Is a chevy V6 or a V8 better?

Question

I have a 1989 trans am and am thinkin or replacing the engine with a chevy V6 for fuel economy. Is the performance going to go down drastically as the v6 is from a later model and has roller cam compared to the old V8 that hauls the car?

Answer 1

V8 Clearly because american v6 are trash. They don't last I'd rather pay $2,000 more for something that's a lot more powerful and will last. American cars are at there best when they push out the most power not when you want to save gas. If you want to save gas go buy an import.

Answer 2

Which Chevy V6? The 2.8L sucks. The 3.1L is better but mostly because it has EFI. Getting the EFI to meld with your car is going to be a chore BTW. The best Chevy V6 is the 4.3L as it is a 350 with 2 cylinders cut out, but you still have the EFI problem. If you can get a complete wiring harness with computer for an F-body it will help. The Pontiac may have come with the BOP V6 in which case you are in for a harder conversion.

Myself, I would stick with the V8 and make sure it is tuned for mileage. Or you could put in a Chevy V8. They get better MPG than the Pontiac engines.

Answer 3

Dude, this is a very bad plan. You will save hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars if you simply buy an old Hyundai beater that gets 30+ mpg and keep the V8 for weekends. The V6 swap will require computer change, engine mounts, different front springs and complete engine wiring harness. All this for a (possible) 5 mpg fuel savings -- which will take you years and years to recoup after spending all that dough.

Answer 4

your 1989 v-8 engine has a roller cam in it too. You will not save that much by switching to a 'new' style engine. You will, however, have a monster headache trying to fit all the modern drivetrain components together to work with the old body. If you must have better fuel economy, spend the $2000 you would spend on a newer engine and the stuff you have to do to make it run properly on a 2000 or so Cavalier... and drive 20mph everywhere you go.

Answer 5

I wouldn't go to all that trouble, most newer V6 engines have just as much horse power as an old V8 with a few exceptions and get better gas mileage but it is a lot of work unless you are made of money. If you really want good gas mileage put a straight 6 in it, it might not have the get up and go but it is much easier to put in. A 185-300 chevy engine is great, and if you were to blow it up you can rebuild it without removing it, besides I doubt a newer V6 would bolt up to your transmission, you would probably have to change it too.

Answer 6

The V-6 will burn less gas,If you drive accordingly. Gas is consumed the most when engine is cold 1 part of fuel 7 parts air rich.After engine reaches prime run temp.The ratio drops to 1 part fuel to 17 parts air lean.Heavy acceleration,and high speeds will suck the fuel out of the tank, more on 8,but longer on 6.

Answer 7

I have seen a lot of these done. The front springs may be a little tired any way from the age but you may want to consider some new ones and beef them up a little. Junk yards are full of them. As far as the rear end goes you will be fine. The 305 you put in will not over do the gears in the rear end(2:71}

Answer 8

If you are making a swap, find a late model 3800. They more than enough power and are considered one of the best motors out there. You canaverage at least 19 mpg and they run on gas, not rice

Answer 9

the v 6 is no good for your application. they do not have enough power for a f body and do not last long enough for the effort of instaling one. i would build the largest small block i could afford and be happy with the mileage and power. never ask someone driving a honda about american iron they think a huge wing and a fart pipe will make it fast

Answer 10

V8's got more juice
I wouldn't say drastically but you'll probably notice a difference...however I barely know anything about cars