V6 to V8 Camaro Swap Part 2: The Engine Goes in!

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Welcome to Part 2 of our V6 to V8 Camaro Swap series! In this highly anticipated video, we'll be taking you through the installation of the brand new V8 engine into our Camaro.
You'll see us carefully preparing the engine bay to ensure a smooth installation, from removing the old engine to making any necessary modifications to accommodate the new one. We'll also share with you some of the challenges we faced during this process, and how we overcame them.
We'll show you the tools and techniques we use to safely and properly install the V8 engine, ensuring it is aligned and secured in the engine bay. This is a crucial step to ensure that the engine performs to its maximum potential.
Once the engine is in place, we'll perform some initial tests to make sure everything is functioning as it should before we attempt to start the engine. We'll share with you some of the tests we perform to ensure that everything is running smoothly before we try to bring the V8 engine to life.
This video will provide you with an in-depth look at the engine installation process, so you can gain valuable insight into your own engine swap project. So, if you're ready to watch us install the new V8 engine into our V6 Camaro, be sure to check out this exciting video!

[@quiseanmills5997]

Definitely subbing to see the rest of the process! Got a 2013 camaro might do the same

[@connormckenzie5648]

My goal is to figure out a path that everyone can follow and end with a reliable v8. Biggest thing I’ve learned is how different each year of the 5th gens are

[@RcFlashlight]

@@connormckenzie5648 I sure do appreciate this video. I really would like to do this with my 2013 V6 manual. I wanna v8, but they're so hard to find in inferno orange color for a reasonable price, or it's not the right specs.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Would you like if I made a video on painting the engine?

[@cobra30689]

Nice job brother! Definitely going to keep tabs on your progress.....especially the electrical aspect of the swap. That seems to be the tripping point for many.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you for the support. The computers are definitely giving me some issues right now but I'm hoping I will have the car running by the end of this week.

[@antor.j.medrano]

This is an amazing job.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you!

[@CAMARO5th.GEN.]

Very good video, there must been plenty of work. I was replacing V6 engine but swap to V8 is a higher level. Good job!

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you, it was a lot of work but even with 0 knowledge going into it, it was a fairly simple process.

[@vinnyparnell]

This is sick I have a 2015 rs I’m looking to do this with can’t wait to see it all done bro🙏

[@connormckenzie5648]

I cant wait for it to be all done too! :)

[@GsStyleModsAndSpecs]

New subscriber. This build will be awesome.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thanks for Subscribing. Running in to some ESU/BCM problems but am being helped by an awesome tuning shop near me. What are some mods I should do that you would be interested in?

[@ConnorHoban3]

this f***ing awesome. I will watching every single video on this and taking notes as I have the same exact thing v6 to v8 I wanna do.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Getting the computers to talk is proving to be quite difficult but I believe im getting close!

[@_prod.by.tek_]

very excited to see the process cause im about to do my 2012 camaro

[@connormckenzie5648]

When it’s done I want to make a complete step by step guide on the process and every problem that I faced

[@Chevyshow]

Can’t wait to see a smoky burnout 🔥🔥🔥

[@connormckenzie5648]

I promise it will be the smokiest burnout anyone has ever seen!!!

[@codycargill4521]

This is awesome, bro you’re so cool for posting such great videos!

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you, the car is currently at the shop to get the old keys programmed to the new BCM and then part 3 will come out. Making a Q & A Video that will hopefully be out tomorrow.

[@codycargill4521]

@@connormckenzie5648 I look forward to it!

[@connormckenzie5648]

me too

[@johnwagner8465]

That's awesome

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you!

[@JBirdBlackCrow]

Awww Man! I want more! This is so cool to watch. Love the drive bro. Hope all is well with you and the build. I'm subbing to see more to come.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you for the positive feedback. I’m able to get the car to start but it will only run for about a second. Swapping dash harness again this weekend

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

@@connormckenzie5648 are you making a video for us? Would love to learn more about this swap because I just bought another 3.6 for wife's car. Should be here Tuesday. I couldn't find any detailed videos showing how to do the swap smh.

[@connormckenzie5648]

I wasn't able to find any resources online. Most things I ordered got returned.

