Engine Swap.

[d1ck]

Hi, I've got a 1996 Regal Custom 3.1L which knocks horribly, and the rear exhaust manifold has split. It has 137,000 km and I just found out one of my buddies has a 3.8 and tranny which he's willing to give me. I'm not sure on the year of the donor car yet, but he says it's late 80's early 90's. I'm just wondering what would be involved in doing a swap, and if it's worth my time.
Thanks a lot.
Richard.

[d1ck]

I've found out the year and model of the donor car, it's a '91 LeSabre and I also found out i can only get the engine. If anyone knows anything about doing this swap, please help me out.
Thanks.
Richard.

[GTP Dad]

The motor and transmission are not the issue here but you will also need a wiring harness, a new PCM, it is possible that the axle shafts may need to be replaced due to the different transmissions. The real issue is that the 1996 and the 1991 have different computers and the transmissions are not controlled the same. I suspect you may want to stick with another 3.1 as the swap will be much simpler.

[d1ck]

I found out that I won't be able to get the tranny from the 3.8, so would mine bolt up?

[GTP Dad]

I am not sure based on the year. I would suspect that it would but I a can't be certain. The difference in years are the issue here thus this may cause major issues.

[BNaylor]

From what I understand the tranny from a '96 Regal which is a 4T60E will bolt up to a Vin "C", Vin "L" or Vin "K" 3800. Tranny RPO code M13.

The '91 LeSabre had the RPO ME9 THM440-T4 autotransaxle which is a 4T60 and Vin "C" 3.8L.

However, that is not to say you will not have problems in the swap.

[d1ck]

Just wondering, is the engine from the 91 LeSabre the same as the 3.8 which was available in my Regal? If not, what are the differences? Thanks a lot for your helps guys.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by d1ck

Just wondering, is the engine from the 91 LeSabre the same as the 3.8 which was available in my Regal? If not, what are the differences? Thanks a lot for your helps guys.

Similar but just the earlier version. The 1996 Regal with 3.8L was the Series II 3800, Vin "K". '91 LeSabre was the 3.8L Vin "C".

[d1ck]

will the vin K have TBI?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by d1ck

will the vin K have TBI?

It has the SFI - Sequential Fuel injection system not Throttle Body Injection (TBI). But it does have a throttle body. The fuel injectors are mounted on the lower intake manifold runners on the L36 SII 3800 normally aspirated Vin K.