Engine swap

[Evilcowboy420]

I got to thinking recently about engine swaps. So I am curious if anyone has any info on direct drop in replacement for these cars particularly mine which is the 88.

Although the non turbo cars were reliable I was curious if there is a newer engine that was a drop in.

What my ideal thing to do would be to grab a better engine and tranny and have it bolt right in. I know I would need the computer as well but I just didn't want to have to make new mounts. I know probably everything from 87 to around 90 should be a drop in but I have read about someone putting in a gm L67 3800 SC into j body cars.

Has anyone else heard of doing this? Yes I know its a lot of work but it seems like maybe a decent idea and everyone where I have read says it works. I do like how my 2.0 122 sounds and runs but I am the type of person that if I can pull an engine from a yard that is larger and more powerful then great I'm not scared of doing work.

Any input is appreciated.

Oh and the reason I am looking for a drop in is simply I was to keep the old engine as a backup and have it swap back in easily.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Probally a 2.8, 3.1, 3.4 60* Chevy V6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_60°_V6_engine#3.4.2F3400

The mounts will be different but I think the 81 carb model Citation X11 2.8 HO motor is your best bet..............and by using the 91 and up 3.1 V6 Sunbird mounts it might work.( Citation uses a cradle, J cars dont) Just use a fuel pressure regulator to step the pressure down to carb specs



X-11

The 2.8 V6 H.O. LH7 engine was more powerful in the 1981 version of the X-11. It produced 135 hp (101 kW) and 165 lb·ft (224 N·m) of torque. The car accelerated from 0-60 MPH in 8.5 seconds. The 1982 through 1984 versions of the 2.8 V6 H.O. LH7 produced 135 hp (101 kW) but the torque was down to 145 lb·ft (197 N·m), due to emission regulations. These cars accelerated to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.2 sec. The 1985 Citation X-11 had a multi-port fuel injected 2.8 V6 LB6 engine which produced 130 hp (97 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) of torque. The 1981 Citation X-11 is also faster than the 1985 model.


X-11 production.

1981: 11,631
1982: 3,864
1983: 1,934
1984: 1,458
1985: 1,687

X11 2.8 HO V6
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x76/dangrus4060/My X Cars/IM001506.jpg

You would need the trans also since the trans in your car only fits the Pontiac 1.8 -2.0 OHC bolt pattern but still is a TH125.

Overall, it would probally easier to get a OHC 88 Turbo motor since it built stronger than the stock ones and it bolts right in.

Doug in P.R.

 

[Evilcowboy420]

YEah I was thinking about the 88 turbo motor but they seem hard to come by. I know the rods were way stronger than the stock ones but still tough to find that won't cost me an arm and a leg.

I will look more into the 81 to 85 engines you pointed out.


This here is where I got the idea of the more modern engine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwrIDJghl9g&list=HL1378353325

It looks like the engine is almost made to go into the car. The guy mentioned he didn't get much traction in the backend but his is a 2 door model. I have extra weight with the 4 door so mine may be decent in the back there. Since these 3800 engines are a dime a dozen I was thinking it would be easier to come by.

The junk yard around me sells any engine you want to pull from a car for $215 and thats with tax and core included and he also includes the exhaust manifold, flywheel and the entire fuel system in the engine. You really only have to pay extra for accessories.

Either way it was just a thought of how to pull more out of these cars. I know a 3800 engine would definitely fly but I am hesitant because of the mounts. No one really says if it needs to be redone or which ones were useable.

Thanks for the links to the Engines I will be researching the crap out of them now.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

The 2.8's are great motors ( had about 4 cars/trucks with them in )

The 3.1's are great ( had 1 Beretta) in the early 90's cars but the late 90's and up had intake manifold / gaskets problems leaking coolant into the motor ( crankcase) due to Dexcool eating the silicone gaskets up. GM never recalled them and issued a service bulletin to change the intake bolts with new ones with thread locking compound. Our 2nd 3.1 99 Grand Am was starting to leak coolant when we traded it in.

I had 2 3.4's (Olds mini van and Chevy Equinox) that never had engine problems. The 05 Equinox motor was made in China, the 2000 minivan was fast , got 25 mpg on the highway and weighed 4000 lbs. Of all of the 60* V6 cars/trucks we owned, we liked the minivan the best. ( most power IMO)

Just a heads up on the 60 * V6..................


Doug in P.R.

______________________________

 

[Evilcowboy420]

Ahh thanks doug I am wondering if pulling one from an equinox is a viable idea.

It would definitely be sweet to put something like that in. I think if I ever try to put a different engine in I am going to take pics and do a complete how to guide on it. I don't think anyone really has done a how to on how to put a more modern engine in this car. They just kind of do it and then show the end result. lol

As far as HP and torque it would be a vast improvement over what I have.

Either way I may just simply buy another car and do a body off build. That way I can plan more easily on how to mount the engine and tranny.

 

[TrojanMan]

I'm looking forward to see what you do. I want a supercharger!

 

[Evilcowboy420]

I'm looking forward to see what you do. I want a supercharger!

Thanks I am really looking into that l67 3800 S/C engine. Since there are several people who have already done it. But I should probably buy a cheap beater or a bike so I can still get around when the engine is pulled.

Acceleration on the 2.0 122 engine is actually pretty damn good. with half throttle it will lean you back a bit. Not as much as other engines but thats why I am considering this because I just love the feeling of hitting the throttle and feeling the engine lean you way back in the seat.

I have read most GM cars axles line up with the trans on FWD vehicles in quite a big spectrum of model years. A new engine would make this little bird a great sleeper. But if I have to make new mounts then so be it but I would love to get away with a direct bolt in. But I think I am only gonna find that with the turbo 2.0 122. Who knows either way when funds are available then she will be getting a new more modern engine.