Expert advice needed!

Would a 2001 intrigue 3.5 engine fit into a 1999 intrigue 3.5?

Thanks your opinions are greatly appreciated.

Not an expert but will give you my opinion. I can say with confidence, that the 1999 3.5 L had very few if any changes during its short lifespan. So you should not have a problem with this engine swap.

I wouldn't hesitate to give it a go. I agree that there arent any differences between the engines, at least none weve ever come to know about.

There is a 3.5 engine listed on eBay and the listing mentions the following which may apply also to a 2001:


Good used engine that was in a 2000 Olds Intrigue.This is a 3.5L.GM option LX5.It is a V6.This was taken out as an average salvage yard take out , put in.This consist of the intake and exhaust manifolds along with the harmonic balancer.

Interchange (for exact factory fit):

Direct interchange: 2000 Intrigue.

It will fit the 1999 Intrigue by swapping the intake manifold and the fuel rail from the original engine.

The intake manifold and fuel rail may be different for you also and need to be switched.

Thats very interesting, I know there were some changes made to the 3.8 in those areas right around 99-00, but I didnt know about the 3.5, definetely hang on to your old engine when you do the swap, and if you can find out what the differences are, im curious to know.

Well my engine blew when my son was using the car.. 2 used engines(1999) that were replaced were knocking.. now it seems that the parts dealer is having a hard time trying to find another 99.. He said that he has a 2001, he will see if there is any difference between them.

How did the other tow engines fail? Yes the Intrigue has numerous issues but the 3.5L engine itself is pretty reliable. Other then the oil burning and you do have a warning light to protect against low oil, I haven't heard of too many things that would make the engine fail.

About the changes engine should be exactly the same from 99-02.

The mpg on the new car window sticker was 19-28 for 99-01 3.5 and the 02 is 20-30

I want my car to do that 20-30 also what did olds do, could it be the ECU?

How did the other tow engines fail? Yes the Intrigue has numerous issues but the 3.5L engine itself is pretty reliable. Other then the oil burning and you do have a warning light to protect against low oil, I haven't heard of too many things that would make the engine fail.

Both engines were knocking once they were installed! I am still waiting after 2 months. I hope this 2001 engine fits so I can drive the car again.. what a pain.

I beleive guys hulkster was a victim of the UIM failure, it's reparible and not that expesive as buying a new engine, can you be more specific how your engine blew? we can give you directions how to repair it instead of buying a new one

but in the other hand it would be pretty interesting to see if the swap can be done

I beleive guys hulkster was a victim of the UIM failure, it's reparible and not that expesive as buying a new engine, can you be more specific how your engine blew? we can give you directions how to repair it instead of buying a new one


UIM failures in the 3.5 engine are almost unheard of, so thats probably not the case, if it was a 3.8 id probably be agreeing. But I cant think of a single case of a 3.5 UIM failure that ive heard of.

UIM failures in the 3.5 engine are almost unheard of, so thats probably not the case, if it was a 3.8 id probably be agreeing. But I cant think of a single case of a 3.5 UIM failure that ive heard of.
Oh! you're right, I didn't pay attn to the 3.5, I just paid attn to the year of the car and ..... oh never mind I screwed LOL

I beleive guys hulkster was a victim of the UIM failure, it's reparible and not that expesive as buying a new engine, can you be more specific how your engine blew? we can give you directions how to repair it instead of buying a new one

The engine is unrepairable.. there is a hole in the engine.

Dayum.......

but his reply was intended for a different engine than you have anyway, but still...thats a new one on me...Im curious how that happened now.

but in the other hand it would be pretty interesting to see if the swap can be done
about a month ago i helped my buddy throw a 454 in an S10 so im gonna go ahead and say yes its probably possible

Well it's been 2 weeks since they installed the 2000 engine in my 99 intrigue, Iam keeping my fingers crossed but so far everything is fine works well no problems .