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I just purchased a 91 Camaro RS with a 3.1 liter and automatic transmission and I have a 350 but don't know how hard it would be to do the conversion. I also want to change it over to a 5-speed transmission. Any suggestions and what parts do I need to change over to make it work?
No disrespect intended, but if you're not an accomplished rodder, you'd be a lot better off to sell this car and buy a V8, 5-spd car.
I think you could probably handle the V6 to V8 but changing the auto to a 5-speed is going to take a lot of work. Trust me, i am in the process of doing a tranny change right now!
Best way is to find a donor car that is a V8, and yank all the stuff you will need, like pedals, crossmembers, etc. I'm not a Chevy Camaro guy, but the nice thing about Chevy's is that they didn't change a whole lot over the years.
The V8 cars usually have heavier suspension/ brakes, and you are probably going to go the carb route, which makes wiring easier (no computers/ sensors to deal with) . My one Son is building a Capri that was a 4 cylinder car originally, and will now be a 5.0 of some cubic inch displacement (347, 427, who knows until it is built) and we are using alot of V8 stuff, like brakes, etc. Visit a local junkyard, find a stick V8 car, and start stripping what you need. The rear axle will also be a little stronger, maybe, and have deeper gears.
techinspector 1 makes a valid point though, as sometimes it is easier to start with the final version than to create one from scratch.
i'm with techinspector1.... a conversion of that nature is a very large project... the engine and transmission are gonna be tough(mainly the transmission), but changing all your breaks and suspension... a REAL pain.... and with a car that you can find as commonly as that.... its easier to just get another one... its a different story when its a classic..
get a junker with everything you want, and swap out the good stuff from your current ride. Sell what's left over to recoup some of the cost. Easier, cheaper, and you're left with what the factory made which means higher resell value.