Ok I just got my 8th camaro in a trade recently, it's a 96 with manual everything, automatic, 3.8 v6, and I'm currently just getting the pieces that are broken or missing replaced while driving it. It has 245000 miles from the same family, never wrecked, never had the tranny replaced, nor the motor, all just general upkeep, no leaks or smoking or funny noises.

Now that you have the background here are the questions, will the interior from a 98-99 camaro interchange? I know they changed the look but is it a dropin replacement for a 96? Same ideal for the motor out of the 98-99, just a stock replacement for the 3.8 in my 96? And will it mate up to my automatic tranny? I have a chance to get the 98-99 at a great price, interior is mint, only 50k on the motor, but if it isn't an option then no point in wasting time and money.

And if your wondering why bother changing it over the 98-99 is totalled, automatic tranny blew apart causing my friend to hit a tree doing about 25-30 mph, no frame damage just busted up the front clip and bowed the radiator which still flowed and suprisingly, ran well until we pulled the motor when the insurance totalled it. He's tired of it sitting and made me an offer and I like the idea of the upgrade for the interior and motor.

Hope to hear some good news from you guys.

 

I pretty sure the interior is a direct swap except the dash. The motor is almost a direct swap but you will need to switch your upper intake/injectors and a few sensors. You could make the newer style intake work but you will have some room issues in the 96. You would want to replace the intake gasket while it was out anyway as it is a know issue. You will want to keep your computer system because to upgrade that to the 98 would add a lot of work.

My 96 has 2002 motor. The 3800 K motor saw only a few changes over it life in the Camaro. You may want to grab the front brakes and spindle off the 98-99 also. It is a nice upgrade to the 96. If you can afford installing header during the swap it is a notiable upgrade in the 96 since it has the old school manifolds.

 

Looks like most everything is the same from a 98 to a 96 except like Gorn says, the dash. The center console is slightly different but basically attaches the same way. As far as the intake, the 98 intake (at least on the one I have) is the same as the 96. I believe it is the original engine in the 98. If the throttle body is slightly angled down and not straight out then it should fit.

 

Appreciate it guys, now just gotta wait on the guy to make the final verdict on price, see if he wants to come down to my level. As for the calipers and all they have just been replaced with a warranty so they stay. As for the headers what brands work well for the 3.8? Sorry used to having 305s and 350s but this v6 is a nice change of pace.

 

pacesetters and ebay OBX, FFF long tubes if you've got $725 to spare.