Operation Lipstick on a Pig

[1evilregal]

I agree with everyone, that I hope this won't be the end of this..... all the major work has already been done, and would be no more than just a simple engine swap... don't let all of the hard work go to waste!

 

[ssn696]

You can't give up now. Those engines are a dime a dozen and the concept is still cool. I would give you a hand myself if I was a little closer.

Me three. I've seen these in the UP&P, but I keep rolling on in search of Gs.

 

[fleming442]

Been looking for an engine most of the afternoon, but there's a problem with the whole concept. It puts me back where I started (minus the engineering). So, then I'm out a couple hundo for unknown problems. They don't seem to be as plentiful around here for some reason. I've seen rebuild kits around $350, but haven't pieced it out through rockauto yet. I'd love to do it right and I'd love for it to be glamorous, but in the end, this thing has failed miserably. I would (And you reading this) have been miles ahead with a 5.3.

 

[TURNA]

If it is not a daily driver rebuild what you have.

The others are in the junk yards for a reason!!

V6 Camaro/Firebird engines are always beat to pOOp

Ding dongs zooming around thinking they are hot stuff with a Flowmaster

 

[fleming442]

It is a daily. The whole problem is lack of torque. The F bodies had enough gear to make it seem peppy. Take those away, and ya ain't got much left.

 

[Wageslave]

Since you already have a top end, you can get the short block out of a FWD 3800 and move all your stuff over. They are much more plentiful than the RWD ones.

And how fast did you get with the top end run before the knock started?

 

[fleming442]

.And how fast did you get with the top end run before the knock started?

LOL it had just shifted into 3rd at 100.
Honestly, I think the oil didn't drain back quickly enough, and I pumped it dry.

 

[Turbo Zach]

Since you already have a top end, you can get the short block out of a FWD 3800 and move all your stuff over. They are much more plentiful than the RWD ones.

And how fast did you get with the top end run before the knock started?

Like he said. Get a front wheel drive engine and switch the rear wheel drive stuff over. The Grand National guys have found the 3800 is far superior to the older 109 blocks. 3800 have cross bolt main caps, roller cam, and higher nicle blocks. They take boost very well from what I have read. Only problem are the stock pistons will break at the top ring groove and the forged pistons are pricey. O and no one makes turbo headers that will fit our cars. I have a low mile engine I would sell you if you were closer.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Rebuild it with quality parts and put the Supercharged top end on it and 3.42 gears in the back. As I said swaps can be brutal but at least it is unique non belly button swap. Hopefully you can figure out the fuel gauge issue as well.

 

[CartmanTD]

Your best option as everyone else said is finding a fwd car and swapping out the motor with that. I went the other direction years ago I put a Camaro motor in my old GTP. Had to change everything except for the block. The heads were different on Supercharged motors (if i recall the injectors go directly into the heads instead of the intake). I live in Maryland too and know there are TONS of good 3800 powered cars around for sale. If you need help finding a good donor let me know and I’ll ask around to people I trust.