engine swap/tranny compatibility

[HuffDaddy]

I am considering starting a side project rebuilding a motor for my Lumina with the intention of makng the swap down the line. I have read that the 2.5L Transmission (yes my Lumina is an Iron Duke/4 Tech car) has the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 2.8L 60 Degree V6 which I assume means that it will work with a 3.1 and 3.4 as they are all in the same 2.8L 60 Degree V6 family.

 

The things I want to know are:

 

1. Would a swap work with my tranny seeing as the 3 speed I have is a vaccume controlled unit whereas a 4 speed that the v6 would come with was not.

 

2. Which should be easier to find and swap, the 3.1 or 3.4? I am aware that I would need a harness and computer for either.

 

3. Anyone know about the power handling of the 3 speed? I dont want to build something that will grenade 6 mos. later.

 

Please forgive any innaccuracies as I have not had much experience wiht these cars. Just trying to get a project that I can start on and take my time as my Iron duke will run for as long as it takes to do it right.

[ns87]

The transmission might work with the 3.1. It will definitely not work with the 3.4 (they came with a 4 speed electronically controlled transmission).

 

3 speeds did come on some 3.1/2.8 GM models. I think the final drive ratio will be off if you put a 3.1 with your transmission though.

 

That's all I know. I've never swapped an engine or transmission.

[Crazy K]

personally, i think you should go all the way and install an overdrive transmission too if you did that work.

 

On the otherhand... it might be cheaper to just buy a better W-body...

 

where are you located?

[HuffDaddy]

I am in Michigan east of Flint. I don't need the engine I just want to build one. I am not a super auto mechanic but I understand mechanical principals (I have built choppers bobbers cafe bikes etc.) I would do the work myself and I have a hook up for the machine work etc. so I would only do it if it was on the cheap.

 

I do not want a "better" W body, I just like to improve on what I have; I turned in my lease and bought a rust free 2 owner Lumina to adjust for a tougher economic climate but with no car payment I have the spare cash to tailor it to my liking a little at a time. If I can't find an affordable swap alternative I will tune the duke for a bit more pep and be happy with it. (yes I know that if you try and boost em or get crazy they grenade, I would just make it a bit more drivable and it should last forever.

 

If anyone knows of inexpensive swap tips or duke tuning tips please post em.

[Crazy K]

wanna buy a complete 3.4 with tranny, with computer and wiring and ready to swap?

 

 

more seriously, I suggest getting a 3400 or 3100, and a overdrive transmission and whatever it takes to make it go. shop Parts Galore to see what you can find.

 

OR

 

Since you are in michigan, watch for a W body that is condemned by rust as a good basis for a drivetrain swap. I'm sure a running broke down car would be a good start. Try Craig's list!!!

[HuffDaddy]

Crazy K you just may be on to something; Cars that I can stick my arm through sideways are not hard to find around here; I will keep my eye out for one; probibally get one that does not knock or smoke cheaper than I could get the individual parts from a yard. Good using your head man; I can buy one and pull the whole cradle, scrap the rest and see a partial return on my "investment"

 

I love it when a plan comes together!

 

P.S. My location is also why I am happy to keep my car; I looked long and hard to find a southern car with ZERO rust; up here I would pay for a good body over a solid powertrain anyday as I can fix or replace the whole drivetrain cheaper than I can fix a badly rusted unibody.

 

Thanks for the suggestion!

[Crazy K]

tell me about it!!! I have about 8 engines in my garage... not to mention about 12 transmissions.

 

and i live near Indy.

[webxfx]

can you put a manual on a 96 LQ1

[AL]

yep, one of our members put a 6 speed from a g6 on his GP... motor was a 97