[brian'sfb86]

i am new to the forum. nice to meet everyone. i want to swap the 2.8l v6 in my 86 pontiac firebird to a v8, are there any suggestions as to what size v8 would make a good swap. thanks

[Mr.Bolt-on]

Well it depends on what you want... do you want it to be fuel injected, or carbed? I'd say a nice LS1 would do, or any LSX motor for that matter. I wouldn't suggest swaping in any of the stock motors from the 3rd generation F-body, even if they'd be the easiest simply because they lack performance, and the aftermarket doesn't exactly support them much.

It's all in what you want really, or what you can afford. You'll have to be putting in a better rear-end for the V8. For all out power, I'd go with a 454 carbed... it'd be cheap and reliable... unless you start pumping nitrous in it. Of course you also may want handling as well... just think about what you want, because I think you asked a very broad question.

[brian'sfb86]

if i go with a 454 carb. do you think there will be enough room for the engine to fit, or would i need to do some modifications. also as far as the rear end is concerned, will just beefing up the gear ratio work or do you think a complete swap with a GM 10 bolt will do or would a modified ford 9inch do better, if it can be modified to fit a GM vehicle. thanks

[Johnny406]

Originally Posted by brian'sfb86

i am new to the forum. nice to meet everyone. i want to swap the 2.8l v6 in my 86 pontiac firebird to a v8, are there any suggestions as to what size v8 would make a good swap. thanks

It will be alot cheaper to sell your car and buy one with factory v-8, ESPECIALLY if this is a daily driver and you live in a emissions control area.

To answer your question more specifically, we need to know more about the car, intended use, etc. Putting in a "mild" V-8 will cause alot of havoc on a old tired suspension and drivetrain.

[brians407sbc]

Well I'm no expert,but I would just keep it simple. 350 or 355 cid, hei, carb,th350,and a decent lsd unit. I wouldn't go crazy with the 7.5 rear,but a quality lsd will work. With some new bushing and some suspension mods, BAM! Sweet,simple, cost efficient, and hardly no mods required. That 454 is going to feel like a frontend loader in that bird without lots of mods,plus you would have to eliminate the a/c as well. The 350cid built could be a real nice one for about 2,500 bucks. Brand new th350 with a few performance mods, about 700 bucks. Complete new bushing kit, around 125 bucks. Plus the 350cid will give you tons of room to grow. Heads,cam,blower,NOS,ect. Not to mention a great power to weight ratio! Keep it simple!