I just got it a little over a month ago and we've been trying to fix it and it just isnt going to work out so im gonna just swap the engine out. It still runs but it has so many problems that we just are going to start with a different engine and see what happens. Not worth the time me and my mechanic are putting into it.

It is a 1994 Firebird Formula. Im pretty much screwed since i dont have too much money to replace it and its my only transportation right now.

What can i replace the engine with. What are my options. Ive heard about doing an LS1. Is that a direct bolt on or do i need to get other things to make it compatible with my car. What are the main things to think about when doing an engine swap? Like, im sure there are specific things you could tell me that might trip us up when we are swaping it.

I'd rather do an LS1, but not if its much more complicated than doing an LT1 swap. Also might change the tranny from Automatic to Manual while we are in there. What is the best route to go with that ?

Also, what are some good places to get myself a used engine? I was going to check out some junk yards, check out ebay and also see if anyone has one on this forum but im open to suggestions.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

 

Ive seen a bunch of engines on ebay. Can you tell me if any of these will work and what else i'd need to make it work if not.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1994-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/95-IM...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LT1-E...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevy...QQcmdZViewItem


If you guys see anything else out there, PLEASE let me know. Im trying to get the engine as cheap as possible. Maybe one of you guys can sell me your engine and get a bigger motor or something?

 

Personally, I'd stick w/ the LT1. It is a proven performer, and the sky is the limit as to how powerful you can build them. Plus your car is already set up for one. A nice, well built 383 stroker is a good way to go, and if you build it strong enough the first time around you can always add N20 later for a bigger kick in the butt.

 

Reality:
does NOT equal: BIG waste of cash. especially since: and for some reason your looking at: Honestly, that's one of the most unrealistic plans I've ever read. You need to realize the costs and downtime involved in an engine swap are not small, especially going to a MORE expensive platform like the LSx engines. And the justification to change the tranny "while youre in there" is what we call MASSIVE project creep. That's a full project in itself, not something you just slap on if your have time.

If you're tapped for cash and you KNOW the rings, bearings, or head gaskets are shot you can find a lightly used LT1 for a direct replacement. Building a NEW engine will cost you wya more than you have right now. Picture this: $3000 for a completely bare bones, bottom of the pile LT1 shortblock. and reusing the heads means you only have $1000 or so extra in "incidentals". $5000 would still be tight, but doable dependong on your goals. Most serious engine builds range between 8000 and 10,000.

Add in the time and COST of helping someone install that engine and help you tune it to run (assuming it's not just factory heads and displacement) and you are looking are serious dough.

Any you want to add in a tranny swap while you're in there?

 

www.victoryracingengines.com

 

I would look into some of the offerings of either Golen or Victory Racing engines who can provide you with anything starting from a shortblock and going all the way to a complete motor.

 

one more unrealistic thing is that the bellhousing bolt pattern is different for LSx than LTx... You should replace with a LT1 or if you want some exotic engine, look for a LT5 . Swapping in a LS1 will mean automatically replacing your tranny, wether it be auto or manual.

 

Call Eric at Victory Racing Engines. He will build what you need. Do it right the first time, trust me. Talk to him and tell him what you want. It's worth the money and piece of mind.

 

lol, i dont have 9 grand. i was hoping to get the whole engine for 1500 - 2K

 

And the LS1 idea was just a thought. i wasnt sure if it was a direct replacement, thats why i was asking. i basically just want to get an LT1 to swap out into my car. The heads & block. can you tell me which year z28 & trans am engines will fit? Is it basically any 350/LT1 will work? Ive seen LT1's in Caprices and other cars if i recall. Are they good or a pain in the *** to make them fit?

 

I would call around at some salvage yards, they may be able to hook you up with a low mileage lt1 for 500 or 700 dollars, at least thats what they go for around my area. And then you'll have some money left over to replace some of the old sensors on it and add some headers so youll know you wont run into any more problems.