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Hi all, I picked up a cheap running 1980chevette. My DD is a t/a ls1 6-speed. I'm just looking for something to tinker with. I'm wanting to swap a v6 or v8 into it. But, I am having a hard time finding good info on it. I can't decide which motor to use. I want to stay carb b/c I'm not very mechanically inclined but am decent enough. Does anyone have good links or something? Looking to get started asap. I'm starting to empty the engine bay of useless things in the mean time. I may give this motor a tune up in mean time but don't want to put much into it b/c really looking to swap in a diff motor. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Kyle
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The ultimate truth is, you won't be able to fit a V6 engine in it. At least, not a GM motor. The specs for all GM carbuerated V6s are much larger than your engine compartment.
I do know of one chevette owner who put a High Output 2.8L multi-port injection engine in his chevette. He had to modify the hood to get it to fit.
a V8 will fit in a chevette, just depends on how much cutting and fabricating you want to get into. Definately NOT a daily driver though, but they do make excellent 1/4-mile cars!
I had some pix ofmy buddys1979 chevette with a 305 in it, i'll try to dig them up, but no promises as it's been a few years since i saw them.
__________________
Wm. Vining
Elkhart, IN.
(formerly of South Haven, MI.)
**1989 K1500 4x4, 5.0L, 5-speed**
You can't physically get it in there unless you do full front end extensions and drag-axle conversions. Not to mention it will be sticking out 2 feet above the hood.
Yes ther is a v6 that will fit with very few mods it a Buick and it only wieghs about 100 pounds more than that little four dose. I belive its a late 70's to erley 80's. It's a small motor so you won't have to cut up the body to make it fit.
Ahhh,guys-I owned a 4.3 Chevette.It was during the time NASCAR changed it's Bush Grand National class.I built the 4.3 based off the engine parts that where being sold off from the class change at auctions.Not cutting it up to make it fit.The headers where slip custom built and where built by me.The tranny was a Monza 350 and custom adjustment torqure arm back to the rearend as a three link.The car ran 10.50's et and I ran it in street et.The 4.3 cost three times that of a 350.(ouch,ouch.ouch!!!!)It was a project that was cover in Hot Rod rag(yeah a rag)that after I was in deep with money,found out it was never finshed.When I contacted Don Hardy-the shop foreman told me they never finshed it and the rag drew in the pictured headers.I bumped into the Editor of Hot Rod at a auction and informed him I was going to sue the mag,him,and all he had in life.We settled out of court and I ran the car for two yrs.Sorry-no pics.But the 4.3's do fit.
There is a guy out there that figured out the 2.8L H.O. V-6 without modifying the rack and pinion and with perfect underhood clearance. Just watch the rear ends. They like to rip through pinions.
if you install a v8 you'll need to cut in the base.
put a v6 4.3L ( not the vortec !!! ) you will get same high fiability , will run more long time , and almost same performance.
a v6 4.3L is a REAL 350 they removed 2 piston thats all. 80% of the part of 350 will fit on the 4.3L.
all v8 HATE high rpm remember that. ( only the rare 267 can take a bit of high rpm ).
i suggest you to just mount the chevette body on a S-10 pickup frame. a 350 will fit right , no suspension to change and nothing ( same for 4.3L ) if its not a 2.5L enigne.
you will just need to cut a little part of the frind and the back frame thats all.
that way the chevette will not twist on hard acceleration. but warning a chevette with a 4.3L or 350 can do wheely so its a real dangerous car.
Motor swap
