I have an '84 Monte Carlo with the gutless 229 V6. My grandmother bought it new in December of 1983 and gave it to me last December. I'd like to do an LSx swap at some point, but I thought it would be way more original to do something with the stock 229. Has anyone out there played around with this engine? I'd love to do some sort of turbo setup or something, but I'm having trouble finding any information on upgrading this turd. Any input is greatly appreciated.

229 is basically a 305 with the front cylinders "lopped off". Due to the bore size, it's difficult to get the heads to flow really well.

One approach we've seen moderate success with in the past is to use a 4.3 block (a 350 without the front cylinders). Most of the performance "goodies" for 350 witll fit, like pistons, rockers, valves, etc. Comp DOES offer a couple of performance grinds, and "custom" grinds can really wake it up.

Using the 229 heads, ported and large valves installed, is actually better than most of the 4.3 head offerings.

One important aspect of the Chevy 90-deg V6 is "harmonics". Above 5,500 RPM, they become a liability unless they have significant ($$$) balancing work done. In the late '80s/early '90s, in NASCAR "Busch" racing, the 3.8 Buick engine was used instead of the 4.3 because of these harmonic issues. The Buick was MUCH better at high revs. Too bad, too, as the small block head technology "fits", and could have made 4.3 a "force to reckon with".


Helpful?

Jim

I had a 229ci (3.8) in my 82 Monte Carlo.
What a load of an engine, loved the car, hated the engine's lack of power.
I found that by advancing the timing as much as i could, it seemed to make the car run better.
It was actually a very dependable engine, just would not get you anywhere in a hurry..:shakehead

I thought it would be way more original to do something with the stock 229. .
I can admire the desire to do something original, but, respectfully, in this case, it's an expensive waste of time.

You will end up spending decent money and time and still end up with a slow car. Furthermore nobody will know or care that you took on this challange.

And if you tell anyone, they will look at you funny and ask why the hell you didn't just throw in a Chevy 350!

And they're right. It may seem that everyone over 30 has a 350, but this is because they're excellent engines that are pretty cheap to buy and build.

So.... sell or throw out the 229 and install a 350. Even a stock 350 will go faster than that 229 could ever go :)

So.... sell or throw out the 229 . :)

It would make a great boat anchor also..:rofl:

I have an '84 Monte Carlo with the gutless 229 V6. My grandmother bought it new in December of 1983 and gave it to me last December. I'd like to do an LSx swap at some point, but I thought it would be way more original to do something with the stock 229. Has anyone out there played around with this engine? I'd love to do some sort of turbo setup or something, but I'm having trouble finding any information on upgrading this turd. Any input is greatly appreciated.

you probably already called the scrap yard and had it taken away , but I'll add my 2 cents...this is exactly what my daughter had at one time..the engine/carb is a problem very poor MPG/HP...this engine just sucks gas money out of your wallet...

installing a 350 cu is a better way to go..

polution control on this vehicle was a big GM mistake as well...

the fuel tank right up against the muffler was another GM design screw up, as the fuel tank would get moisture into it with the constant heating / cooling due to this ..

I can admire the desire to do something original, but, respectfully, in this case, it's an expensive waste of time.

You will end up spending decent money and time and still end up with a slow car. Furthermore nobody will know or care that you took on this challange.

And if you tell anyone, they will look at you funny and ask why the hell you didn't just throw in a Chevy 350!

And they're right. It may seem that everyone over 30 has a 350, but this is because they're excellent engines that are pretty cheap to buy and build.

So.... sell or throw out the 229 and install a 350. Even a stock 350 will go faster than that 229 could ever go :)


I figured as much. I have a few projects to finish up before I even think about touching the MC, so maybe the prices on the newer engines will come down by then (nothing against the good ole' tree fiddy, I just don't want one). Or if all else fails, I have several VG30Es laying around. I'm sure that would confuse alot of people :rofl:.