Hi, I guess I'm finally gonna give up on EVER finding a decent condition 231/3.8 V6 for our 80-81 Berlinetta Camaro, I've got a V8 and a TH350 trans I can swap in, just wondering what will have to be changed? I assume the V6 computer wont work with a 350, do I HAFTA have a computer to run the gauges etc too? I figured it would be easier to put in a non-computer 350 and go with that.

Also, I was told the 3 speed automatic behind my original V6 is NOT a TH350 even though the pan looks like one, no problem, I have an actual TH350 I can swap in, but: will drive shaft, and other stuff, etc. fit or not?

Mucho thanks for any and all info you can give me!

 

Man for the life of me I am drawing a blank on a 80-81 computer. If it had one it was old 3C system all it really controled was the metering rods in the carb and some the timing control. To elimate the computer you just disconnect the 4 wire plug on the distributer jump a to c (I think) and install a no computer carb. It effects very little else on the car. I pretty sure there was only two trannys offered the th350 and the 200 metric. If I remember right the metric had the word metric pressed into the pan. Yow will have to swap out transmision anyway I pretty sure all the 3.8's back then where the Buick pattern so your 305 will not bolt up. Unless its one of those oddball duel pattern trannys I have seen a few times.

Sorry about the typos and mistakes I have a bad head ache. Hopfully somewith a clear head will post for ya.

 

They had the screwed up computer controlled distributor, you do not need all that stuff, unless you are trying to keep in original type condition,(except with a V-8),the berlinetta is really not anything that is gonna go for 40,000 dollars in 10 years (no offense), I'd take it all out, run a hot small block, get apainless wiring harness (EASY to do), just so it will look stock, and stiffen the back end and have fun!!!!!

 

Have you considered a 86-87 LC2 swap? That is the Turbocharged FI version of the same 3.8 you have,way more torque,alot less fuel consumption. If you could get a wrecked GN or Tfor a reasonable price and swap it all over it sure would make for a mean azz sleeper! I'm thinking of doing this with my 80' berlinettasomeday but I have the 229,your lucky in that respect as it would be a drop in replacement for your 3.8.Good luck whatever you do!!