My friend is about to get an 85 Buick with a 350. He has an 84 Firebird and he wants to do a swap. Does anyone have any experience with something similar to this? Help would be appreciated.
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You didnt include enough details on your post.
What kind of Firebird? V6? V8? Automatic? Manual?
What kind of engine is in the Buick? I assume it is a Chevy 350. I didnt think they put a 350 in any cars in 1985. Are you sure it is a 350? How do you know? A 305 looks exactly the same as a 350.Tracy
2002 C5 M6 Convertible
1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
Current Mods:
SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids
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it's an 84 Firebird V-6 Auto. All I can tell from the Buick is that is is a Chevy V-8. The guy who is selling it says that it is a 350. I'm taking his word on it. But how hard is it going to be to do an engine tranny swap? The 6 in the 'bird is about to go anyway so even a 305 would be an upgrade no?Comment
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It's not worth it. I've done it, trust me. I once converted my 86 2.8 V6 camaro to V8. It is the only project I ever wished I hadn't done. I cost me a fortune! I should of just sold it and bought a V8 car, which is what I ended up doing anyways after I completed the car.Originally posted by unorthodoxender
you will need the following:
Engine - complete and running with belts, pulleys and accessories
transmission - preferably a TH700r4 /overdrive
TV cable and throttle/TV cable bracket
engine mounts
radiator and hoses
modified transmission crossmember
exhaust manifolds / headers and y-pipe
front springs for the V8 (the V6 springs are weak and the nose will sag enough under the weight of the V8 that it will bottom out everywhere)
carb & distributor (I assume the pair on there now are computer controlled)
possibly a fuel pump?
power steering pump hoses
aircleaner assembly?
entire gauge pod for the dash (the V6 tachometer won't work)
oil pressure sender (the V8 gauges have a 60LB gauge, and the V6 sender is for a 80LB gauge)
Bottom line: If you are going to go through the pain and expense of the swap, you'd better make sure that "350" engine is worth it. It better be a pretty special motor. Also, you'll want to replace the entire rear differential, because the V6 cars never got positraction. You'll also want to replace the catback with a high-flow model. I just cannot see how it would be worth it unless the car was in *mint* condition and the "350" motor was a monster. Be prepared for an expensive project, undoubtdly more than the car is worth.
Why not sell it and buy a V8 3rd gen firebird?? they are a dime-a-dozen? You can find 5.7 TPI cars for under $3,000. The V8 cars got closer ratio steering, better suspension and limited slip. I'd just go buy one if that is what you want.Tracy
2002 C5 M6 Convertible
1994 Z28 M6 Convertible
Current Mods:
SLP Ultra-Z functional ramair, SS Spoiler, STB, SFCs, Headers, Clutch, Bilstein Shocks, and TB Airfoil. 17x9 SS rims with Goodyear tires, 160F T-Stat, MSD Blaster Coil, Taylor wires, Hurst billet shifter, Borla catback with QTP e-cutout, Tuned PCM, 1LE Swaybars, 1LE driveshaft, ES bushings, White gauges, C5 front brakes, !CAGS, Bose/Soundstream audio, CST leather interior, synthetic fluids
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