3.8 to 4.3 swap
#1
05-19-2007, 05:33 PM
3.8 to 4.3 swap
well after 160,000 miles the 3.8 in my 01 camaro is almost dead,i have a rebuilt 4.3 that was going in another car i have,but im now wondering how much trouble it would be to just put this in my camaro.im pretty sure the tranny will be fine,but what would i need to do to make this work?
#3
05-19-2007, 09:16 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
it would be easier to put a 5.7 in it? you've got to be kidding me?i really didnt think it would be a big deal getting the 4.3 in there,guess i need to do more research,but like i said before,i have a newly rebuilt 4.3 and tranny.plus the complete wiring harness for it.so i take it thats its more complicated then a simple swap?
#4
05-19-2007, 10:53 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
A 4.3 would most likely disappoint you. A 4.3 is designed for a heavier duty application in mind, which is why many GM light trucks are equipped with it. And besides, I've seen these 3.8 engines run with well over 200,000 miles on it. The 3800/3800II series powerplant is on of GMs finest, most reliable and versatile ones ever put into production.
#5
05-20-2007, 06:26 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
well my 3.8 has been a great motor,but it is on its last legs,smoking, no power,horrible MPG....so if the 4.3 is a bad idea,does anyone know where i can buy a complete rebuild kit for the 3.8?
#6
05-20-2007, 08:12 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
rebuild your 3.8? wouldnt take that long, just by a rebuild kit and what not, clean it all up
#7
05-20-2007, 08:57 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
4.3 vs 5.7, both need a whole new setup, might be able to use the same fuel setup as the 3.8 as the 4.3, not sure
go 5.7, it will be just as much work, 4.3 is not worth it, and it's a truck motor
go 5.7, it will be just as much work, 4.3 is not worth it, and it's a truck motor
#8
05-21-2007, 01:40 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
With an 01, I guarantee an LS1 swap would be easier. The car is made for that particular engine. And you wouldn't have to fab headers for it, either.
If you want a swap where you have to swap a tranny in as well, go v8.
If you want a swap where you have to swap a tranny in as well, go v8.
#9
05-21-2007, 03:02 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
ok does anyone care to give me a list of what all i need to do in order to get the car ready for a v8 swap,i know where a wrecked 01 is that i can get for a reasonable amount...well reasonable compared to what ive seen on ebay for a LS1 engine..
#10
05-21-2007, 04:23 PM
RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap
Suspension, fuel system, wiring harness and computer, instrument cluster, kmember & mounts etc, trans mounts, engine, trans