v6 to v8 swap. Don't even start flaming me. I know what im getting into. I have a garage with plenty of tools. I have the time, patience, and experience with other swaps. I'm currently working with a professional mechanic who has even more tools and has worked in the field for 40+ years. He used to do 4cyl to 5.0 mustang swaps in a day. So with that being said i know most of what i need. I already have a lt1 rear end. I have access to plenty of lt1 parts. I have parted many of them out. I only ask this question because i have seen tons of lt1s at the junkyard lately. They are usually impala lt1s with iron heads but i dont mind. As far as the engine goes i can get it inspected by my machinist and im not scared to sink some money into and knowing what i got versus buying a used and abused oem v8. What i want to hear are personal experiences from others who have done this swap. A junkyard lt1 longblock with wiring harness can be had for about $300. My buddy has a t56 that i can have for cheap. I would need to rebuild it but you guessed it, i have a guy i take those to who does it for cheap. My machinist and tranny guy get plenty from me so if i let them know these are for me they will give me a good deal. If I swap i plan to sink $1500ish. I paid $800 for my car so for me to invest about 2k into a lt1 and knowing what i got it is very worth it. SO PLEASE NO FLAMES!
These are things that i have already that should help me
borla 3" catback
lt1 rear end 1994 3.23 gears
1 piece driveshaft
1994 z28 gauge cluster not installed

 

3.4/3.8 V6 to LT1

 

Good luck but I am afraid you are going to find that there are alot more than just a few wires different and having access to the ENTIRE car will be a better idea than just the engine and a few yard wrecks. Keeping things in the LT1 era is going to make some of it simpler but not the entire swap. As for the Mustang 4cyl to v8 swap it is about as difficult as doing a 3rd gen Camaro, where alot of the wiring and other vehicle systems were the same between power trains.

Massey

Massey

 

I have not done the swap but I researched right after I finished my V6 project. When looking for a V6 I found some pretty nice 3.4’s with blown head gaskets for next to nothing and I to notice the LT1’s lying around the junk yard. Keep in mind I have been working on car since I was 14 (over 30 years) I am GM and ASE certified Master tech with fabrication back ground.
While you can use the LT1 cast iron head engine every bracket, brace and clip on the motor is Car-Engine specific. Literally scores of parts you are going to need. It is also critical that you use the same year donor car that yours is. Since the PCM connects to all the sub systems not just the engine you do not want to try to cross years.
My conclusion after all the research? It is not worth it, not based on its too much work but based on it is too much money and what you have when you’re done is almost worthless (It will be worth more parted out then sold as a whole). If you have a good running V6 do not do a swap to it. It is worth too much money. A running 3800 is worth $2500. You can buy V6 shells all day long for $500-700.

Here is the money break down.
Your current V6 (worth $2500)
Motor ($300 plus 2K for rebuild)
T56 ($300+ $300 rebuild)
Misc parts (wrecked donor with a blown motor $400) or buy all the little pcs one at a time.
Clutch, headers, hose, Plugs wires and new Opti ($1500 if you go cheap)
That is $6900, Plus about 100 hours of labor. When you done you have a car that you will have a tuff time getting $3500 for it. You can argue the point but I see these cars at auction all the time. Most of the time they are sold for part. Very few people are willing to buy a convertered car.
OR
You find a Z28 with a blown head gasket for $2000 (T-56 car)
Pull the motor and rebuild it. (2K)
Rebuild the trans ( $300)
Clutch, headers, hose, Plugs wires and new Opti ($1500)

That is $5800 and about 30 hours of work. But now you have a car that is worth 5K-6K and you still have your $2500 V6! Less money, a lot less work and 2 car worth more than twice as much when you’re done. Sell your V6 and you have less than $3500 in your like new LT1 6 speed.
A quick word on manual trans. When someone says a manual needs rebuilt the cost can be anywhere from $300 to not worth fixing. A single gear can cost $600 the counter gear can cost $1200. You blow first gear and the counter gear (pretty common as major failures go) and you are looking at a $2500 repair.

 

I think i am going to the swap but slowly. Like i said i get plenty of lt1 parts from buddys since mostly everybody i know has a maro.

 

in my opinion, if your going to go through all the trouble of the v8 swap on your 4th gen...skip the LT1 and go right for the LS1 or LS2. its a much better engine, well designed and very long lasting. the lt engines are not as good because the optispark distributor, limited tuning and availability of aftermarket parts. this of course is just my opinion based on personal experiences and my years and years as a camaro enthusiast, as im sure there are plenty of people who simply love their LT1s.

 

LS engines and cars don't come cheap. The next step up and cheapest route is a Z28 w/LT1.