Can I Replace my 3.5 ENGINE with a 3.8 series II-SAME YEAR

[crayii2]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the forum, but I have an issue. I have a 99 intrigue V6 3.5L. My engine has blown. I have access to an old used intrigue that has a V6 3.8L Series II engine. Does anyone know if there is any reason that I could not change the one for the other? I would appreciate any input, or any direction to find out the answer.

Thanks,

Charles

[Rolm]

Any thing is possible. Give it a try, Never forget man said "Nothing can fly that is heavier then air" Hum. Go for it and let us know

[dizzle1]

Do a L67 swap the 3.8 s/c engine and all the hardware is made no custom work and worth the extra power 215/240hp 25hp 230/280 50tq. Here is a list of all 3.8 S/C.

1996-2005 Buick Park Avenue Ultra
1997.5-2004 Buick Regal GS
1996-1999 Buick Riviera (optional 1996-97, std. 1998-99)
2004-2005 Chevrolet Impala SS
2004-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS
1996-1999 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LSS (limited)
1996-2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

[LittleHoov]

The L67 swap is feasible, but its not a plug and play situation. Youd need wiring, they also use different transmissions, or at a bare minimum a different differential and probably axles as well. It can be done, it has been done to many cars, but its not a drop in and go situation.


The Series II L36 engine is definetely feasible, I would start by looking to see what gear ratio each transmission has. The torque converters may be different, some of the wiring may be different, its really just hard to say. But if you have access to the entire car with the series II in it, I really dont see a reason why you couldnt get things to work. The engine will physically fit just fine, the mounts will either be the same, or the locations for the 3.8 mounts will probably be there. I know I have a place to mount a second dogbone mount that the 3.8 uses even on my 2000.

I personally think you need access to the entire car, not just the engine, you will definetely need the PCM and wiring harness and such. If youve got the time and the know how I think its entirely doable.

[panzer dragoon]

the 3.8L is a total dog and you will never be happy with it. Goto www.car-parts.com and find yourself a LX5 (3.5L).

Long-term wise you may see many people doing these 3.5L-->3800 swaps.

I would look on Ebay for a cheap $500-1000 Intrigue and just buy the whole damn car. Part out the rest and you will come close to breaking even or even better.

[LittleHoov]

The 3.5 is slightly more powerful than the 3.8 yes, stock for stock. But it doesnt take long with the aftermarket of the 3.8 to make up the difference.

There are H-bodies with the Series II knocking on the door of 14's. Thats also one of the heavier cars with that engine. Thats completely naturally aspirated as well.

The 3.8 in my opinion is by no means a dog, the power differences between it and the 3.5 arent just huge, the powerbands are quite a bit different. But the 3.8 is a reliable engine with good power and efficiency.

But Panzer does have a good idea about finding a wrecked Intrigue with a good 3.5 engine and swapping that out. That might be a better, easier option. The L36 swap is entirely feasible, but I dont know what little things may be lurking that are different, and those little things can quickly become expensive.

[panzer dragoon]

http://austin.craigslist.org/car/393189061.html $900 Intrigue

[crayii2]

Thanks Everyone for the input. I haven't decided what the best route is. The car i bought with the 3.8 is in pretty rough condition cosmetically whereas my car with the 3.5 is in great condition except for the engine. Its funny whoever posted the car from craigslist, because that is the car I bought. I do have the whole car at my disposal, and I cannot seem to find another 3.5 used engine anywhere. I was hoping it would be more of an easy swap.

[LittleHoov]

Ebay almost always has used 3.5 engines. They typically run between 6-800 bucks I think?

If you have everything from the other car to handle all those little differences that may arise, and youre a capable, competent person. I see no reason why a 3.8 swap wouldnt work, and I think youll be plenty happy just to have a running car again.

The 3.8 is not a weak engine by any means. The only time you might notice the extra power of the 3.5 is if youre just straight up balls to the wall flooring it. Merging into traffic, passing at half-3/4 throttle, all of those somewhat sane accelerations, you will probably like the 3.8 more.

The 3.8 doesnt have that initial lag, and jumpy powerband, its just a nice smooth power delivery.

Since you already have the other car, I say tear into it, get 'er done, and keep us posted.

[panzer dragoon]

shove the 3.8 in there. I was just trying to stick up for the LX5.

With junkyard engines you never know. With your 3800 you know you have a known commodity. The 3.5L is not rebuildable so longterm the 3.8L is better.

Keep a listing of all ther parts that were needed for this swap and post the results here.

[Hoppy2]

The 3.5 Litre is not rebuildable? Why?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by panzer dragoon

the 3.8L is a total dog and you will never be happy with it.

Really? In what respect? If you are going to make a derogatory statement such as that be sure to back it up with facts.

[LittleHoov]

Originally Posted by Hoppy2

The 3.5 Litre is not rebuildable? Why?

I dont know that its not, but its one of those engines that most people wont touch. I know it requires several specialty tools just to disassemble. I know there is a special tool designed to hold the cams in place among many others im sure.