March 16, 2025, 06:55:38 AM

Author Topic: l36 FC swap  (Read 1779 times)

Offline rx786guy

l36 FC swap
« on: October 28, 2015, 10:54:18 AM »

I am currently building a 87 tII rx7 with a GM 3800 and t5 from a 2000 Camaro. Its not a bone stock motor, it does have a mild cam, the intakes are port matched, and the balance shaft is deleted.

I know its not a LS engine, but I am not looking to build such a brutal car this time around. I am wanting  reliability, manual tranny, good gas mileage, air conditioning(Texas summers are hot and humid), and a once and a while track car.

So I picked up a 2000 camaro 5 speed with a bad differential for $400. I then sold the bumpers, lights, seats and a few other interior pieces. This paid me all my money back and paid for most of the build so far.

So first I tore the motor down and checked it out, it was in great shape and seemed to be a recent rebuild. The only issue I could find was tons of carbon on the valves and pistons. I put in a new cam and stronger valve springs.

Next was test fitting and placement of the engine. I placed it as far back and down as I could get it without having to cut or reshape anything. I made my own engine mounts as no one sells a kit. Even if they did I would still have made my own. $18 in materials and 4-5 hours time, compared to a lot of these companies that are asking hundreds or even some cases thousands for a couple of welded chucks of metal.


Test fitting the engine and trans.


engine and transmission mounted with wire mess started


set of pace setter headers arrived


headers are modified to clear the body and steering shaft. Accessories are mounted, belt installed, fuel pump is wired, etc...... engine is able to be started and idles nicely at this point.


custom driveshaft built and picked up.


Offline rx786guy

Re: l36 FC swap
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2015, 11:07:54 AM »
All thats left to do at this point is adapt the t5s slave to the Mazda master cylinder and make a mount and adapt the drive by wire throttle module to the Mazda gas pedal. I also need to source out an older intake manifold from a 96-97 camaro of firebird, those intakes turn down and will allow me to fit it all under the hood. Right now the hood doesn't close all the way.

Once I get it running and driving right I will tear the car back down and clean everything up, refine a few things(wiring cleaned up, mounts powder coated, and etc..) and then i will get it ready for paint.

Offline N2v8fcs

Re: l36 FC swap
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2015, 06:37:59 PM »
something different....
:drive:
new personal best 11.45 @ 120 mph N/A car...9.11 @152 mph for the turbo car.


1987 FC  355 SBC, T-5, T2 rear        retired 5-4-11
1991 FC  383 SBC, sold to Dad. Now 5.3 w 76mm turbo, G-force T-5, 8.8 Ronin rear 
1990 FC  370 CID 6.0 w 88mm turbo, Powerglide, Ronin 8.8 w 3.15 gears