V6 to V8 Swap

[Sharpy97]

Hey I'm working on collecting parts to do a V8 swap in my 97 Firebird, mine is a 3.8L 5 speed. My car already has Bilsteins in all four corners with sport springs, also added an energy suspenion torque arm mount. I see a lot of V8 swaps with autos, but with already having a 5 speed would I be able to use the same centre consel with the 6 speed? So far I have an LT1,computer/harness, rad, fans, throttle cable, fuel lines/pump, I bought a gauge cluster out of a 95 LT1 T/A for cheap but I like the digital odometer in my 97 cluster so I was wondering if anyone had a V8 cluster out of a 97 or would one out of a 98 + T/A work?? I am also still searching for a T56.

[meissen]

Sorry Trevor but that 95 LT1 cluster will not work with your setup. Gauge clusters prior to 97 were wired very differently. Center console is the same you'll probably just need a new shift plate where the shifter fits through.

[MunsterZ28]

Sorry Trevor but that 95 LT1 cluster will not work with your setup. Gauge clusters prior to 97 were wired very differently. Center console is the same you'll probably just need a new shift plate where the shifter fits through.

but i thought 97s worked in the 93-96s? so wouldnt a 95 work in a 97?

[Sharpy97]

Oh well least I didn't end paying too much for it, so a gauge cluster 97 to 02 is what I'm looking for? or am I stuck finding a 97 cluster specifically? I'm using an engine harness from a 95 is that going to cause any issues? Oh man I think I like working on my 79 T/A better haha. thanks for info!!

[meissen]

but i thought 97s worked in the 93-96s? so wouldnt a 95 work in a 97?

Well - IF the clusters are the same as the Camaro and admittedly my memory is a bit sketchy on this, I think it was 97 where they began getting all the data for the gauge cluster from the OBD2 port.

Since I'm not 100% positive, try using the 95 cluster and if it doesn't work then go out and buy a new cluster.

For my engine swap, 97 was the only year that I could use.