4cyl to V8 Conversion

I've been kicking around the idea of adding to my project list and found a 88 lx coupe for $500. It has the 2.3l 4 cyl and a bad automatic.

What needs to be changed, strengthed, recommendations to put a mild 347 storker and 5 spd into this? I know the motr/trans about drops in, but what about suspension, rear axle, 5 lug vs 4 lug, k member etc?

Thanks
Pete

If you had a straight 6, You would need to change the K-Member. The K-Member is the engine cradle. The 4 banger is the same as the 8. So you are all set. I would put a manual steering rack in, while your at it, then you don't need to waste power on power steering, and you get a better steering ratio.

Everything else just drops right in, it is an easy change.

You should upgrade to 5 lugs all around. The 4 lug rear axle will not last very long.

I did the same swap in a 91 coupe. it went easy but I went a little over board front and rear coil overs new chrome molly k-member, chrome molly controll arms and so on. but I do know that you will need to replace your front springs because of the weight. just about everything else will work. you will also need a new trans crossmember with 2 humps for dual exhaust.

carl

If you go efi, I wouldn't get rid of your donor car until the good one is running well. I've done four, and each had its own set of problems. You may need to change every harness in the car, including under the dash, the dash, etc.
For the rear, just change over to an 8.8 four lug, which I have stayed with on all conversions, and had no problems. Its a major undertaking and cant be done quickly before you set it all up. Good luck.

Hey Pete,
Are you still considering doing a conversion on this 88? I have some
left overs if so.

Brooke and I just built a new rear end for our car and will be selling the 3.50 posi 8.8 that's in it.
It has 10" brakes on it and it is converted to 5-lug already. I bought it new from FPA(Stan the Scum Bag)

I saw an 88 coupe in Enumclaw on CL that had all UPR tubular suspension for 750.00 but I missed it, the guy had already sold it.

McCutcheon4

Ya I'm still kicking this around. We impounded a 92 LX notchback yesterday. It was abandoned and will going up to auction soon. I think I'll try to get that one since it was in nice shape.

IF you can hold that to rearend for another month that would be cool cuz that would be just perfect. If you got rid of no big deal.

pete

It's still in the car, I will hang on to it as long as you need me to. It has cop car brakes on it as part of the 5-lug conversion, Ha-Ha!

We are still waiting on the new 8.8 to come back from Scribner.

If I don't spend all my money at the Portland Swap Meet, Hopefully I can get that coupe. I'll let you know how it works it

Pete

Originally Posted by 351bolt

If I don't spend all my money at the Portland Swap Meet, Hopefully I can get that coupe. I'll let you know how it works it

Pete

Dude, if I had your money, I would burn mine!

The last time I went to the April Portland swap I walked for eight hours, with out taking a break and still didn't cover the entire deal. The Hillbilly Swap in Puyallup is getting bigger and bigger every year, I may have to give up the Early Bird and switch up to that one.

Gregg

Originally Posted by MCCUTCHEON4

Dude, if I had your money, I would burn mine!

The last time I went to the April Portland swap I walked for eight hours, with out taking a break and still didn't cover the entire deal. The Hillbilly Swap in Puyallup is getting bigger and bigger every year, I may have to give up the Early Bird and switch up to that one.

Gregg

Well we are going down Wednesday night and it rusn thursday thru sunday. It takes all four days to cover it. At least I'm not looking for much, so maybe i can save some money

pete