Need Advice From A 3800 GM Interchangeability Expert

[JohnnyWadd]

Okay, I need some help here. I've got a 1994 Pontiac Bonneville. It has a 3800 Series I L27 General Motors V6 under the hood. See the photo below:



The engine in this car is shot. I like the car, so I don't want to get rid of it. The question I have is one of interchangeability. I understand that the L27 that I've got and the LN3 (sometimes known as the Pre-Series I) are very similar. I've got access to an LN3 out of a 1990 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. Here's a photo of what they look like:



So, for all of you experts out there, can you tell me whether or not I can drop this LN3 in place of my L27? I've done a bit of research, but it's been a bitch so far. What I've gathered is that the engines themselves (not sure whether this just means the short-block or includes the heads as well) are very similar. But, no consensus has been reached as to whether I can drop the long-block in, then take the intake, throttle body, and all other peripheral components off of my old engine and bolt them on to make the thing go.

Is there anyone out there who can help me out with this? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your efforts.

Jon

[ChemMan]

Forget the mechanical differences, the differences in computer controls will probably be a bear to overcome.