Thread: Question about the Top Swap route.

I'm close at getting every parts needed to do a top swap, but recently I was told that a top swapped l36 would be VERY unreliable and would KR much. Is it true?

I just want a bit more oomph not really heading to drop that much in pulley size, maybe 3.4" max with all supporting mods, but not now.

It's starting to make me think about only going the N/A route and doing basic things, but N/A ain't as fun as boosted.

Turbo would be quite the same route as pulling in forced induction on high compression block. And more expensive, not really a turbo guy either ways.

Mhmh I read somewhere here once that boost loved high compression, but that guy over the phone told me that it hated it. Made me think about what I wanted to do.

considering the time and effort youre gonna put, and the fact that you will continue to mod after top swaping (everyone does), grabbing a turbo kit is cheaper overall if youre aiming for 300whp or more.

topswap if done properly (that means at least getting headers along with it, thats the bare minimum) AND with a proper tune should be fairly reliable. its the tranny you should be worried about.

Originally Posted by hitman92499

Like I said, I've run top-swapped for 20k with no issues. In fact, she's getting a Gen V, IC, XP cam, 42.5lb injectors, headers, exhaust now. High compression just means it requires less "boost" to make the same power.

see, you couldhave thrown a turbo for about as much money and make about as much power on stock internals.

you need to have the pcm tuned, and you should be ok with headers, and a stock pulley. maybe a 3.4

Well as said I don't want to go the turbo route, I don't plan on getting that much boost anyway, 300hp would probably be my limit, I plan on keeping my car till I can get to see what the new Chevy SS will look like.

Now my question is just, would it be as reliable as right now with it top swapped? (I know that the tranny is the weak link)

Originally Posted by WolvesSoulZ

Well as said I don't want to go the turbo route, I don't plan on getting that much boost anyway, 300hp would probably be my limit, I plan on keeping my car till I can get to see what the new Chevy SS will look like.

Now my question is just, would it be as reliable as right now with it top swapped? (I know that the tranny is the weak link)

i'd do it, there are a bunch of people running top swapped.

the trans you could get a HD diff and put that in. saw one for sale in the for sale section.

I will probably end up going the top swap route, I'm currently saving for it, should have another 1100$ paycheck next week, still going to lack a bit for fluids and the like, but I'm setting up stuff with Will from Overkilled.

We're two top swapping at the same time, my 2000 GT and my friend's 2001 GT. So we save a bit on some parts and things.

But as the point of this thread, I just want to be sure that it will be alright, and that we'll be able to drop to a 3.4" pulley later on with supporting mods.

About the transmissions, I will probably be getting a HD diff later on in the summer.

just remember, sh1ts gonna break.

What? The transmission?

I think that was more of a generalization. If you start modifying a car, you need to be ready for things to go wrong.

Ah I know that. But I figure that with a basic top swap with everything needed to go with it, I shouldn't have too much problem concerning the engine. Maybe the transmission and other basic parts. I'm still due for new brake discs and pads for this year, and rear strut mounts.

But am I good to go with the top swap route, it is what I am asking you. I just want a bit more oomph as said. And it wouldn't be cost efficient to just get a GTP, I'm way too bond to my GT.