2012 Camaro RS V6 to V8 swap

[timstanley]

Hello,
About a year ago while I was on a MEU in Japan, my father passed away unexpectedly and I inherited a 2012 Camaro RS stock. Recently I have begun doing small performance modifications myself (throttle body spacer, cool air intake, jet chip, exhaust) but I truly don't know that much about cars all together. I was hoping someone here could give me some insight on what all I would need as far as equipment, what would funtion well together (transmission, radiator, shocks, solid rear axle) and what all I would need to change out, in order for me to swap my v6 with the LS2 or LS3 6.2 v8. I've got a decent bit of money saved and do not want to trade the car because of the sentimental value. I would really appreciate any advice that I could get. My friend knows decent amount about mechanics and would be assisting me on the job. I'm trying to do as much of the work myself as reasonably possible to save on cost as well as gain experience. I understand it isn't the ideal "beginner project" but I am confident in our abilities to at least save a good chunk of cash doing the majority of the work.

Timothy R. Stanley, E5
0311/ USMC

[Synyster]

It would be far cheaper and more practical to trade on a SS.

[timstanley]

Originally Posted by Synyster

It would be far cheaper and more practical to trade on a SS.

I understand that but back to the sentimental value. It was the last car my dad had so I'll spend what I need to in order improve what I have

[SteelCamaro]

If you're looking for faster and more power and don't want to get rid of the car, you're probably better off just slapping a turbo onto the V6 or something and calling it a day.

[CLEAN]

Yes, add a turbo or supercharger. A v8 swap isnt like it used to be.

[2010reddevil]

It's not a simple swap like it was in the old GenIII LS1 days. You'd have to swap the entire vehicle engine/trans harness, BCM, PCM and of course all the other misc. things that make the V8 live. If you're looking for more power, single turbo the 3.6L. You'll make a good bit of power that way. If you can build the motor, then you can crank up the boost and really make some steam.

[CCMADONNA]

here's your answer:

[BigRedViking]

I also understand the importance of sentimental value. I lost my dad a little while ago, and inherent a V6 Camaro (1985 model year ). We were going to turn it into a dragster, V8, cage, etc. But plans don't always work out. After he passed away I had to scrap the project because it was across the country, and I didn't have the cash to make it happen.


I kept some parts from the car though, and I used them on my 87' Camaro. Every time I grab the steering wheel it's like shaking his hand. I also kept the pedal assembly so I can do a manual transmission conversion in the future.


I would recommend keeping the V6, and continue to modify it, and learn more. They have huge potential one of the members has a 700+hp Twin Turbo LFX! Doing a V8 swap is going to be expensive even if you do it yourself, or with friends. But possible. That's one of the things that I love most about these cars. POTENTIAL! Thank You for your service!

[timstanley]

Originally Posted by CCMADONNA

here's your answer:

I looked into superchargers and turbos. The only reason I hesitate is because I'm not 100% sure my block can handle it without completely rebuilding the engine

[i2disturbedSS]

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372105

here is the only attempt I know about. PM him seems like he just ran into a bump.

[i2disturbedSS]

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=98

and V6 forced induction section

[Red2014SS]

I agree with the others. The money you spend on installing a V8 could be spent upgrading your V6 into a car that's faster than a stock SS.

The worst possible outcome would be that you get the car apart and realize that you can't do the swap... then it sits there as a basketcase... then you've messed up the car your Dad left behind. You can do engine and suspension upgrades and turn that car into a V8 killer. You'll learn lot in the process, be able to drive the car and have fun at the same time.

Good luck with what ever you decide.

[GretchenGotGrowl]

Originally Posted by timstanley

I looked into superchargers and turbos. The only reason I hesitate is because I'm not 100% sure my block can handle it without completely rebuilding the engine

LFX block should be fine to over 800 hp at the crank. If you want more than 500 rwhp you will probably want forged rods/pistons to be safe.

[Dmpsix]

Originally Posted by timstanley

I looked into superchargers and turbos. The only reason I hesitate is because I'm not 100% sure my block can handle it without completely rebuilding the engine

Even if you had to forge the internals depending on your goals, it would still be FAR cheaper and much less headache than actually going from V6 to V8.

Someone on this site actually had a build thread going that ended up cancelling the project out.

Turns out it was a lot more than some wiring, even the model years had differences too. Something like the 2010 wiring for something simple like the lighting was different than the 2011 that he ran into trouble with.