V-8 to 6 swap

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raidmagic

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Dec 13, 2006

#1

• Dec 13, 2006

• #1

What are the ramifications if you put a V-8 in there and left the 6 cyl. suspension? Is that a rolling death trap? I have a friend looking to buy a car and that's the deal with it. He won't listen to me that this is a bad thing. Can you explain this please so I can explain it to him. Thanks for your time guys.

 

BullittStangV8

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NJ

Dec 13, 2006

#2

• Dec 13, 2006

• #2

Its not really a bad thing. Tons of people here have done it. He would probably just have to swap out some springs, shocks, and if you want sway bar. Besides that I dont really see the issue. The rear end is probably a weak one, but thats easily replaced, and may even handle the power of the v8 if its not a strong running one/mod'd one. If the body and interior are in good shape, it could be a good deal?

 

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andrewVA

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#3

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Unless he is intending to drive like a granny, then yes its unsafe. With the added weight and power of a V-8, the i6 suspension and braking systems are going to be woefully inadequate. Chances are that car will handle and stop like a total pig. If he doesn't intend to change the related systems out, tell him to leave bus lengths between him and whoever he is following.

To put it in context, I have a 67 i6 coupe. It had manual drum brakes and even with the 200 in there, I would have to leave extra distance and mash the pedal as hard as I could just to come to a rolling stop. I just tore those drums apart last weekend and everything inside was new and clean, so the brakes were definitely not shot.

So the short answer is, could he drive it safely? Yes if he babies it. Will it be any fun? No.

 

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mustangdave

My rearend needs a stud and two nuts.

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Dec 13, 2006

#4

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Well, yes and no. Drum brakes are crappy whether on a V8 or 6 cylinder car. From 67 up, the only thing different in the suspension is from the spindles out which makes it a five lug. Any old springs need to be replaced, so just replace them with slightly stiffer springs. Bigger sway bar helps.
I did the swap on a 67 and drove it with no changes for years. The brakes sucked and it leaned alot in corners so it was no performance ride for sure. As time and money allowed, I upgraded to V8 spindles (junkyard), 620 spings, roller perches, aftermarket upper control arms,etc...
If it is a pre-67 car, there are some dangers in weaker frt. end parts.

 

geostang351

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Danb., CT

Dec 13, 2006

#5

• Dec 13, 2006

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The small rear end will not handle hard pedal pumps!

 

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mustangdave

My rearend needs a stud and two nuts.

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Dec 13, 2006

#6

• Dec 13, 2006

• #6

geostang351 said:

The small rear end will not handle hard pedal pumps!

Click to expand...

I don't know what that means, but the title thread should read V8 to 6, not 6 to V8. Also, I kept my 6 banger rear end for about 10 years with no problem on a stock worn engine. I now have a 9" from a junkyard. The original read end still works perfect if anybody wants to pick it up.

 

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raidmagic

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#7

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Good info guys and yes I did botch the title.

 

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andrewVA

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#8

• Dec 13, 2006

• #8

mustangdave said:

If it is a pre-67 car, there are some dangers in weaker frt. end parts.

Click to expand...

Very good point. Maybe I missed it, but what year is the car.

67 and up the steering mechanism and most, if not all, of the suspension is the same. 65 and 66 the 6 cylinders had different, and weaker, steering and suspension systems from the 8 cylinders.

 

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raidmagic

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My mistake again I thought I said in my first post. It is a 67.

 

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danny clemens

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Dec 13, 2006

#10

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My brother had a V8 in a 6 cyl car back in the late 60's. I think it was in there when he got it. It was a 65 or 66. He tore the rear out in no time at all. He did drive somewhat spirited though.