Some simple questions

[oscat47]

I was woundering 2 things . I own a 1984 berlinetta N I wanna swap the 2.8 that resides in it for a bigger 3.8. I dont know very much about mechanics . All the stuff i know is what i could pick up by myself . I was woundering what all would i need to do to swap the engines,and is it possible to t-top a car thats not t-topped . I have been told no it is not possible , but i figured i would get the oppinion from some one else as my source has let me down in the past.

[Rally Sport]

Yes it is possible to T-top a car, one of our members here has done it to their 4th gen.

About the engine swap, you might as well as get a V8, unless you have the 3.8, mainly because its the same amount of work. What you would have to get is probably a suspension upgrade, a new transmission and a few things here and there.

[wrightz28]

On the contrary. If you're not well versed yet, start with what you have. You probably want a swap becasue the old 2.8 is tired? Put another one in. Not only will you get some learning experience out of it but atleast your car will be performing back to wehere it was in '84.

On the t tops, with a case of beer and a sawzall, anything is possible, it's a question of wiether it is feasable

[kahjdh]

Originally Posted by wrightz28

On the t tops, with a case of beer and a sawzall, anything is possible, it's a question of wiether it is feasable

Thats great stuff right there. But i would buy a 350 and rebuild it and slowly aquire the parts and maybe do it over the summer. I dont know about you guys but i hate 2.8's

[Genopsyde]

the best way to do it is to swap every component from the 3.8 equipped vehicle, such as engine, transmission, ecm and wiring harness.

[666_speed]

the t-tops in a 3rd gen is not a good idea....the 4th gen cars are equipped with the t-top supports and pretty much everything you need from the factory where as 3rd gens are not. there is a couple of companies that will cut the top off your car and the top off another t-topped 3rd gen and swap but it gets very pricey.

[oscat47]

How much would u say is pricey . This car is mt baby . I am willing to pay every cent in my pocket too make it top notch . Some one out there has to be able to understand my feelings to this car. Its a camaro btw , my buddy said for the 2.8<3.8 conversition i would have to redo my wiring harness ,and he said that it is strapped right threw the car .True-False? , and how much work would that be . Also i guess i should add in that the dash is completly digital . Its got that whole starwars theme too it

[666_speed]

for the swap and paint and body work it runs 5-6k for the most part. plus you will be without a car for weeks.

[oscat47]

Well thats no problem to me as i have not driven the car yet . Sounds sad i know , but they wont let it pass safety . I need to find some one to do wiring work on it , but no one here will do it . Not even none of the garages . Thats another thing that makes this car so.....How would u say desirable for me . Since day one there has been nothing but challanges , and when i pull it out i wanna make it mean machine . Everyone up here thinks there kool cuz they got the 1995-2000 cavaliers with their body mods . No one thinks of classic cars . So a couple week departure . I think i would be able to handle that , and what about the wiring harness . Is it true . Would i have to redo the whole thing .I'm car crazy , with lack of knowledge

[666_speed]

sorry i cant find the exact site i was thinking of...i've looked forever and cant find it...i found an old post i had made about it...and the place is out west and is around $3500 for everything and you will be without a car for 2-6 weeks they said. as for the wiring i have no idea.

[oscat47]

ahhh thanks so thats about 3.5k american so roughly about 5-6k canadian. Humm managible . Now its time to go get a job . Thanks u have been great help .I have been trying to get these questions answred for the last month in the westcoastcustoms chat board ,but No one would answer . I was begining to think i was asking some really dumb questions

[666_speed]

i ask really stupid questions all the time...but it's how i learn....and sorry i couldnt help more...hope its a step in the right direction tho...good luck...oh and btw welcome to af