Opinions Please

[97redV6Bird]

Alright, so I've got a 97 V6 Auto thats in gorgeous shape, but.... I want more power and honestly a 6-speed . But I love my current car. I've been looking for a Trans Am/Formula but have been getting frustrated with the shopping and don't really want to go into debt right now. So here's what I'm thinking I'll just start buying odd parts here and there to do the swap, I figure if I were to buy a new car I would end up doing the same thing anyway and this way I can buy High performance suspension components, brakes and transmisson stuff and since it would all be replaced on a new car eventually for high performance stuff, kinda be saving myself money Any feed back or advice would be appreciated

[TraceZ]

We've beaten this horse to death. There is now a pile of dust and bone fragments where there was once a dead horse.

You will need at least:

-complete LT1 engine
-complete T56 6-speed trans or 4L60e automatic
-complete clutch / housing / and hydraulics or torque converter
-complete PCM (computer) and wiring harness
-1-piece driveshaft (your V6 has a 2-piece)
-complete rear axle assembly, to get the limited slip differential and rear disc brakes that most V6's don't have.
-front suspension K-member, with motor mounts
-radiator (reverse flow)
-front springs (to carry the extra weight)
-complete exhaust system - do headers
-complete fuel system - the V6 uses a different pump and lines
-Complete gauge assembly, possibly with the dash harness (the V6 gauges will not work)
-A bunch of lose pieces like all the radiator and heater hoses, replacement belt, new connections for the power steering.

Basically plan on rebuilding the entire car. The V6 cars and V8 cars dont have much in common mechanically. You really are much better off selling your V6 car. You say you are attached to it, but honestly there are tons of nice V8 cars out there that you would fall in love with even more than your current car.

[95TransAm]

I agree with TrazeZ. In the end you'll save yourself extra $$$ and headaches.

[TraceZ]

I agree with TrazeZ. In the end you'll save yourself extra $$$ and headaches.

And if you do end up upgrading parts on your new V8 car you can always sell the stock ones. There is a large market for take-off stock V8 F-body parts. There is no market for take-off stock V6 F-body parts.

[Dave M]

I'll third that. Imagine doing everything TraceZ said needed done, then you have a Gremlin somewhere because something somewhere wasn't installed right. It would be a nightmare chasing that gremlin down. You're far better off selling the V6 and buying a V8. If you're V6 is in great shape like you say it is, a V8 won't set you back for than a couple grand over what you could get for the V6. You spend at least that much on all the components for the swap.

If you're having trouble finding something in your area, expand your search. Look all over the country... you can always ship it or go out to get it.

[TraceZ]

If you're having trouble finding something in your area, expand your search. Look all over the country... you can always ship it or go out to get it.

10-4. I found my car in Texas. Shipping to my door was $550. Try finding a LT1 / T56 convertible with under 53,000 miles on it for a decent price. Most of them are SSs and people want a ton for them. I got a deal I couldnt refuse and that was 2 years ago. Sure, the car needed some light work to meet my standards, but my standards are really high. I've got it looking really good now, practically like new.

If you buy the car sight unseen make sure it is a great deal. You will likely want to spend some $$ on it when it arrives, so figure that into the overall cost to yourself.

[Nightrage]

Alright, so I've got a 97 V6 Auto thats in gorgeous shape, but.... I want more power and honestly a 6-speed . But I love my current car. I've been looking for a Trans Am/Formula but have been getting frustrated with the shopping and don't really want to go into debt right now. So here's what I'm thinking I'll just start buying odd parts here and there to do the swap, I figure if I were to buy a new car I would end up doing the same thing anyway and this way I can buy High performance suspension components, brakes and transmisson stuff and since it would all be replaced on a new car eventually for high performance stuff, kinda be saving myself money Any feed back or advice would be appreciated

Steal my idea. Do a 3.8 turbo set up. I wanted to take a 98 Firebird and turbo charge that thing until it would eat an LS1. Then i realized that not only do i lack the mechanical knowledge to do so, i lack the funding as well lol. STS told me that with only minor custom fabricating would be necessary to bolt one of their remote mounted LS1 turbo chargers onto a V6. Still though, there's no replacement to displacement.

[wolfdogs]

been thru this a thousand times since 97.

get a v8 car. its not worth the hassle......or money you will end up spending...and then some.

[fastTa]

Unless you have a bunch of time on your hands and the patience of a rock, buy an original V8 car.