V6 to 5.7 V8 Swap 2004 LUMINA

[Hamzah Abed]

Hello everyone this is my frist post, nice forum you got there!!

I have a 2004 Lumina LTZ with a 3.8l ecotec V6 (Equilavent to a holden... ?) anyways, I'm thinking about a V8 engine swap but I'd like to know the common parts between the V6 and the V8 that I wouldn't need to change (if any!)

And would it be that much of a difficult job? What about the transmission, mines an auto

Specific input is appreciated, I'd like a strong foundation to start modding, and I'm really interested in the V8

[gen3_350_v8]

welcome to justcommodores

my advice would be to buy an ss or equivalent with a v8 already in it, but if your set on your plan then a crate motor can cost anywhere from $4000(stock)-$10,000(fully worked) then you would need the gear box($1500-$2500) depending on what you want manual or auto, and then maybe a new irs lsd diff looking at another )$1000-$1500), dont forget a new computer ($$$$????), and im sure alot off other things that like engine mounts, gearbox mounts, your looking at a big job not that it cant be done with ease but still very involved, wiring looms/harness come to mind you might have to change the lot or find a good auto electrician that could do it to your current setup, then there would be the fact that the v8 have different suspension setup and ratings and also heavier steering, for less headache and less money i would think about selling your imported lumina LTZ and think about buying an s, ss, or even a statesman with a v8 in it already, im guessing your in lebanon or the middle east somewhere, they are easily picked up around there depending on where you live. im not trying to discurage you, just giving my oppinion, others on here might put you in the right direction if you really want to do the v8 mod to your stock v6 lumina. hope this helps

(EDIT)oh and prices are all a ruff guestimation in (AU $), you might be able to get it all done for less or maybe could be more depending on where you are in the world.

if you have reputable mechanics that work on v8s and do conversions where you live then they might be able to put you on the right track and give you a ball park figure, depending on what you want e.g. a street car or a custom i would sell your current car for as much as you can get and start looking for a commodore with an Ls1 v8 already in it, then spend a little money on doing it up with bolt on mods that any mechanic can do, ot even you can do,

oh and 1 more thing join http://www.(street)then(commodores).com.au (bit off rivallary going on i have to be shifty lol), and ask them there too, you might get more off a responce lets hope the mod here does shoot me for saying that lol

[Hamzah Abed]

Thanks for the advice, I thought this type of engine swap would be a bit easier than general.

I'll still investigate further and try to find someone that would do it. Or consider your idea to buy an SS

But why is the steering heavier? Different setup/system?

[gen3_350_v8]

i would think the steering heavier because its speed dependent, ive driven the v6 vy and it seems lighter and your less in control, with the v8 system the faster you go the more snug it feels, but i have no idea what you would need to change or if in fact you could run a v6 steering box/rack safely with the ls1 v8? check out that sight there are more ls1v8 drivers on there that know all about the mod you would like to do