Good Idea?...

[Doug96CamaroRS]

I have an idea of what I think I could do for an engine swap after mine goes...I have a bone stock 96 base model camaro and a 3800 with about 99,000 miles on it...I know it has a ton of life left, so I'll do some basic stuff to it, like: cat-back, C.A.I., headers, and maybe a chip as I get the money for it..but I'm itching for more horsepower, and being a broke teenager, a v8 is not practical (gas, insurance, etc). SOOO, what about replacing my 3800 with one of those new Chevy DOHC 3.6 liter engines that the new lt camaros have??? any feed back (positive or negative)? What all would need to be changed?? i think the same gas mileage as the 3800 but 100 more horsepower seems perfect...let me know what you think.

[jderry]

I have an idea of what I think I could do for an engine swap after mine goes...I have a bone stock 96 base model camaro and a 3800 with about 99,000 miles on it...I know it has a ton of life left, so I'll do some basic stuff to it, like: cat-back, C.A.I., headers, and maybe a chip as I get the money for it..but I'm itching for more horsepower, and being a broke teenager, a v8 is not practical (gas, insurance, etc). SOOO, what about replacing my 3800 with one of those new Chevy DOHC 3.6 liter engines that the new lt camaros have??? any feed back (positive or negative)? What all would need to be changed?? i think the same gas mileage as the 3800 but 100 more horsepower seems perfect...let me know what you think.

I think it will cost more to get one and swap it then it would to just get an ls1.
I love the idea of a 304hp stock v6 though

[bri2203]

I have an idea of what I think I could do for an engine swap after mine goes......I know it has a ton of life left,

???

IN MY OPNION
1. Lets assume you will keep the V6 for now, first make sure the car is running well. Check the compression, does it consume oil? then perform a full tune up. After that add an intake, exhaust and maybe headers. Then change the rear gear, and add a stall convertor. If you want to go faster yet...start removing stuff. This should get you in the mid-high 14s consistantly.
If I buy another 4th gen this is what would be done. But I would strip the car until I could run a high 13.

2. I would consider a power adder on the v6 or a LT/LS engine before I would consider the 3.6.

[sman]

I wouldnt do it. even if its possible, some guy is going to try in on FTV6, go check his thread out, might get some of the info your looking for.

[DETROITMUSCLE]

its gonna cost too much $$$

[MP81]

Agreed with what everyone already said. You could do a modded LS1 swap for the price of a stock 3.6DI Swap.

[meissen]

a v8 is not practical (gas, insurance, etc). ... replacing my 3800 with one of those new Chevy DOHC 3.6 liter engines

These two sentences don't belong together.

HONESTLY - an LS1 swap is more practical than you think. I remember WMCCjames saying that the swap from his 305 or 350 - can't remember which - to an LS1 was not only a huge boost in power but the gas savings practically made the swap pay for itself... While you might not see as dramatic of a difference from 3.8 to LS1, the LS1 is a damn economical MPG engine in stock trim.

[esoteric18]

I would go v8 and how would they charge you more for insurance if they think its still a v6 lol

[phoenix_rising]

All I can say is visit Fullthrottlev6.com and Firebirdv6.com because they have already discussed this idea and they are very helpful if you are half way serious.

[Doug96CamaroRS]

thanks for all of the replies...I'm still really really torn between keeping the 3800 (upgrading the intake, exhaust, etc) and swapping for the ls1...I just wish I had all of the money and time to buy and do everything involved in the swap...but a 350 would be aaahmazing!

[Doug96CamaroRS]

what kind of mpg do you guys normally get in an ls1/lt1 and which is the better engine power wise? and how much do you guys think the entire swap would cost?

[meissen]

I would go v8 and how would they charge you more for insurance if they think its still a v6 lol

Yeah, and then the first fender bender you get into your insurance company drops you for insurance fraud when they realize it's a v8. I haven't gotten mine switched to v8 yet, but that's my top priority come spring next year. Even if the insurance company doesn't get upset that it's a v8, they'll only value it at a v6 price.

[esoteric18]

Yeah, and then the first fender bender you get into your insurance company drops you for insurance fraud when they realize it's a v8. I haven't gotten mine switched to v8 yet, but that's my top priority come spring next year. Even if the insurance company doesn't get upset that it's a v8, they'll only value it at a v6 price.

That is true lol
and doug the ls1 is better power wise

[Doug96CamaroRS]

would it be cheaper/easier/better to swap in an ls1, sell my v6 camaro and buy a v8 camaro, or just keep the v6 and do stuff to it? (intake,exhaust,headers,chip)

[MP81]

If you're not too attached to your vehicle, it'll be much cheaper to just sell yours and get a V8 car.