If you start with a 6 cylinder car and go V8 what are the issues one might run into? Obvious upgrades on cooling, brakes, exhaust, but what about the frame? What about the suspension? I am talking about a complete engine/trans drop in. What about the rear end & driveline? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Anyone have thoughts about an LS1 or LS2 as a swap? any issues? Thanks

Brakes would be the same but you'll need entirely new exhaust system. The frame will be fine unless you decide to go more than GM had intended. IIRC the springs might need to be changed but some transmissions should bolt up and the rear ends were the same. If you have a Sprint the 3:55 rear end might be a peg leg but is a nice gear for a street machine.

What car and OHC do you have and where are you in Texas?

Austin, but I don't have a specific car yet. shopping.

You should change front springs to the V8 rated springs, it will sag in the front & ride will suck with current springs. May consider the bigger sway bar as well.

Steve

engine wire harness is different

I would do sway bar and re-align the front to get the most out of the upgrade...i did in the last swapout after about a month of changing engines and it made a huge difference being able to control the new power

You will need V8 frame mounts as well. These are the brackets that connect the motor monuts to the subframe. I did that swap years back. I love the power, but now I kinda wish I'd kept the OHC6.

Every time someone pulls a factory OHC to replace it with a V8 a kitten dies.

It is interesting that when I go to cruise nights or car shows, my engine gets more attention than most all the v8s out there. Many times, the person has never seen or even heard of a Sprint motor. The others haven't seen one in 30+ years. It is almost like having a rolling museum.

Second that and gas goes a lot farther as well. 1 bbl performance is just adequate though. I could use some sprint parts for my upcoming rebuild if anyone is parting with them.

Most are not that hard to find. If you run across a harmonic balancer, the air cleaner, the carburetor linkage or the Y-pipe, jump at them.

I have a totally original 1969 convertible all documentation including copy of original title original interior, power top, power steering and this very troublesome 6 banger. Paid a fortune to get it and the super turbine 300 automatic ov erhauled. Nothing but trouble, currently have a serious problem with oil leak at oil pump to engine that I can't seem to fix. Enough is enough, parts expensive and almost impossible to find and when you encounter a problem such as this there is nobody to ask for help.

There are plenty of people to help you. You just have to find them. There quite a very knowledgeable cammers here that can help you out or point you in the right direction.

Those OHCs ar a great engine. A woman on the island has one she was thinking of selling a while back. When I told her I was interested, she said she wouldn't sell it to someone who would "Hot Rod it with a big engine". I assured her I would not remove the six, she decided not to buy a new hybrid and kept the Firebird. She drives it every day, rain, snow or shine.