Engine Swaps

[Guest]

Hey folks, I have an 85 Somerset Regal 3.0L(181CI). I'm looking to swap engines, and I have been thinking about a larger displacement 3300 or even better 3800 <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />(Yes I like speed to the point of suicide, I don't care if I die, as long as I'm going FAST when it happens). Can anyone help direct me to information. Specifically I'd like to know about engine mounts, flying leads and transmission mounts. Do I have to cut and relocate engine/tranny mounts. Also either way I'd love to convert to manual transaxle. I'm at the point where I have to decide what to do with this car: restore to stock and buy and older carbureted rwd buick to modify, or swap engines and go all out. Any help will be greatly appreciated. tnemeth@quickclic.net

[NTX5467]

During that time frame, the 3.0L and the 3.3L were used somewhat interchangeably in those cars, so I suspect that would be pretty much a bolt in situation AND your transaxle could be upgraded internally (if there were any differences in the clutch packs at all) with not too much trouble.

These engines were in the same family as the 3.8Ls, but I'm not sure if they would share the same mounts. Of course, the 3.8L will have more torque.

From the ratings, the 3.3L was pretty powerful for its size--especially for horsepower. Of course, there would need to be some changes in the computer chip due to the different engines, but that's a easy thing to do, usually--even if you get an aftermarket calibration that is emissions friendly.

As you're concerned with going fast, don't neglect to upgrade the brakes, shocks, sway bars, and tires. The aftermarket can help here as there typically weren't any performance versions of those cars from GM back then. Not to mention a clean cat-back exhaust system. Might even be some headers for that engine too.

Hope this helps,

NTX5467