V8 in 1992 Cavalier?

[irishgambino]

The question, can it be done?
I understand it would need massive mods to happen, just wondering if anyone else has even had the thought pass through their demented brain?

[PsychoJJ]

Bet your ass Ive thought about it.

Ever since the day one of my focus owning friends got sponsered to rally race and they slapped a v8 in a ZX3. If you have ever seen the engine bay of a focus you would see how wow worthy that is so I would like to think there would be no problem slapping a v8 in a cavi.

Granted my buddy TJ's zx3 had to have the crap gutted out of it but damn was it fast afterwards. Reminds me I need to ask him what that sucker put down at the last dyno day.

[nickelfish19]

you can do about anything for the right amount of money.

[jayson716]

on Jbody.org i think there are two people with 2nd gens that have it done.

[jakegday]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4524032804 a cavalier with a v8, check this shit out, im sure a few of you have already seen this but this is by far the coolest cavalier ive ever seen

[vamc]

Well a v8 will not fit BUT a 3.8L engine w/ supercharger will fit. the same kind from a grandprix. 260hp. That will fit. no V8 though. I hope this helps.

[irishgambino]

Originally Posted by vamc

Well a v8 will not fit BUT a 3.8L engine w/ supercharger will fit. the same kind from a grandprix. 260hp.

When you say the 3.8 will fit.. are you meaning it will drop in with minor mods to the mounts etc or that physically it will fit in the engine compartment?
I have access to a nice V8 for cheap which is why I am considering the idea. If the 3.8 is going to be easier maybe that would be the better route. I don't love my car, but it's never let me down, it's a great car and I am loyal to it, I'd like to fix it up and keep it running another 200,000 miles!

[public]

There was a guy a while back here in Orlando that had a transverse V8 out of a Caddy where the back seat used to be. Looked pretty cool with the engine under the rear glass. The Cavi was a 89 or a 90 model.

[jayson716]

the 2nd gen cavs it will fit with mods.. like i said someone has it done on the org...

[vamc]

It will drop in, but will need new ecm. its been done.

[techno240]

it can be done not very easily though. the engine your looking for is a FWD northstar V8 yes it does fit but why do that when you can just buy a car with a V8 and build it You can pick up a Lexus SC400 with a V8 RWD for like six or seven grand. But if you want a fun swap check out a 3.4 L DOHC High output in a cavalier. thats a indy edition motor have fun with that one

[Classicrocjunkie]

hmmm..... this would be fun.

[vamc]

If you have the time and the money, just about anything can be done!

[OverAllComa]

There was a 350 Tuned Port dropped in a 2nd gen, but that's not something you'll want to look at unless you're loaded. It involved a full RWD conversion, lots of fabrication, and will deffinitely cost you more than the car is worth.

Northstar - Yes, the motor will fit, big whoop. Good luck fitting in the tranny, b/c that won't be happening any time soon.

3.4L DOHC - Cams don't clear the bay.

3800 Series I/II/III Supercharged - Will fit, requires work. Not just a "drop in" kinda thing. Requires custom motor mounts and even then the pulley will barely make it in there. Go look around the .org for some 2nd and 3rd gens that have done.

Oh yeah, and for future reference, the 2nd gen and 3rd gen engine bays are virtually the same.

If you're looking for a reasonable engine swap, go with a 3400 SFI or a 3100 with a 3400 head swap. Just need to modify the engine mounts and you're set. Even cheaper and easier, swap in a 3.1, you can always salvage the parts off of any other J-Body with a 3.1 from 91-94.

[vamc]

good point, my error on the drop in part.