93-02 V6 Tech V6 Camaro General Topics.

3.8 to 4.3 swap

Old May 19, 2007 | 05:33 PM
  #1  
tatued32's Avatar
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Default 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?
 
Old May 19, 2007 | 06:16 PM
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Default RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap

the 5.7 might be a little bit eaiser
 
Old May 19, 2007 | 09:16 PM
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Default 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?
 
Old May 19, 2007 | 10:53 PM
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Default 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.
 
Old May 20, 2007 | 06:26 PM
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Default 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?
 
Old May 20, 2007 | 08:12 PM
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Default 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
 
Old May 20, 2007 | 08:57 PM
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Default 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
 
Old May 21, 2007 | 01:40 PM
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Default 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.
 
Old May 21, 2007 | 03:02 PM
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Default 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..
 
Old May 21, 2007 | 04:23 PM
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Default RE: 3.8 to 4.3 swap

Suspension, fuel system, wiring harness and computer, instrument cluster, kmember & mounts etc, trans mounts, engine, trans
 

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