[@kanairsforte23]

Yup I’m subbed now I’m stuck lol I have a 2020 2.0l and I wanna swap it so now I’m here

[@connormckenzie5648]

After a lot of going to multiple shops trying to get the computers to talk I decided to send the car to a GM dealership. So I will keep you updated.

[@WhoBrio]

Really looking forward to see how the electronics turn out, seems like that’s what is most difficult.

[@connormckenzie5648]

So far everything has went along relatively smoothly. Tomorrow Im getting a new key programed to the BCM and hopefully it will start.

[@great4ever845]

@@connormckenzie5648 wait did you change out transmission ?

[@connormckenzie5648]

@@great4ever845 I took out the v6 with the v6 trans and put in the v8 in with the v8 trans attached.

[@kabrenkearse4907]

@@connormckenzie5648besides motor trans rear end and exu what did you do. Help please!!! I have a mexhanic trying to get started on this

[@rettstewart6004]

I have a 2010 rs and want to swap it. I’d love to see a detailed video of all the necessary parts for the swap!

[@connormckenzie5648]

My car is at GM now getting the IPC, BCM and ECU programmed. They told me it should be done next week so I will make a full detailed video then showing the entire process!

[@BigRichEHhthang100]

Want mounts did you use to change over bruh I’m on in the first 1st quarter with mine

[@connormckenzie5648]

I used the original stock v6 mounts. They were in great shape and work perfectly.

[@richki.24]

nice work so far ... I'm going to drop in a V-8 in my 2013 2LT hopefully this summer ...

[@connormckenzie5648]

I getting the engine in for me was so easy. Hopefully I will have my car done soon and can make a step by step guid.

[@richki.24]

@@connormckenzie5648 awesome

[@xojeany13]

I wouldn't. Unless you don't want any electronics to work.

[@connormckenzie5648]

@@xojeany13 With the new BCM my radio did lock but that was expected. Looking to upgrade to apple car play.

[@googlepixel6pro131]

Sickkk

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you

[@Chevyshow]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@connormckenzie5648]

Thank you

[@isaacphillips8543]

What did you do for motor mounts? Does the l99 and v6 use the same mounts and location?

[@connormckenzie5648]

I used my V6 mounts for the LS3 and they were the exact same

[@sharkness01]

Very Cool. I wish I could do something like that. How did someone your age become so knowledgeable? I am 62 and have a supercharged (Procharger) 2002 WS-6 Trans-Am that ALWAYS needs something worked on and I struggle...ALOT. I wish I could learn how to do what you know how to do. I would like to see more on how your build went.

[@connormckenzie5648]

To be honest I have 0 mechanical background and this was my first time ever seeing an engine out of a car but it was my only car so I had to make it work. You can achieve anything when the stakes are high enough.

[@paulwarren1586]

A friend of mine suggested that I should put a supercharger on my 2017 Camaro SS, so I went ahead and traded it in for a 2019 ZL1 1LE, but I hope that your swap goes without a hitch.

[@connormckenzie5648]

ZL1 is my dream car. Is it as awesome as everyone says it is?

[@BigRichEHhthang100]

What mounts did you use

[@connormckenzie5648]

Sorry it took long to respond. If you have any time sensitive questions DM me on instagram @Connor.Michael.Mckenzie

[@StormrageGaming]

Would love to see that guide. I have a 2011 Synergy Green Camaro I ADORE but it's a V6. I want to V8 swap it, before I consider trading it in for a Krypton SS or something. The 2010 SS in Synergy is so hard to find for a decent price or I'd have went that way ^^'

[@connormckenzie5648]

Im waiting to get my car 100% before making a guide but its definitely on the list.

[@customautomotiveandtires]

I’m doing this swap now , I have a 2012 Camaro Ss with tr6060 swapping a 2011 Camaro Ss , but I herd they have a lot of wiring issues . So I am going to swap whole cars wire harness whole dash ! I have a programmer and has a key maker on it so this will save money from me sending to dealer . Any info would help

[@connormckenzie5648]

I ended up getting a donar car and swapped the dash harness, engine harness, fusebox in the engine ECU, BCM, IPC, Mobilizer, radio, on-star unit and another module next to it, steering wheel airbag, fuel pump, and the airbag module and with HP Tuners deleted vats and some other things I was able to get it so start and drive. Had my first drive yesterday and it was a blast.

