Hey guys I want to swap out my 68 ohc6 to a v8 this year and I know quite a few of you have done this. I would like to know if the frame mounts for a v8 will bolt right up? Or if I have to drill the mounting holes? Also can I order a new v8 engine compartment wiring harness that I can plug in the firewall and be compatible from the 6 to the 8 ? I've tried to search on the forum but haven't found anything. If anyone can please give me your advice and installation tips on these two matters i would greatly appreciate it.
Get an Ames Performance catalog. You can download a PDF of the catalog.
You should have no problem just using V8 mounting hardware on the existing frame holes. The only issue you might have is with using a mid to late 70's block that only has the 3 hole post 1970 motor mount setup. In that case you will need additional adapter brackets. The V8 motor mounts for FGF's just utilize the pre 1970 2 hole mounts on the block. The early 70's blocks have all five holes and will work fine.
You should be able to get the V8 wiring harness from Ames and should just plug in like you said.
Is that a Sprint OHC 4 barrel setup or just the 1 barrel OHC? The sprint setup is pretty cool and has somewhat of a collectability value.
Thanks for the information Bob those two the mounts and wiring harness was holding me back especially the frame mounts. Yes it is a sprint zd engine runs great but no thrill to me will eventually sell it because I won't be putting it back in. I've had the car for awhile and earlier on I bought a couple 400's to install but never did. What happened is I never knew what a firebird sprint was and as time went by I learned about the ohc6 and was having second thoughts about degrading the originality of the car. But I ain't gettin any younger and don't want to start on another ride so I've decided to make the swap so I can enjoy it. You mentioned about the later engine and bolt holes. Years ago I bought a 79 400 pwh engine from a guy cheap he wanted to install it in his 65 gto but he couldn't bolt it in so I bought it also not knowing about the engine bolt holes or adapter plates. Thanks again I've got a few more parts to gather up then ill make the swap.
I just did the swap on my 67 it was ohc6 one barrel, it was pretty easy to do, just got the v8 frame mounts bolted right in no issues at all, also if you are goin to change transmissions you might need a new cross member I put a 200 4r overdrive trans in mine and bought a cross member from bowtie Industries for a 67 Camaro and it works perfectly!! As for wiring I went to hei ignition and it's very easy setup also and didn't need a wiring harness, just had to re route some wires pretty basic and easy to do tho, my only issue is my headers won't fit because my car is a column shift car and the linkage in right in the way of the left side header so I'm switching to a floor shift, also doin power disk brake conversion and competition engineering traction bars because my car didn't come factory with any torque arms on my rear end, here are some pictures of the swap, out with the old and in with the new!!
Wow thanks RckstrRobbie super clean firebird and your installation looks very impressive and professional. I was hoping to hear from someone like you who recently did the swap and to be honest I'm a little scared. There I said it lol. I'm not to keen on electrical and I guess I could try to reroute the harness like you did. I wouldn't know how to wire up the distributor I will need help when I get there. If I run into a problem maybe I can message you for advice. I still have a ways to go gathering some parts. Hope your swap is everything you hoped for I know for me the six is just not fun. I'm hoping to start on my swap as soon as the weather warms up since i'll be doing the installation in the driveway. Thank you really appreciate the reply and the pictures.