I recently purchased a 1987 Camaro with a blown 2.8 fi engine and A4 trans. I have always wanted a 454 5 spd t-top car, so a little from column A and a little from column B.... and here I am. I now need help to set up the struts to handle the increased weight and force this combo is going to create.
Anyone out there know what strut combo and springs I am going to need for the front end, and will a 5.7 tbi computer and wiring harness work on a Vortec 454 out of a C3500 4WD with fuel injection? I was told it would along with the distributor, but the source is unreliable.
All input and opinions are welcomed and appreciated.
This is my first time posting, but you guys are sharp as a tack so I hope you can help me too.
Thanks.
Full Version: Need Help with Big Block engine swap
Howdy,
For custom springs try Eibach--they are not cheap, but they are the best.
That is quite a project you have undertaken. I know it can be done, have seen it done, but don't know who has the expertise to do it. For front struts and rear shocks you might want to check the shock companies like HAL, Koni, Tokico and KYB. I think KYB makes an adjustable shock, and that will work really well with the custom springs. Also, try ADCO for custom swaybars and they will be needed becuz of the increased front end weight. HAL makes custom shocks and so does Koni, but Koni will cost an arm and a leg plus your first born.
I think one of the biggest problems that you will see is body strength at the fwd rear suspension pick up, it will need some sort of bracing. Also, that series of Camaro/Firebird did have problems with torque twisting in the body (the T-Top bodies were the worst). I'd suggest looking for body bracings, sub frame connectors, etc. Also, check out sources for a Watts Link for the rear. In this case, torque is the enemy of the car's body, and it will have to beefed up to handle it.
One further suggestion is to use alloy heads on that bad boy--they will save some weight--maybe even relocate the battery to the rear of the car to transfer weight back there.
Can't tell you about the computer, but any computer should work as long as the wiring harness is incorporated into the design and all the engine sensors are hooked up. Computer doesn't care what engine is there, as long as it can get it to a 14.6:1 ratio. You might try: http:\\pcmforless.com and see if they can help with custom programming. However, air flow thru the throttle body is a big problem. You must have the computer and throttlebody as a set or the airflow for any given
throttle blade angle will be incorrect and it might be impossible for the computer to run the engine properly.
Hope this helps.
For custom springs try Eibach--they are not cheap, but they are the best.
That is quite a project you have undertaken. I know it can be done, have seen it done, but don't know who has the expertise to do it. For front struts and rear shocks you might want to check the shock companies like HAL, Koni, Tokico and KYB. I think KYB makes an adjustable shock, and that will work really well with the custom springs. Also, try ADCO for custom swaybars and they will be needed becuz of the increased front end weight. HAL makes custom shocks and so does Koni, but Koni will cost an arm and a leg plus your first born.
I think one of the biggest problems that you will see is body strength at the fwd rear suspension pick up, it will need some sort of bracing. Also, that series of Camaro/Firebird did have problems with torque twisting in the body (the T-Top bodies were the worst). I'd suggest looking for body bracings, sub frame connectors, etc. Also, check out sources for a Watts Link for the rear. In this case, torque is the enemy of the car's body, and it will have to beefed up to handle it.
One further suggestion is to use alloy heads on that bad boy--they will save some weight--maybe even relocate the battery to the rear of the car to transfer weight back there.
Can't tell you about the computer, but any computer should work as long as the wiring harness is incorporated into the design and all the engine sensors are hooked up. Computer doesn't care what engine is there, as long as it can get it to a 14.6:1 ratio. You might try: http:\\pcmforless.com and see if they can help with custom programming. However, air flow thru the throttle body is a big problem. You must have the computer and throttlebody as a set or the airflow for any given
throttle blade angle will be incorrect and it might be impossible for the computer to run the engine properly.
Hope this helps.
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