Crazy swap idea...

[KnightOwl]

Since the Chevy Impala was the last W-body platform, and 2012 used the 3.6vvt 302hp w/6spd auto....How crazy a swap would it be into an older W-body (like 2002 GP! LOL)

 

 

It seems like it would have the advantage of a better trans and a reliable 300 ponies on regular fuel. I've driven a 3.6 and its got some scoot for sure, and the 6 spd really helps it move. (and it sounds good) I assume this would be just as complex as the LS4 swap I've read about but without some of the clearance headaches.

 

 

Just a thought...haven't found much info online or on other boards. I wonder if the cradle alone would swap in? That would seem like the first required step.

[Imp558]

Mechanically, a bit complicated but not aweful. Electronically, big effing balls and inherently gltchy ultimately ending the same as that poor LS1 TGP.

[wstefan20]

I'd rather adapt the six speed to the 3800! I think someone has done that already in the fiero

[KnightOwl]

I'd rather adapt the six speed to the 3800! I think someone has done that already in the fiero

 

I agree with Imp558 on the big effing balls dept, but yes, the 6spd would really help keep the 3800 in its meaty torque curve and move the car better. I'll probably never do such a thing, but hey, aren't we all waiting for that winning lotto ticket? LOL

[redgrandprix]

The 3.6 likes to kill catalytic converters which in turn cause some interesting symptoms atleast from what ive seen in the acadia/traverse/enclave. Not an engine i would ever consider owning

 

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[55trucker]

The LY7 engine, altho appealing & attractive as an all alloy *lump* was fraught with issues.

 

The engines suffered from timing chain issues that some may believe was due to the OLM (oil life monitor) and owners were not changing the engine's synthetic oil every 5,000 miles. The engines were *using* oil.

 

Another issue with the engine is with the camshaft thrust surfaces in the heads, there was too much endplay wear happening setting off codes related to the CMP.

 

As much as I'd like to make use of one of these in front of a 6T75 trans dropped down into my car I'm leery about choosing one. What I want is an engine that has more bottom end torque & better fuel mileage #'s than what the DOHC is giving me

[KnightOwl]

Ya see all the things you learn when you ask crazy questions! In my short stint at CarMax, I did see a bevy of Acadia/Traverse SUVs come in for warranty work due to leaking timing chain covers, but the other issues I never heard (doesn't mean they don't exist) GM is kinda famous for cutting corners on costs even if it means lower longevity. (wheel bearings?)

 

I recall reading articles on the Z34 calling it a screamer you need to drive like you're angry at it. Nothing can be done with tuning or building a different bottom end to improve the grunt? I always thought the 60degreeV6 could be built in versatile forms? The 3.4 in my wife's Aztek has been very reliable and has decent zip for such a big ride. Hi-way mpg is around 25.

[55trucker]

The intake ports in the LQ1 heads are huge, they are not designed for good low end torque #'s at all. Scream the engine does, but at 2000rpm the pushrod LA1 3.4 pulls better than the LQ1 & provides better fuel economy.

 

Last year myself & a close friend who owns a 87 Fiero GT manual trans (yeah, another one of my sons club members) built an L32 3.4 (cast iron head Firebird engine ), just a straight rebuild (.010 overbore, turn the crank, good quality 3 angle valve job) with some porting to the heads, gasket matching to the runners & porting the exhaust manifolds, the engine looks for all intent & purpose like the original 2.8 L44 engine, one can't tell the difference, but this car in 4th gear at 40mph will outpull me in 3rd gear, converter unlocked and to the floor. It's embarrassing, even if there is a power to weight advantage for the Fiero. My sons custom Fiero with his warmed over LA1 is even more embarrassing, that car just leaves me in the dust.