Found tons of threads on engine swaps but need to know if 2001 Camaro engine can replace a 1999? Really prefer not to be "winging it" with mismatched MAF connectors or "just leave one bolt off here".

1999 has rod knock 116k miles. Found a 2001 w/60k miles (local salvage yard $1250 w/ one year warranty) and appears to be really clean. Will check for smoke on startup and such. Any other things to look for?

Both engines are 3800 Series ll v6

Any compatibility charts?

Help appreciated
Thanks

 

Your 99 is Drive by wire? I pretty sure it is. I think you will need you to swap is your exhaust manifolds and the EGR system. I put a 2002 engine in my 96 all I had to change was the upper intake SInce I installed headers I was able to use the 02 EGR system.

You really should reseal the intake while you have it out. It is a simple job with the motor out and huge pain once the motor is in. Intake gasket failure was a very common issue to the point GM was sued for it and lost a class action suit. When I swapped in my 02 motor which had 48K on it I replaced the intake gasket. Its worth the extra work if you are going to keep the car.

Since your 99 has the restrictive exhaust manifold it might be a good time to add some headers.

BTW: There is a parts manual in a sticky in the 4th gen sub forum. It has good pics and you can check for variation in part numbers.

 

Yes I recall about the intake gasket leaking coolant. Good idea. Will also be replacing plugs, wires, maybe water pump. Not too sure about the headers as I'm having my mech do it and don't think any "extras" was included in the price. That's why it has to just be plug 'n play so I don't get hit with "well , we found this didn't match up" and an extra $$ bill.

Will check out those parts diagrams.

Thanks

 

99-2002 Camaro/Firebird 3.8L is an exact swap with the exception of the exhaust manifolds which changed in 2000. If you are getting an engine out of another car other than a Camaro/Firebird then you will need to change a few of the parts. If you are doing that let me know I will give you a list of the parts that need to be swapped.

Massey

 

Headers are easier to install than stock manifolds TRUST ME

 

By the way you are paying too much for the motor. I paid $650.00 for a 3.8 with 48k on it out of a Camaro. You can find 3.8 out of FWD car cheaper yet and since you would be resealing the intake anyway it should only be like 2 extra hours to switch all the parts over.

 

I paid $700 for a 2000 Camaro 3.8 to put in my 1997 and all I had to change was the upper intake manifold. You are paying too much. At $700 I feel I may have paid a tad too much.

Make sure you save the ICM and coil packs from the old engine. They may come in handy one day.

 

Yea for what it is worth I paid $500 for a 3.8L from a 2001 Bonneville with 70K on the clock. Another $200 for some gaskets and I was off and running. Being a FWD I had alot more than the upper intake to swap but it is the same long block.

Massey

 

Since you have done it, If he is resealing the intake and swaping the manifolds anyway how long do you think it would take a pro to swap everything else. I had said 2 hours. That seems a little heavy for swaping the timing cover and oil pan. Am I missing something?

 

The heads have to be swapped out from a FWD. You'll have to reuse your RWD heads I believe.