[@Trumprightear]

I wonder will changing my v6 fwd impala 09 to an 5.3 v8 be very difficult Ik it will be pricey tho

[@connormckenzie5648]

I know nothing ab front wheel drive. That would be an awesome swap tho!!!

[@mrpopo5854]

Hey brotha I’m glad people are actually attempting this. All I see on the camaro5 forums is “Just get an SS”. I know it’s way harder to do it on this gen than previous ones cuz of all the extra bs you gotta deal with. I have a clapped out 2010 v6 camaro thats at the end of its life im thinking of doing a 5.3 swap with a ls6 intake and heads build with a turbo. Any thoughts?

[@connormckenzie5648]

I know a 5.3 can hold some boost so that should be a really cool build. I believe the only modification you have to make to the engine is swapping the oil pan for a low profile one.

[@xojeany13]

@@connormckenzie5648 Did you ever get the electronics to work?

[@connormckenzie5648]

@@xojeany13 With the original BCM everything work as normal but with the new BCM the radio locked. Im not sure if there is a way to make it accept a new VIN # but would like to sell it.

[@Bones5523]

Is there more to just changing out the trans and engine what else did you replace? Iam asking because I have a Camaro and would want to know what all I need to to change out if you or anyone can help greatly appreciate it

[@connormckenzie5648]

There are like 8 modules in the car that have a VIN inside and if the modules VINs don't match then the car wont start. I believe if you have an ECU with the matching BCM and the same year/model dash harnesses you should be fine

[@montana1636]

So much easier to do that the right way

[@connormckenzie5648]

I was so drunk doing this I dont even remembered how we even did it.

[@mannym1027]

I currently have a 2010 camaro SS auto and I’m looking for a v6 with a clean body to swap my car into. Any tips on what I’d need to transfer from my current car to make it easier? Basically I have a functional donor car. I see in the comments you mention the BCM a lot. looks like your main problem

[@connormckenzie5648]

If you are swapping everything out just to get a nicer frame/ body you wont have to worry too much about electronics. You may have an airbag warning light but thats about it. Look for a 2010-2012 as 2013 and up has electronic power steering and a slightly different way of connecting the engine wire harness to the dash harness. So far all of the v8 parts have fit perfectly on the v6 body because the v6 and v8 have the same body. As long as you have the right tools, take your time, have a friend and enough beer it should be a very fun process.

[@mannym1027]

So update I have the V6 car to swap my SS into, which computers do I have to take out

[@connormckenzie5648]

Technically just the BCM and ECU but I was having some problems so im replacing ECU, BCM, IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) and radio.

[@raheemkarim9942]

Video was just what am looking for GREAT😁👍 i have a 2013 2lt v6 . I have purchased a damaged 2014 SS , both auto trans . Should this be a simple swap ? Already have a aftermarket head unit , am worried about running in to problems with the electronics

[@connormckenzie5648]

I honestly dont think you have to change that much, I would just swap the ECU, BCM, IPC, Mobilizer, radio, on-star unit and another module next to it (behind glovebox), and the airbag modules (Under center console) If you need vats deleted just pay shipping and ill do it for free.

[@raheemkarim9942]

I have hp tuners , do I delete the VATS on my V6 computers before I get started ? Or do they need deleting on the V8 computers ? I already have a after market radio & OnStar dosnt work in the UK anyway so will it still need changing ? I can't seem to find the location of the mobilizer ?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Just delete VATs patch 1 and 2 and make sure to write entire. Also make sure to unlock the ECU and the BCM in HP tuners. Sorry for the late reply :(

[@mikaylajenkins5900]

Wanna make my 2019 v6 camaro a v8 but I don't know what all the parts are to the drivetrain other than the engine and transmission and I can't find anywhere that gives me a list of parts I need

[@connormckenzie5648]

That is the scary part. I was blindly ordering stuff of of Ebay not knowing if it was going to work or not. Is you car automatic or manual?

[@paskracing77]

I've done the same swap

[@connormckenzie5648]

LOL, clicked on your channel and I've watched both of the Camaro videos. You are part of the reason why im doing this swap!

[@JackDaRippa601]

Did yall use factory k member

[@connormckenzie5648]

Yes, even the engine mounts are the same!

[@samthomas381]

i need every detail! wanting to do this to my 2012

[@connormckenzie5648]

The video after part 3 will be a highly detailed video where I show you every problem I ran into and how I got passed it.

