Since a lot of people seems to b on the subject of the 3800 i was just wondering if any of the 3800 parts are interchangeble with the rwd 3.8 v6 and how difficult it would b to b put n a rwd application and does it have any performance benefits over the 3.8 if i am correct the 3800 have aluminum heads are they interchangeble with the 3.8:Smarty:
The only FWD 3.8l engines that were compatible with the RWD stuff were the Vin 3 engines up to early '88. After that, they went with the on-center Vin C engines. They should still have the RWD style engine mounts, so that shouldn't be a problem. One benefit of the FWD block is the OEM roller cam provisions. Should be able to get a roller cam and reuse the stock roller lifters (to a point). No aluminum heads on the Vin C/Series I engines. There are some performance aluminum heads being developed for the Series II engines though. The SII block is vastly superior to the early 3800 block.
BTW....you can get Series II blocks from a RWD application. The 96-02 F-bodies used the 3800 as the base engine. Came with a 4L60e or 5 spd. manual.
I have a related question the other way, Could a SC 3800 be used in a non SC car? I have a bad non SC 3800 V6 and a good deal possable on a SC V6. Would this work and what changes would be needed, or is this more trouble then its worth? Thanks AL.
Absolutely Al. You can find tons of guys that have made a similar swap over at www.regalgs.org and www.clubgp.com - should be able to find some guys somewhat nearby. Also check www.motorswap.org - formerly L67Swap.com.
So the late 3800 engines (FWD) will bolt into old rwd applications? My 67 special has the 225 v6 right now, I've been wondering if any of the late model GM EFI v6's would work. (Like the park avenue, or perhaps the supercharged GTP) I figured they would be a good cruiser motor, especially with an OD trans, either auto(200r4 perhaps) or manual. Any info would be great, thanks!
The SC3800 can be made to work in a RWD application. The biggest challenge would be the rearward facing throttle body. You'll need some kind of adapter to bring it around to the front. If you were doing a lot of mods to the engine, you might consider finding a M112 Lightning SC. They have the forward facing TB.
Just a quick sideline. Does anyone know if the 3800 will bolt to a Rover transmission designed for a 215? Thanks Allan
NO......not without some kind of custom bellhousing or adapter. The FWD 3800's use the same bellhousing pattern as the 60* V6 Chevy engines. Also the same basic pattern as the Northstar V8 (minus one bolt hole). You can adapt a T5 bell to the Rover block. Check with D&D, Kennedy, and/or Advance Adapters. Someone might even make a new removeable bell to bolt on to a 96 & up 4L60e/4L65e tranny. The 4L65e is a better & stronger tranny.
