I spent this past Saturday with a group of great guys. Orief, Coyote, Gargoyle and one other that's not on the forum. After a lot of talking back and forth, I've now changed my mind on putting in a 3800SC and now want to go with a V8. Since it's going to be just as much work, I may as well go with a V8.

I've searched around and think I've found the type of engine I want to use. Since the crate engines are a bit pricey, I've been looking at used engines. I'm considering the 5.7 350 that was used in the late 1990 Iroc Z. Here are the specs of that engine.

OHV V-8, iron block and heads
Bore x stroke 4.00 x 3.48 in. (101.6 x 88.4 mm)
Displacement 350 cu. in. (5733 cc.)
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Fuel system port fuel injection
Power SAE net 245 bhp @ 4400 rpm
Torque SAE net 330 lb-ft. @ 2800 rpm
Redline 5500 rpm

Do you think this is a good swap to start with? What issues will I run into if known? Later down the road I can build it up a bit if need be. But with the performance it had in the Iroc, I don't think I will anytime soon. Hopefull I can enlist the services of the guys above to get it done which will help a lot.

What do you V8ers think? Thanks.

------------------
BLADE

'86SE
Engine rblt by Jasper (3800SC in the works)
Hypertech Chip
Low-temp Fan Switch
Low-temp Thermostat
Grand Am rear brakes
215/45-17 front, 235/45-17 rear Falken Ziex ZE-502

[This message has been edited by Blade_69 (edited 06-03-2003).]

I think the 3800 is the better engine.

------------------
Ray - 1988 Aero Coupe 'Mio Dolore' - FieroNews.com
"If life had been meant to be dull, it would have come with a manual" - Anonymous Author

I think whatever engine fits your needs is right for you.

I'm sure you can get some help here on pff.

Personally I think its a great start.

i think that in the long run , the V8 has more potential, providing the funds are avab, you figure your really not gonna get much over 320 HP out of a sc3800(of corse you can, but the cost to do so is gonna break you) but 400hp is not hard to get out of a 350

------------------
Rich
white 86 se, 2" drop, coil overs, KYB's. CRX intake, ported manifolds

Gold 86 se, Built 355, 4:10 adjustable Koni's, Eibach's,polly. and lots more!!

SOLD the Mitsu.

Any idea what it would take to get an F-body 350 TPI (the 245HP version) up to the 330-370HP range? I like the idea of swapping in a Fast Burn 385, but it is quite expensive. Starting with a good running, used, 350 gets you driveable, and you can upgrade as funds allow.

Is it worth finding a Vette L98 to get the aluminum heads, or did the F-body also have aluminum heads?

I think it sounds like a GREAT engine for a swap, but then maybe that's because that sounds like what's in my engine bay...

The Vette engines were the only ones to come with the Aluminum heads. You will pay a premium for those over a regular iron head motor.

There are a thousand ways to bump HP of one of these engines. Check www.thirdgen.org for good info. Depending on your budget and needs, anything from good headers, cams, heads, intake mods, or NO2 will get you there with realative ease.

Personally, I'd say stuff the motor in there, get the swap sorted from a tuning/cooling/reliability perspective, drive it for a while, then decide what you want to do in the way of power.

You'll enjoy the results. It makes for a fun toy.

Hartz

------------------
'84 SC 5.7L V8
'85 SE 3.1L V6 Turbo - FOR SALE
Hartz's Toys

quote Originally posted by Hartz: Personally, I'd say stuff the motor in there, get the swap sorted from a tuning/cooling/reliability perspective, drive it for a while, then decide what you want to do in the way of power. You'll enjoy the results. It makes for a fun toy. Hartz

Thanks Hartz. That was exactly my plan. Start with a good engine, get it running good, then build up as funds allow as formula indicated.

Hartz. Do you have any details about your engine and swap? Did you do it yourself?

[This message has been edited by Blade_69 (edited 06-03-2003).]