Heads are the same.
Block
Heads
Knock sensors
Cam Sensor
Timing cover
Water pump
Crank Sensor
all the same and can be used from FWD to RWD and visa-versa

It took about 3 hours to strip 2 engines down to long blocks clean the gasket surfaces, then about another 2 hours to reassemble the new engine. I didnt remove the heads I left them alone.

If you go with a FWD engine you can use engines from 1996-2005 Series II. 1995 Series II is a little different and I would avoid using it in anything other than a 95.

You will need to use the following parts off the Camaro engine.

Oil Filter mount
Oil pickup tube and screen
Oil pan
Flywheel
Harmonic Ballancer. (it may look the same as the one from the FWD but it is ballanced for use with the RWD flywheel)
Lower intake manifold
Upper intake manifold
acessory brackets
Belt tensioner (dont forget to buy new plastic elbows when you replace this)
Wiring harness

I hope this helps you!

Massey

 

Thanks for all the great info. Wow! tons of info. Sadly I am at the whim of mechanics as I haven't got the tools or a place to do this work myself. I used to rebuild motorcycle engines so am comfortable around tolerances, plastigage etc. but I refuse to work in the elements and claim I did a good job.

$1250 was just a shoot from the hip price given to one mechanic from the junkyard. Went to salvage yard and the engine looks cherry and runs which is kinda unusual for a junker, but compared to a rebuild locally ($1500) it is very high and I didn't get good good vibes from the guy. In his defense he's willing to give 1 yr warranty which is waayy good for used, but I have had problems with junkyard "warranty."

Dealer wants $5100 reman (GM I believe) / 5 yr /100k warranty
Mech who I really trust wants $4100 reman (also GM) / 3 yr / 75k warranty
Guy who did tranny in my Buick wants $2100 used engine (not local)/ 6 month warranty

All include labor. The two latter guys will deal with a local salvage engine but reduce their labor warranty. None of the above trust local machine shops and I'm inclined to believe them.

If I had a working garage I might tackle it but I'm going to have to go for a plug 'n play model and let the mechs deal with it. I'll make an offer to the salvage yard. If he takes it, looks like the manifolds and EGR setup will have to come with that 2001 motor according to the parts list. Will keep posted.

Thanks

 

If the prices listed are for parts and labor to install the engine then you are right in the ballpark.

I find is comforting that even after 10 years or more GM will give you a 5 year warranty on the engine. That is saying something about the quality of the 3.8L engine! If this engine is taken care of it can pull 300K on the meter before getting worn out. My mother's old 88 Lesabre (similar 3.8L engine) had 250K and still going strong before the engine was removed to make way for a L67.

Massey

 

Family has a Buick PA / 3.8L with 225k and state emissions inspector always swears NOTHING is coming out the tailpipe. " Wow that's a clean motor" he always says.

 

Gorn says:
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.

Ok, here goes my question. I have read the two pages of comments on the switch from 99 to 00-02 3.8. I have found a 02 with 90K for $400.00 I need to know the rest of the info on the switch please. Gorn says I need to get the EGR sys out of the 02 I believe. Since this engine is not in the car, how hard is the switch of the EGR sys and to purchase? This is my first Camaro and engine swap ever. Thanks fellas.

 

If you pick up the 02 Camaro engine and your car is a 99 then the only thing you will need to swap is the exhaust manifolds and EGR from the 99 engine to the 02 engine. If you want to keep the 02 exhaust manifolds then you will need the 02 Y pipe. You will only need to swap the EGR because the way it mounts into the updated manifolds. The 99 wiring harness will fit the 02 engine with no issues since all the sensors are the same and in the same location.

Massey