v6 to v8 LS1 swap

[StalinRuSH]

Hey, I have an '86 Camaro with an auto 2.8L v6. I'm planning on swapping it out with an LS1 probably a 5.3 (unless someone thinks i should use something else) from a donor vehicle but i'm just not sure what all i'm going to have to replace that i couldnt take from the donor vehicle. Anyone able to help me out so i can figure out whats all involved would be great.

[hoogiesngrinderz]

If you go 5.3, you will need an LSx intake (truck intake is too tall) and get injectors that will work with the new intake and truck harness. Wiring will be a PITA. You'll need engine conversion mounts, probably a better radiator, speedo cable conversion or drive box, and a fuel pump. And tons of other stuff

[BP_Z28]

Nickle and dime nickel and dime

[Jdseibe]

you'll need to replace the transmission also haha, so you will want to pick up a trans and engine combo.. I believe your stock engine comes with a 200r4 trans which is a big pile of poop anyways haha.. I would imagine that you would need at least the following to start..


Engine
Trans
Engine mounts
Trans cross member
torque arm (believe the stock on is longer.. could cut it to fit)
driveshaft (new transmission will probably not be the same size)
complete wiring harness including computer
headers and y-pipe
radiator (single core isn't going to cut it anymore)
fuel pump (i'm assuming that the stock setup isn't going to be sufficient)


and with all this stuff done and having a beefier engine.. you'll probably need to do something about the rear end also...

I'm sure there will be more to do.. this is just a small list

[Nocooler]

Dave - what is the plan?

5.3/4l60 from a truck - or 5.3 and a old style trans.

Carb or Injected? Carb would be way easier less wiring, but then it's carb'd.....

If you go injected I can help with the tune stuff - deleting vats and making some changes. I'll just need some $$ for the credits on HPtuners.

[Gaspo]

sounds like a project! i know nothing about it, but seems like you would need beefier springs/shocks and you'd want to upgrade your brakes too. my uneducated .02

[hoogiesngrinderz]

sounds like a project! i know nothing about it, but seems like you would need beefier springs/shocks and you'd want to upgrade your brakes too. my uneducated .02

V6 fbody brakes were the same as the V8.

I'd be willing to bet old 2.8 is 20-50lbs less than the weight of a L33 or LS1

[Phantom409]

WMCC James would be someone you would want to talk too

[25thZ28]

Been researching this myself, as I have a Carthage started life as a v6 car that went to a carved smallblock configuration, and I will now be soon the ls1-t56 swap with it.

You will need a upgraded pump and regulator, or a complete tank assembly from a 98-02 Fbody. (V6 or v8) works.

swap mouts and crcrossmember

if you get a truck engine, you will need a ls1/ls2 style I take for hood clearance, and the oil pan, pickup tube, and front accessory drive assembly from a 98-02 ls1 Fbody as well.

If you keep A/C, you will need a tubular engine cradle, or notch your stock cradle for the ac pump to fit.

You will need a Fbody trans to fit your 5.3, so you have provisions for a torque arm, or at least find a f-body tail shaft to use on the truck trans. You can also buy a crossmember torque arm setup as well.

there are plenty of wiring threads with step by step guides that have tons of pictures on thirdgen.org. You can also buy stand alone harnesses and swap harness' from various vendors.

[Gregs_gsxr]

I do have an extra 5.7 all alum block all internals and heads if your interested

[DRYSUMP]

Hey, I have an '86 Camaro with an auto 2.8L v6. I'm planning on swapping it out with an LS1 probably a 5.3 (unless someone thinks i should use something else) from a donor vehicle but i'm just not sure what all i'm going to have to replace that i couldnt take from the donor vehicle. Anyone able to help me out so i can figure out whats all involved would be great.

If you're series about the swap I'd be willing to let go of the following for CHEAP...


I just started pulling this all off my car a little over a month ago, nothing is wrong with it I'm just doing a project of my own...



Complete LS1 with LS6 heads and intake (made 411hp/379tq in my car) I'll even repaint the intake to the color of your choice since the paint is coming off from whoever painted it last
Stock K Member with mounts
Stock Lower and Upper A arms
Stainless Long tube heads (look at my for sale ad for them)
Stock Torque Arm

I can probably also hook you up with a wiring harness and fuel pump...


If you're serious send me a PM

[gols1go]

Really, most LS swaps are simple. All you need is a swap/stand alone harness. Install Walboro 255 in tank and a Corvette LS1 fuel filter if you have a single port fuel rail. LS1 intake for sure. And you can run whatever trans you want, 4l60 or 80 with the ecm controlling them. Or old school TH350/400, 700R4, or 200R. In fact, the 200R came in the Grand National's. There is a world of options.

[25thZ28]

If you were to do a ls based engine swap, the parts are all available for a bolt in install. Easiest way is use Fbody trans, whichever motor you'd like with car oil pan, intake, and accessories. Uses a 4th gen fuel tank as it is virtually a direct bolt in. A few others and I on TGO can make plug and play wiring harness' as well for about half the cost of speartech, which is WAY easier than standalone harnesses.