Yo

I can probably find a V6 Firebird pretty cheap... 2k and below in good condition. My friend has found a Crate Engine that comes stock with more hp and torque then the LS1 engine.

Its a 5.7 liter and my friend found out that it should fit in pretty good. He said he'd drop it in for me as long as I bought the tools... which shouldn't be more then 500$. The engine is worh 3500$ so all in all, thats 6k for a really fast Firebird. Problem is... I hate automatics!! I can't stand driving them...

Think it is worth all the labor? I mean, the engine install my friend said isn't to much of a problem. He could do it no problem. He doesn't know how to convert my auto to manual though... so that leaves me hanging. So I would have to go to a shop and have it done professionally... how much would that cost you think? I mean, I could always drive automatic for a little bit, then just convert once I have plenty of cash lying around, ya know?

Is there anything different between the V6's and V8's other then the engines? Suspension, handling, etc... thanks

 

If your friend can install an engine, I don't see any reason why he can't install an M6 too. The tranny should actually be a lot easier. If you search the site, I'm sure you can find the links to how to do the tranny swap and what is needed.

Having said all that, I really don't think it's worthwhile. You'll also end up having to change the springs and shocks, and the sway bars to get it up to a V8 car's specs. Even with your 6K initial figure, I'm pretty sure you could find an early LT1 car for the same price with everything you want.

 

You will need more than just the new engine. The v6 trans will not fit.

Off the top of my head....You will need:

engine (with induction & ignition & cooling)
transmission w/shifter
clutch housing w/release fork
clutch disk & PP
manual pedals
master & slave cylinders for clutch
release bearing & pilot bearing
Flywheel & starter
engine mounts
transmission mount & crossmember
driveshaft
exhaust manifolds
y pipe
radiator & hoses
alternator
front springs / swaybar
misc. brackets
pspump ??
ac compressor ??

The V6 car really does not have much in common with a V8 car mechanically. I would not recommend a conversion unless you have a "V8 M6 donor car" to salvage parts from and in that case, you might as well just use the engine from that..