I have a 2001 I am replacing the engine in. I read the engine replacement thread and I am just wanting to make sure I understand correctly. I am looking at the l26 the series 3 instead of the 2 I just want to make sure I am buying the correct engine. https://automotix.net/usedengines/20...oaAhLBEALw_wcB

right now it has a series 2 which I assume has a thrown rod or spun baring putting a breaker bar on it it will turn right a bit or left then freeze up. Just want to make sure I am comprehending what I read and this is a viable swap. If I am understanding right its basically a direct swap as long as its not a fwd?

 

Yes that looks right for the long block, The price seems a light high for that many miles. You may want to shop around. The net is full of stories of 3800 with less then 50,000 miles for $500ish. I personally bought a 3800 in 2009 with 48,000 miles on it for $650.

 

Thanks a lot any guides for what I need to swap? From what I am seeing the guide here has a lot of parts if its a fwd listed but not much in reference to when its a series 3 like this one. If I understood correctly this is fairly straight forward swap. I also can't figure out which cars on the posted list are rwd. Kind of a new thing for me I have done a few older engines and several vortec engines this will be my first 3800. But I have 200 bucks in an immaculate car will be well worth it. I mean I am open to getting another series 2 if I can find it. I just know I probably don't want the fwd one.

 

Ok I missed a page in the main guide for this. Apparently which correct me if I am wrong everything will bolt up including the intakes as long as its the none supercharged version. The supercharged one requires fabrication?

 

At any rate any advice or good places to shop for these? The one I just posted was the cheapest I have found. I found a few iffy ones at scrap yards around here but they are all front wheel drive. Again my apologies for asking something that was covered, I accidentally skipped a page that contained the info I needed. I did a reread and found it.

 

right series 3 with vin 2 will fit. do not want supercharged. one i found was from a 06 lacrosse, front wheel drive, had 60k miles, great compression. 400 bucks. this is the place i used. i called the closest shop to me and they let me know what they had on hand. could have gotten one with almost no miles for 800 but it had been setting for a very long time. https://www.autowrecking.com/parts/search?make=Buick&model=LACROSSE&year=2006&part_ty pe=300-164&options=5115215

 

Thanks I am getting one out of a fire bird that should drop right in according to all of this and the mechanic. Got the guy holding it till payday 30k miles. It was recently wrecked by a rather elderly gentlemen who put very few miles on the car. I heard it run today.

 

I believe you need a 99-02 to drop in. You did not mention the year of the firebird. Either way the intake gaskets are a real weak point on the 3800. It is a common failure point, if the intake gasket has not been replaced you should do it while the engine is out. It is a PIA with the engine in. If the intake gasket fails there is a chance coolant could leak into the oil and wipe out the engine. I would also do the water pump just because that is a 17-20 year old parts that is easy to replace while the motor is out.

Get as many of the parts with the new engine. This is where the valve comes in on what your doing. The more 30,000 mile parts you get the less high miles parts you will have to use.

 

Thanks and I believe you because thats probably what happened to the old one. At least it looks like I will be sure to change it.

 

What do you mean by VIN 2? TIA