[@MrJaimerr09]

Wait what didn’t fit cuz it was 2 different cars the radiator ? Would it fit if it was the same year only difference v8

[@connormckenzie5648]

The v8 radiator is a little different so I got a new one of those. I ended up keeping the v6 fan shroud and condenser because it was expensive to replace but the bolt holes didn’t line up so I made those little copper brackets.

[@scotthemwall4751]

Does this really just fit in there like that you don’t have to make any modifications to the engine bay?

[@connormckenzie5648]

For me it did because the engine came out of a 2013 Camaro SS but if you get an LS from a truck you will need a low profile oil pan.

[@kristeeamerica5132]

waiting for part 3 wanna know what you need as far as wiring goes... What all did you have to change with ecu and wiring harness

[@connormckenzie5648]

The ECU and wire harness came with the 2013 LS3 but the 2013 wire harness has a separate plug that is supposed to connect to the car but the 2011 Camaro doesn't have that plug. So I had to buy a 2011 Camaro 1SS harness. Since I am switching from automatic to Manual I also needed to get a new BCM and dash harness to have the extra wire for the clutch pedal position sensor. I haven't worked on the car in a week because I went on vacation but today is my last day so part 3 will be up soon.

[@kristeeamerica5132]

@@connormckenzie5648 awesome ill be watching my car is already a 6speed manual

[@connormckenzie5648]

@@kristeeamerica5132 You lucky dog, the manual swap was not exactly fun!

[@funguy7979]

What have you done to upgrade the suspension?

[@connormckenzie5648]

A few years ago I put on lowering springs which made the car hit every pothole extremely hard. I still have the lowering springs in but will probably be redoing the entire suspension with the new motor

[@hacklaurent9412]

Was all the ac line the same

[@connormckenzie5648]

I believe they were, I did end up putting new lines in because my AC was broken prior to the swap and I wanted everything to be nice and ready to go

[@camarolife4331]

Did you have to change any motor mounts

[@connormckenzie5648]

I did not. My v6 motor mounts were in great condition so I just reused them and the LS3 fit in perfectly

[@dawn1887]

ayo hope the next part comes out mess with the build

[@connormckenzie5648]

Working on it. Have had the computers at 3 shops and am finally going to a GM dealership to either get them programmed properly or just get new computers. The appointment is Wednesday next week so I will keep you posted!

[@johnwagner8465]

Wow

[@connormckenzie5648]

🤯

[@yoyitosfilms86]

What motor mount use? Stock LS?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Yes. It was an LS3 from a 2013 Camaro SS

[@johnnyrush5066]

What about the rear end since u put another transmission, did u have to change the rear end??

[@connormckenzie5648]

The rear end is still the same but I had to use the back end of the v6 auto driveshaft and connect it with the front of the v8 manual driveshaft. I will explain in more detail in the upcoming video!

[@johnnyrush5066]

Thanks brother ,Connor did your next video drop yet with more details ?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Not yet because im still stuck on the computers but I think I will have a running and driving car by tomorrow!!! I have already started editing the next video, that's how confident I am feeling.

[@kabrenkearse4907]

Yoo bro can you tell me everything i need i have 2014 v6 tryna keep and put ss motor in so i wont have payments lmk if you can big dog

[@connormckenzie5648]

I cant give you an exact step by step because you have a different car but I should be able to answer any questions or help you with any problems that you may encounter?

[@jerryl8093]

Was your car already a manual before installing the tr6060?

[@connormckenzie5648]

No, swapping to manual made me scream a lot while alone in my driveway. Don't think this swap is possible without alcohol.

[@jerryl8093]

@@connormckenzie5648 🤣🤣🤣 im already knowing mann, im doing the same swap good thing mine was already a manual though

[@jerryl8093]

@@connormckenzie5648 im going to bypass bcm tho. Using hp tuners, disabling vats & all that. should start right up after writing tune

[@connormckenzie5648]

Did you get it started? Send me some videos @Connor.Michael.McKenzie on insta

[@Hoodrichtj]

Full part list?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Coming soon

[@mgfvhdzzz6825]

What type of v8 is it???

