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97 firebird engine and trans swap

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6.7K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Injuneer  
#1 ·
I've got a 97 firebird with a 3.8l and auto transmission. I'm trying to find out how much I'm looking to spend and whats necessary to swap out the V6 for a LS1 or possibly the same v8 engine that comes on the WS6/Trans Am firebirds.

Will I need to replace the computer or just reprogram it? Will the suspension need to be altered to handle the extra weight?

I'd like to have it all said and done for around $8k, if possible.

I had thought about keeping the 6 cylinder and just swapping out to a manual transmission, because it seems that the v6 and auto tranny are just plain slow. Especially in first gear, it winds up to 6000 rpm and feels like its going nowhere.
Don't know if thats a transmission issue or just the fact that the v6 engine has lots of miles (191000) and has lost a lot of power. It sure doesn't feel like it has 200 horses.

Anyway enough of my rant, any advice is appreciated.
 
#3 ·
lol well if I can just do a swap and save money I'd prefer that.
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Whats a good cost estimate for the kind of swap I'm talking about?

The bird I have has a great body and sound system, would like to stick to this shell if at all possible, sure as hell not giving it to the wife, even if it is slow
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#5 ·
I think Bob's right, sell the one you have, combine the money you get for it with the $8000 your prepared to spend and get a rockin' firebird. You could easily get one for under $8000, then use the extra money for mods. With a V8 platform you can make more HP than you can handle. Just an idea.
 
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#6 ·
Have you done any mods to your V6? I had my single exhaust replaced with a dual Magnaflow exhaust, a Jet chip installed, and a K & N air intake installed as well. While it's not up to V8 power, I do notice a gain of 25 HP. I've inquired about doing a swap as well, and I've talked to a guy who could do it for around the $6500 range give or take.
 
#7 ·
If you could find a wrecked 98-02 4th Gen (Firebird or Camaro) with the engine and tranny intact, it might possibly be the cheapest way to go, with the best results. Still a lot of work, with a new K-member, front springs, radiator support, PCM with full harness, upgrades to the fuel system to supply 58psi, new 1-piece driveshaft, etc.

Then there's the rest of the drivetrain. Do you have a limited slip differential and rear disc brakes now? If not, you will need a complete rear axle assembly our of a V8 4th Gen.

Using an engine/tranny out of an LT1 4th Gen (93-97) would simplify things, but you still need to change the K-member and front springs, driveshft, PCM, wiring harness. It just eliminates the issues with the fuel system.
 
Prev. Owned 1994 Firebird Formula
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