Conversion

SLOBBIN

MEMBER
1978 CHEVROLET CAMARO
5.7L
RWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I have the car listed above and the engine seized. I have a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro which is wrecked. I want to put the engine and transmission from the 1986 into the 1978 Camaro. What problems will I face with this conversion? Also what parts will I need for this conversion to work?

6 Replies

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

What engine and trans do you have in the 86? The only issues I see are engine controls. The 86 might be a fuel injected engine while the 78 was carbureted. Mechanically, it shouldn't be difficult at all to swap them.

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Friday, July 29th, 2016 AT 3:40 PM

SLOBBIN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Both 86 and 78 camaro are carburated and stock. The 86 is a 305 V8 and the 78 is a 350 V8

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Friday, July 29th, 2016 AT 4:19 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

It's a bolt in swap

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Friday, July 29th, 2016 AT 4:21 PM

SLOBBIN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

If anyone could go into further detail that would be appreciated. I have the tools and equipment to do this project. I just lack the knowledge.

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Friday, July 29th, 2016 AT 4:26 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

We can't do a step by step if you need help go to a library and check out a car manual close to the year you are working on and it will be similar. On the 86 engine wherever you are putting it the accessory brackets may be metric so save the bolts in case they are.