Motor swap (3.8 to 3.8) - how long?

[Pathogen]

Well, I've given up on my 75,000 mile motor ... found one with 24,000!

For those guys who have down swaps? how long does it usually take? Or how much did it cost to have it done?

Thanks for any input. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Nathan]

Oh come on, We could do that in your garage no problem. I now have some extra lifters, pushrods, and springs incase you want to swap any out from the old motor. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[MrCoffee]

I think you'll need to borrow your neighbors garage Jenn. The guy with the 3rd gen seemed like a nice guy. once Path is in there, there wont be enough room to store 2 engines [img]tongue.gif[/img] I know you will, but make sure you post the date you plan to start this, I might have to drive across VA for it [img]graemlins/naughty.gif[/img]

[Pathogen]

I'm going to need a lot of support and a cherry-picker before I attempt the swap ... not really sure. But if I get this motor Dad found ... oh I'm gonna have fun. :D

Will keep everyone posted!

[crasher]

Just curious what are you going to do with your old 3.8L. If your planning on selling it I take it off your hands. But the only problem is that I don't have much money right now it would have to be about 6 or 7 months before I could buy it form you.

[therock]

im in the process of putting my in right now its all pretty easy if you keep track of all yoru bolts but if your liek em and dont youll be running to the hardware store alout butn its pretty easier if you have any ? my sn on aim is ls1ramair19 later

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

umm tak old out, put in new......

i did it with out a cherry picker, my dad just has a wench hanging from the roof and that worked just fine.

[Pathogen]

Fate of old motor: my new toy.

The guy who has the 24K one wants $700 for it, but I'm hoping to get it for $500 cash.

I've read up on the steps to remove and install and it doesn't seem terribly tough if you have all the right tools. Chances are, I'll save the money and take a crack at it here.

Crasher, if I decide to sell the motor, I'll let you know - I probably won't be getting rid of it for a bit anyway. [img]smile.gif[/img]

I really appreciate the support, guys. Was having a lot of doubts and questions.

Thanks a lot! :D

[Coriya71]

It takes about a good weekend depending on how much you decide to work on it. The disconnecting takes the longest because you take care on how you position every thing. Once you drop it in it goes quite fast.

[malice10985]

I took my old one out piece by piece on school nights, just a few pieces at a time.

I put the new one in on about 6 hours from hoisting it to turning the key.

Since most of it sits under the windshield, it looks like it would be really hard to install it from the top. It isn't though. I had the radiator out, so I stood in that area after I lowered the engine into the general vicinity. I then just grabbed the back of the cylinder heads and manhandled it into position. It was easy with me standing there. I had plenty of room to reach my hands back onto the the trans bellhousing.

It must be really hard to drop in a V8 from the top. There is no room to work under the hood.

[Blue Flame V6]

get 2 big floor jacks and drop it out the bottom. Thats what we did with my friends 96 took about 2 hours and we had it out 6 bolts on the k memeber and the tranny stuff and just pull the harness out with it.

[WishIHad$$$]

Originally posted by Pathogen:
Or how much did it cost to have it done?

I don't see how you could build a custom blower but not be able to take out your own engine. [img]tongue.gif[/img]

how long does it usually take?

How much liquor will you have in you? [img]graemlins/naughty.gif[/img]


But seriously, you and a friend (or two) could do it in a weekend at a slow/drunken pace. A friend and I pulled a 305 out of a Monte Carlo recently, and if we had the new motor, the whole complete process could be done in a day at our rate. :cool:

[Pathogen]

I suppose it's not that I can't (lol), but rather I'm kind've afraid.

BUT -- I'm also a penny-pincher and know that doing it myself is gonna be a heck of a lot cheaper. Gonna call the salvage yard with my 24K motor today. Talked to Dad about it last night, we're trying to work how to get the thing to DC after pickup.

Adventure begins as soon as I get some money together.

[pontiac nino]

I think the penny pinching azz would overcome fear. :D Engine swaps a hella fun cuz it's the same exact motor it's alot easier putting it in than taking it out. I guess it's because of all the excitement that you just wanna finish and hear it turn on. It's alot easier if you remove all the accessories (radiator too) when removing it and installing it. I did EVERYTHING myself including installing and removing motor/tranny easy as hell and fun.
Good Luck [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]
Niño

[MrCoffee]

once you pull that engine, I can think of a million cartoon photoshop pics you'll be able to do. plus the slow build up of have Path's engine. Stefan might want that oil pan to stop his leak.
By the way, I can send you the instructions that GM gives its mechanics [img]smile.gif[/img]