[@connormckenzie5648]

2013 LS3 from a 2013 Camaro SS

[@boostedgbody]

Did you have to change the k member

[@connormckenzie5648]

I did not

[@boostedgbody]

@@connormckenzie5648 what mounts did you use

[@connormckenzie5648]

all stock v6 mounts. I did have to get a transmission cross member because I switched from an auto to a manual trans.

[@jaysammedrano8755]

have you finished it yet?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Finished enough to where I drive it everyday, but still a lot more to come!

[@jaysammedrano8755]

any tips i’m about to throw a 5.3 in here

[@connormckenzie5648]

Message me in insta @Connor.michael.mckenzie if you have any questions but get a donor car!

[@jorgemisael4792]

I love it, How much money have you spend on this swap

[@connormckenzie5648]

I don’t even want to know. 🤦‍♂️

[@connormckenzie5648]

But I will be adding everything up in a final video. Can’t wait to see how much money I spent vs how much of that money was useful.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Just finished adding everything up, not to spoil the video im about to post but it was over 18K

[@Chevyshow]

Looks like you could’ve left the whole front bumper in tact and just remove the hood 😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@connormckenzie5648]

The amount of unnecessary work I did is truly unbelievable 😂😂

[@Chevyshow]

@@connormckenzie5648 it be like that sometimes bro 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@connormckenzie5648]

Im just hoping that my next move is the right one. There is a pretty good chance that by tomorrow night the car will be finished

[@DanielCastillo-ji3tg]

Next video pleaseeeeee

[@connormckenzie5648]

Not much has happened in the past 2 months. Had it at 3 different shops to figure out the computers and its currently at GM as they are the only ones that can get the 4 digit security code for the IPC to reprogram all the computers to the same VIN.

[@ADN818]

Any update it's been one year

[@connormckenzie5648]

I feel like that would be a good video

[@jazminejohnson7560]

Would this part smog

[@connormckenzie5648]

I guess we will never know

[@ramoncruz9910]

❤❤❤❤❤👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏽👏🏻👏🏽👏🏻👏🏻👏🏽👏🏻

[@connormckenzie5648]

😎😎😎

[@germellescott6507]

You didn’t have to change the suspension

[@connormckenzie5648]

I havent yet but I think I probably will be changing the suspension after the swap is done.

[@iRocz.]

my man be carefull putting those bricks under a car/truck ive laid a few cars on there belly because they broke on me.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Ig I’ll invest in some normal jack stands

[@connormckenzie5648]

Because of you I now own 2, 6 ton jack stands

[@iRocz.]

@@connormckenzie5648 aay nice they will pay for themselves with the peace of mind you’ll have ,not worrying about any accidents stay safe brotha.

[@connormckenzie5648]

I regret getting the 6 ton ones, they are way to tall for the car but when they're in place I have so much room under the car, Its like a poor mans lift.

[@michaelmoore3050]

Cheaper to buy a real SS just because that's alot of work first of all,second you have to swap damn near everything out a SS and still have a car that need interior, brakes,rear-end and who knows what else but I guess it's your dream?🤔

[@connormckenzie5648]

It is a lot more money to buy an SS compared to doing the swap, but doing the swap is not for everyone. The car has a full interior and the V6 brakes work really well, Brembo is definitely better but its an easy switch especially if you have a donor car. My next dream to to make a mid engine camaro, now that will be a waste a time! lol

[@michaelmoore3050]

I agree 👌 Not any better myself since I did a 6l80e to manuel swap ,cost me 5,000 to get it going and still had to do alot of prep work before I took it to a transmission shop.Pedals and brake was the hard part tho?

[@venomzls455]

Next vid?

[@connormckenzie5648]

Just got the car to GM and there hasn’t been much progress over the last month.

[@venomzls455]

@@connormckenzie5648 I really would love to do this to mine

[@zimnesamsen]

This is when a boy becomes a man

[@connormckenzie5648]

😂😂

[@NeoTheOne41]

Definitely cheaper and less time consuming to just by a V8, a V8 is much more than just a engine, the car is lacking all the other components to support a V8 engine.

[@connormckenzie5648]

Definitely less time consuming but besides cooling all the other components are basically all the same.

[@sleaze7mile574]

You didn’t need to swap rear end??

[@connormckenzie5648]

Rear dif and axels are all stock v6

[@googlepixel6pro131]

Subbd

[@connormckenzie5648]

thank you!!!