i just got ahold of a 81 camaro berlinetta with a 231 buick v6...i would like to drop in a chevy 350..is there computer problems or electrical broblems that are a concern.. also will the motor mounts bolt up without doing any changes, or as minimal as possible....Plz Help!

 

Do you know what motor was in it from the factory?

 

it came stock with a 231 v6 because it was made in california...it was supposed to be a gas saver or something..

 

I was afraid of that... the old "A" engines are garbage, who knows the reason behind GM ever putting them in an F-Body. Oh well. So, you can drop a 350 in, You might need new engine mounts. I would research the fuel delivery system, I am sure the 231 used less fuel pressure than a 350, for example. Check with painless about a wiring harness.

 

Oh you new school guys . The fuel pump is mounted on the motor so the new motor will have correct "Fuel presure" Also the fuel lines where not engine specific and good to about 300 HP before they became a problem.

You will have to change the motor mounts on the frame and of course the you will need the standard V8 type mounts at the motor. The 3.8 has a different tranny bolt pattern. One the plus side some of the 3.8's shipped with a univesal type trans. It could handle buick or chevy (3.8 or SBC) engine. On the negitive side the V-6 trans where built with the v-6 in mind and do not have enough clutchs in the clutch packs to handle a V-8 for very long.

In short you will need a engine and transmission. As long as emision is not a issue you can just about use any 81 and back engine and tranny. If you have strict emission you will need year correct parts.

 

^ Old School Guy.


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