California V-8 swap

[jp_waltz]

I thought that this might be in the FAQ but no go. I am mentally preparing myself to except the possibility that the block is cracked on my 88 62.(see previous posts) So I got to thinking, what if I was to swap out a V-8? Has anyone that lives in california tried this recently? Im curious about 3 things. 1)What is the bottom line cost? 2)What engine would I be able to use? 3)What is needed to deal with the smog police here in California? And 3)#2 Am I better off just swapping it out with another 3FE? Thanks for all the input in advance.
Paul

 

[Mace]

1. 3K to 20K depending on who did it and what parts were used..

2. Any motor that is newer than the one you have.

3. That's up to you to decide..

 

[Dynosoar]

I have been involved with several CA swaps. It can be done for $3,000 but that is rare and it's for a TBI or carburated engine (I did my swap 12 years ago and it cost more than that). If you go with a Vortec you are looking at $5k minimum but probably about $7,000 for all the bells and whistles if you do all the work yourself and get a deal on a GOOD used engine. Doing a swap requires a particular skill set. First you must be able to weld. Second you must have the fortitude to cut up you beloved truck with a grinder/sawzall/etc... Next, you must have enough work space and the time to have your truck out of commission for an extended period of time. Finally, you need to have a ton of patience dealing with the state of California. They want you to pass but they Will make you jump through hoops.

Ask Ferd69, Philols1, and Manuchao they both recently finnished CA swaps.

I know Chappy lives in Port Hueneme which is close to you, I am in Simi Valley which is not to far. Come buy and drive mine see if you like the V8 feel (some don't, most do)

Keep your head up and hope you dont have a cracked block. I can recommend doing a 2FE swap too those seem to work well.

Good Luck

Dynosoar

 

[jp_waltz]

Thanks for the info. The verdict is still out on the current engine. I am still running it through its paces to get the bugs out.
Thanks,
paul

 

[Downey]

All of the above post are spot-on. After having Chevotas my whole life, I spent about $8-10,000 once to see if I could build a 6 cyl. I would be happy with. Even the baddest-ass 6 cyl. in the country didn't do much for me, I guess no going back. Anyway, we have probably sold more V8 conversion kits than all other companies combined, so there's no lack of info on the subject, and no lack of used adapters laying around the country side if you can't afford new!!! Smog wise, California only requires you install the same year engine or newer, and requires you leave all the emissions devices on the GM motor. You'd do this anyway because you'd get a face full of check engine lights if you did remove the goddies. You'll find some fairly good reading on this at www.downeyoff-road.com

 

[wagon4wd]

All of the above post are spot-on. After having Chevotas my whole life, I spent about $8-10,000 once to see if I could build a 6 cyl. I would be happy with. Even the baddest-ass 6 cyl. in the country didn't do much for me, I guess no going back. Anyway, we have probably sold more V8 conversion kits than all other companies combined, so there's no lack of info on the subject, and no lack of used adapters laying around the country side if you can't afford new!!! Smog wise, California only requires you install the same year engine or newer, and requires you leave all the emissions devices on the GM motor. You'd do this anyway because you'd get a face full of check engine lights if you did remove the goddies. You'll find some fairly good reading on this at www.downeyoff-road.com

Wow. Royalty. even a recovering jeep guy knows who you are

The only thing I'd suggest on top of this is to call the referee office you're going to be dealing with to ask what they're going to be looking for, then try to get the same referee. Some referees in california consider exhaust to be part of the emissions, some do not. There's other minor differences as well. Since you are changing the engine out for something that was not offered in that vehicle or not a member of that engine family, you're going to be stuck going to the referee to avoid keeping the next smog check from being ... interesting.

If you get into OBD-II stuff, remember that swapping in an engine that was coupled to an automatic will require that you couple it to an automatic, and the same for manuals. This isn't a problem with OBD-I or earlier, and given the budget, unless you've got some connections or something up your sleeve and have a vortec/LSx powered rolled something sitting in your yard, you probably don't have to worry about this.