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I have been looking at this swap for some time and finally picked a complete L-67 motor up for $200 bucks. Purchased a 2001 3800 II SC Gen III out of a Buick Regal GS. To answer the question why a FWD engine that poses so many obvious hurdles into an H-Body? I have done or helped on many swaps in the H-Body platform and none has been more suited as the Buick V-6. I have watched the venerable little motor evolve from the odd fire to what I consider the pentacle of V-6 design in the GN and now the 3800 Supercharged version. Rated at 230/250HP while getting 29MPG has a lot to do with it also. My current 3.8 barely pushes 115HP and at last check 14MPG. Some would say I am doing this swap just to be different but that is not it at all. The reason has more to do with V-6 history as well as a bit of romance. I will admit this should be a pretty unique swap.

The mechanics and fab of the swap should not be a lot different from a V-8 swap. Trim the oil pan, fabricate some motor mounts, make some headers. Most all the accessories mount up high. I deleted all the stock Astre AC and heat stuff long ago so modifying the cowl area will not be a huge problem but still an adventure for sure. Rough calculations says this setup will fit under the stock hood.

The motor looks to be beat for a 85,000 mile motor but it is complete and at $200 I am not complaining. Well, sort of, the computer and harness was missing. I will be doing the swap over the winter months. I of course will have pics and updates but for now tear down, clean up, inspect.

Wish me luck because I will need it. This is no simple swap.

I love it!!!!!!!! keep me posted!!

Very cool. Look forward to watching your progress.

It seems like a primo choice for an h body swap. I'll be checking back for more pics.

Good luck

Yeah,go for it and good luck.

Just wondering how different the blocks are FWD vrs RWD ???
Len

before you go modifying alot of stuff , yeah i know that ruins alot of the fun

but look to the land down unda , GM is their wisdom actually made series 2 s/c 3.8's and had them in the commodores and some other models , i know there is a few of the aussie s/c's here in the states

Just wondering how different the blocks are FWD vrs RWD ???

The blocks are basically the same except the RWD have bosses on them for motor mounts. I am learning as I go along from the Rail/Buggy guys who use this motor and on the FWD blocks there are mounting holes in the front of the block for the FWD mount that will work for simple RWD custom mounts. So not absolutely necessary to have the RWD block.

Pic below is of a FWD block with custom RWD mount.

had them in the commodores

What I know about a Commodore you could put in a thimble but will check it out =)

BTW, From the other thread you were correct. The Superchargers are easily rebuilt. I originaly was told they were not.

i know ZZP(ZZ performance) has some bearings for the s/c , and snout seal , though there isnt much that goes wrong

also the rotors are coated , so if you clean it be very careful and use mild stuff

here is a picture so you can see one

Ya,
Watched a couple of you tube videos. I dunno, seems like pretty rare stuff and I have a plan of attack set. It will vary obviously as the old learning curve kicks in. It is definitely fun to see the SC V6 in a RWD car pointing forward and not sideways.

I originally was just going to use some H-body V6 headers with 3800 flanges but the starter is on the drivers side with this motor also both water inlet and outlet are on the same side. So this will take some design head scratching. Old school logic is figure three ways to do it and one is bound to work, In theory anyway =)

Not just worried about the Engine mounts ! I was under the impression that the fwd bellhousing is also different ?
Len

if you need some flanges to make some headers with , let me know i work at pacesetter and we make headers for both the 3.8 f-body and the gtp/regal you motor came from

if you know a good aluminum welder you can cut the rear off the s/c and make it turn to either side similar to the commodore set up , also you will want to run a LS1 throttle body , some are 75 or 78 for OE , and 80+ for aftermarket , but 75-80 will be good , unless you want to go all out

I was under the impression that the fwd bellhousing is also different ?

Right,
The 3800 is a 90 degree motor with a 60 degree bell housing pattern which coincidentally is the same as the H-body four CYL. I refer again to the Camaro RWD 3800. These cars came with both the T-5 and a 4L60-E with the 60 degree pattern. There are adapters also to fit other transmissions but again the starter is on the driver side. I thought I might use my GN 200-4R that I am rebuilding but I have a lead on a complete T-5 setup for $150.

also you will want to run a LS1 throttle body

Abasolutely, I hear the Caddy TB is an option also. Will see whats avalible at the swap meets. I have budget so nothing fancy.

you know a good aluminum welder you can cut the rear off the s/c and make it turn to either side similar to the commodore set up

Actually I found a 4" right angle adaptor that I will most likely will use but I hadn't thought of actrualy altering the SC, hmmm?

if you need some flanges to make some headers with , let me know i work at pacesetter and we make headers for both the 3.8 f-body and the gtp/regal

Very cool, thanks. I have only made one set of custom heades in my day and those were pretty ugly. The passenger side should not pose much of a problem especialy since no starter or steering shaft. The drivers side is going to be a challenge. I will definately get with you when the time comes. Just remember this post =)