3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

[Pewter W68 GU6]

I have a Firebird that the engine "gave up the ghost" a while back and would like to know if anyone has any sites that I could look at or information on how expensive and difficult it would be to retrofit my F-body with the Series III engine? I would like to put a newer used engine in there without having to pay the price of a 3800 crate motor.

Any info would be helpful

Thanks!

[Meatyshells]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

they are pretty much the same exact engine
the only difference i can think of is that the series III engine has stronger rods

the SC version had slightly better flowing heads, electronic throttle body, and updated blower

[venom3300]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

they are pretty much the same exact engine

excedt 1 has 260hp one only has 200:cry:

[cam98aro]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

excedt 1 has 260hp one only has 200:cry:

you are comparing the supercharged version vs a non supercharged version.. IIRC the series II has 240hp supercharged

[venom3300]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

you are comparing the supercharged version vs a non supercharged version.. IIRC the series II has 240hp supercharged

i stand corrected :o

[Pewter W68 GU6]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

I do know that they have the same block since they are the same base motor but am I going to need a new PCM, fuel railing, fuel pump, adapter kits of any kind, etc . . . ? Will it fit to the 4L60E tranny? Will I have to modify where the engine mounting bolts are? Does anyone know if this has already been discussed somewhere else on the site? Im kind of looking for some more concrete "Whys" and "How tos."

Thanks guys!

[flamingchicken]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

noone is gonna spend time on explaining the "whys" and "how tos" cause its pointless. the block is the same. the heads flow slightly better with ever so slightly bigger valves.

as for stronger connecting rods, ours apparently do the job really well. there are tons of people that are running boost and nitrous with no bottom end problems.

[Shodown]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

Go to a junk yard and pick up any used GM 3.8 Series II for about $500 and swap it. Ask Meatyshells, he did it with a Buick motor :tup:

Just need to swap the short block and use the top end/accessories from your car.

[ssms5411]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

^ Thats true he found a 03' Buick for $500 with like 10,000 miles on it, he said it ran better than his old motor, I think because the heads flow better and being a 03, he should have L32 rods in it I believe, unless it was only SC versions. he didn't even need a cam in there and he said it felt better, of course he has long tube headers though. I think it ran pretty well when I road in it.

[Meatyshells]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

actually had only 3k miles on it :D
and no the series 3 engines were introduced in 04, my engine being an 03 was the last year of the series 2

[venom3300]

Re: 3.8 Series II to a 3.8 Series III swap

hummm... so will series 3 heads fit our cars?