307 Regal said:
I don't think you'll be able to do any of those for under 1000. There's the engine, transmission, crossmember, driveshaft (maybe), wiring, fuel system, pedals and clutch assembly (for the manual option), mounts, and exhaust just off the top of my head. You'd basically have to find a running donor car for under 1000 and do all the work yourself.
I'm not a fan of diesel, but I agree that it would be neat and it's even better that you know plenty about it. It'll just be expensive.
A 3800 swap would be very similar to an LS swap in price I would think. And then turbocharging it will be expensive, but more importantly it will endanger your car's reliability, which isn't good if you're using it to go back and forth to college. Don't give it too much boost and definitely invest in gauges if you go that route so you can monitor your car.
An Ecotech+trans would be just as difficult as putting in a diesel engine and trans I think. It might be good for long trips on the highway, but the engine will have to work hard to move your car in stop and go traffic. That'll effect your gas mileage. Also, if you wanna turbo this too, same as the 3800.
Vortec 350 would be like the 3800 swap but with more power and less gas mileage. And no extra cost and worry of a turbo.
If diesel is your thing then go that route. I don't really see any of these options having a clear advantage over the other so go with your gut.
P.S. A low power Olds 307/200-4R w/2.56:1 gears will get you at least 17mpg. Ask me how I know. :wink:
For starters, I'd just invest in an overdrive transmission that'll fit the 260, let that 260 breathe with a good exhaust and intake, tune it up, and see where that gets you.
While you're driving that back and forth to school, plan out your engine swap.
Yeah I see your point. I was already thinking no on the 3800 swap because it basically require all the same kind of stuff an ls swap would need. The only way I'd do this swap is if i just bought a donor F-Body then I'd basically just rip everything out of that and have the PCM tuned. I appreciate the feedback though, as that's what I'm looking for to try and find the best option.
I wasnt really considering an ecotec, but I know they make decent power for what they are so I just thought I'd throw it up there anyways. To be honest I wouldnt want a little gas powered 4 cylinder in a muscle car anyways. A 4 cylinder diesel for sure, but not gas lol.
The reason why I threw the vortec 350 up there is because of the simplicity of it. These engines make damn good power in stock trim while still somewhat reasonably simple. If I was going to do this swap, it'd probably be carbed, which is the best of both worlds because it eliminates the weak central port injection system, plus it gets rid of the computer. I'm definitely going to consider this option.
Now, onto the Cummins, this would probably be the most pricey swap out there, with the motor probably costing more than that alone, but with the torque they make and the economy they get, plus the dead on fully mechanical reliability, it would still make for a fun car that can probably get 30mpgs on the highway. That and I'd probably be the only one on the face of the earth with a 4bt powered gbody, lol.
84Hurst/Olds said:
Why not just buy a newer fuel efficient car to drive back and forth? And put your gbody project on hold for a while. Maybe you can eventually find the Monte SS that you really want. Just a thought.
That's definitely something to think about, but I don't know man it just sounds like it'd be fun! Lol. Your right though, it would be alot easier, lol.
DRIVEN said:
I voted for the 3800 but I'd forgo the turbo. A stock Fbody 3800 swap should get low-mid 20s for mpg. Doubt it can be done for under a grand.
Although it isn't a listed option, you might consider an old 6.2 or 6.5 diesel. Don't laugh. They are reliable, cheap and literally bolt in place of a SBC. Our old 3/4 ton GMC work van got 20-22mpg with a 700R4. Your Cutlass will be lighter and more aerodynamic. I know it's not as cool as a Cummins but I don't think it's feasible to think you can do a 4BT swap for under a 1K. Should be no problem to do a Detroit swap for that budget.
Now that I've read your guys' opinions id definitely say no on the turbo now. And like I said unless I found a donor 3.4 or 3.8 powered f body that I could rip the drivetrain out of, then I wouldn't even consider it.
I agree with you on the v8 diesels though, that definitely sounds like a feasible option that could be done cheaply. I have a few GM repair manuals on the 6.5 as well and the one thing I love about diesels is that on most of them, you can get lots of power just by turning up the injection pump and running higher boost, very simple to do. I will definitely add that option to the poll. Like i said thanks for the opinions guys, I'm gonna try to price everything out and figure out the best option.