3.8 n/a swap

[dumpsterdrifter]

This is what I have. 97 Lumina base model, and a 99 Buick Regal 90,000 mile complete front sub-frame with engine/trans wiring, but no computer. Does it bolt up and plug in? Is this even worth my time? And besides the computer what else do I need? And if a computer is all? Does some one on here have an LTZ computer for sale? And for how much? Im up for the challenge, and Im confident in my skills I just want a running car not another project car. Its this or head gaskets on the 3100 that has been over heated with 230,000 on the clock that is in pieces, and I know little about the life of the car. Thanks for any input.

Edited August 29, 2012 by dumpsterdrifter

[White93z34]

I think you'll need a proper wiring harness for it, and i think you'll need the 3800 gen1 power steering lines, heater core hoses, and radiator hoses, throttle/cruise cable. subframe will not bolt up. engine/trans mounts should bolt up to your existing one just fine. fortunately GM put that engine in the car later on so all the parts are out there to swap yours. Granted i've never done this swap... just making educated guesses on lots of it.

 

make sure to compare C100 connector pinouts between 97' lumina and whatever model year you get an engine harness from... IIRC someone is selling one of those right now in the classifieds here.

[pshojo]

Make sure your battery is on the same side of the engine bay for both, otherwise you'll either need to move your battery or wiring.

[95 vert]

A 98-99 Monte/Lumina 3800 wiring harness and PCM will be much easier to use than the Buick wiring. The Buick engine and trans is a direct bolt up into your Lumina subframe. As White93z34 said, you will need radiator hoses, heater hoses, power steering hoses and throttle cables. Get these from a 98-99 Monte/Lumina 3800 also.

 

The 98-99 harness will require some wires to be moved/added at the firewall connector(6-8 wires) to work with your car. Your axles will fit the Buick trans. Your radiator and cooling fans are fine for the swap although I would recommend a 2 row radiator for better cooling. The last thing would be an exhaust downpipe/converter. Again, a 98-99 Monte/Lumina 3800 will work and need minor modification or welded to your existing exhaust.

[pshojo]

Definately listen to him, he's done a few of these already. I've noticed the 1995-1996 buick regal are the same hoses also, Thats what I got my hoses off of. I also used wiring harness off of the regal and used 97 Grandprix PCM. Having slight issues with that, but hoping the programming with fix it.

[rich17]

Everyone is correct here. But I didnt change one connector on the C100 for my swap. I am running a 98 3800 Lumina PCM as well.

 

 

 

Also you will have to change the fuel lines.

[z34Phoenix]

i have heard people dont modify their 98/99 harness as well. I did modify mine. there were only like 2 wires i had to move and IIRC they were power where the new harness showed 2 sources for anyway. i guess this is why it can work if you don't modify the wires. i for one would mods the harness and have everything correct.