engine swap 3.8 to 5.7 what all i need to do it

[97bird]

I got a 97 firebird I want to do an engine swap, i would like a price quote
on an engine swap. currently I got the 3.8 v6 and I am looking to drop the 350 v8 in it sometime next spring I was just currious the overall price it would be and all of the parts i would need to purchase to make it all happen, please someone one give me all the deatails i will need to make this swap. thanks

[N20LT4Bird]

You can search this and find a lot of info on this board. The general consensus is that it is not worth it unless: 1. You have a complete donor car 2. you do the work yourself. Your better of selling your car and buying the V8 car you want. It will be cheaper and you will have a TA or Formula.

[02Z28]

yeah, you'd be better off getting a newer model anyway....

i personally like the styling of the 98+ models better than the 93 - 97 models, and the newer the car, the less worn out the suspension, springs, shocks, etc. are gonna be (well, unless the previous owner dogged the hell out of it).

also, when buying a newer car, you'll likely get it with upgraded engine parts (for example, the 01 & 02 models came with the LS6 intake vs. the LS1 intake on the 98 - 00). and some 01 & 02's got an LS6 block vs. an LS1 block, as well. of course, the cam is not as aggressive, but you'll probably be swapping that out eventually anyway.

and unless you just really want the SS/WS6 model, it doesn't make sense to pay the extra cash for it. if you plan on modding the car at all, you'll be replacing most of the stuff that makes the SS/WS6 *slightly* faster anyway. a T/A or Z28 can be made to go just as fast or faster than an SS/WS6.

[Injuneer]

To address your specific question as to some of the pieces that you will need, with wild guesses on material/labor:

-complete LT1 engine (used - 1,000/500)
-complete T56 6-speed trans (if you want a "manual", you could keep your 4L60E if that's what you already have and want) (used -1,000/400)
-complete clutch and hydraulics (used - 200/200 + $200 for rebuild parts)
-complete PCM (computer) and wiring harness (used - 300/300)
-1-piece driveshaft (your V6 has a 2-piece) (used - 100/50)
-complete rear axle assembly, to get the limited slip differential and rear disc brakes that most V6's don't have. (used - 300/100)
-front suspension K-member, with motor mounts (used - 200/300)
-radiator (reverse flow) (new - 200/50)
-front springs (to carry the extra weight) (used - 50/150)
-complete exhaust system - do headers (1,000/400)

A bunch of lose pieces like all the radiator and heater hoses, replacement belt, new connections for the power steering.

Depends on what you are thinking in the way of an engine. You could get a "used" engine from a high mileage car for about 1/4 of what a new engine would cost you. A used T56 goes for $1,000 - a new one will cost $2,000.

You could save a lot of cost if you could get the complete front end off a donor car. That way you would have the engine, trans, clutch, K-member, and springs in one package, and you could jack up the front of your car, drop the V6/K-member and put the V8 setup in its place.

I personally don't think its a cost effective move.

[snatchss454]

do some reading/searching over at camarov6.com. There is alot of info there. Also this guy swapped an LS1 into his '97:
http://www.dxsoftware.com/magnus/
Shane