Considering replacing 3800

[prcockram]

I have a 93 Trans Sport 3800, 192,000 miles, has a slight engine knock and fairly low oil pressure. I am considering replacing the motor, but need to know about interchangeability. I have a chance to get a remanufactured 3800 from a 1990 Bonneville SSE with low miles cheap. Will this interchange with mine? What about other years/models? I'm also thinking about replacing the tranny at the same time (mine has the typical TCC shudder and when I unplug the TCC switch, it stays in 3rd gear constantly), what models / years will work?

Thanks!

[LMP]

I suggest you pay a visit to the BOnneville section of AUtomotive FOrums and ask a few questions there. These pals have conducted a lot more engine swaps than used to be with Transports, including superchargers...I'd like that. Based on past readings, block itself is not an issue..but accessories are placed in different manners but old parts and brackets then can be reinstalled on new block. ALso, if engine type is different (there are several versions of the 3800) the electronics should come with it so better stay with the L27.

[prcockram]

Originally Posted by LMP

ALso, if engine type is different (there are several versions of the 3800) the electronics should come with it so better stay with the L27.

OK, color me stupid... what is the L27? The person I'm talking with about the motor says it will replace any Series I and some Series II engines. I guess that's actually what I'm asking... is the 93 3800 Series I or II? Also, if the block is the same, in theory I should be able to use my intake/sensors, etc to match the electronics, right? (Sorry, my only motor swap experiences have been with engines imported from Japan with Japanese electronics/ emissions equipment - I could just direct swap my intake/exhaust manifolds and associated equipment to install)

Thanks for the reply, I will search the Bonneville forum as well.

Paul

[LMP]

L27 is a series I. L27 is the version specific to Transport and Oldsmobiles/Bonnevilles of early '90 vintage, even if it does not show in that link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_3800_engine
Series 2 was introduced sometime in 1995 but Transport '95 still used Series 1. Series 2 is internally highly modified compared to series 1 and starting in '96 only the 3.4 was available in Transport, but I'd check if '93 exhaust manifolds and accessory brackets will fit on series II block; I do not know, I just suggest to have a serious look at these concerns. Given the specs about the Series 2, it could be a hell of an improvement, ...surely, the series 2 takes its added power by revving higher but I wonder if low end torque would beat the L27...generally in high rev engines the cam is modified so the torque is available at an higher rpm and it may leave you empty at the low end...and since you have the same transmission and ratios, it could be sluggish at low rpm....you could have to run the gears higher to feel the added power... it might be fun...but might need a lot of other fancies to come with it. Flatly, unless in search for adventure, I'd stick with a L27 of years 93-95 preferably.
...read this too

[Paul Taylor]

I looked at putting a Series II in mine. But i would have to use all the acessories and inlet / exhaust manifolds from my Series I.
Luckily i have found a very low milage Series I and its being installed into my Trans Sport as we speak.

I think the Series I is a good engine. As long as Service intervals are stuck too and high quality oils are used it should be reliable as another other modern engine.

Paul Taylor.
UK

[zephram22]

Originally Posted by prcockram

I have a 93 Trans Sport 3800, 192,000 miles, has a slight engine knock and fairly low oil pressure. I am considering replacing the motor, but need to know about interchangeability. I have a chance to get a remanufactured 3800 from a 1990 Bonneville SSE with low miles cheap. Will this interchange with mine? What about other years/models? I'm also thinking about replacing the tranny at the same time (mine has the typical TCC shudder and when I unplug the TCC switch, it stays in 3rd gear constantly), what models / years will work?

Thanks!

I'm not really sure that they are compatible. I'd REALLY look into it before you end up wasting a huge ammount of money and time.