I have 170,xxx miles on my 2001 monte carlo ss. I went to start the car this morning and it appears to have a lifter on its way out (ticking noise) because it went away after running for 15 minutes when everything warmed up. Still have not narrowed it down yet since the issue just started, but I have a hard time believeing that it was a spark knock. Reguardless, I can pick up a 1995 3800 Series II Vin K w/ 70k miles for $500. I have not seen the motor, but I don't understand why it wouldn't line up to what I have in my 2001 Monte Carlo because that is a Series II Vin K. Am I missing something here or asking for more problems if I make the swap...???

 

You might have some issues being that the 1995 L36 is OBD1.5 and your Monte is OBDII, but I'm not sure because I've never looked at that kind of a swap. I would first look and make sure that it is a lifter going bad on your Monte because that doesn't happen a whole lot with these engines.

If you do need to replace the engine though, I would rather get an L26 from a 2005 or newer w-body. It's a great base for modifying.

 

With how many thousands and thousands of 3800's there are out there, I wouldn't even mess with an obd 1.5 on a newer car. For $500, you should be able to find an L36 or L26 out there somewhere with similar mileage from a newer car.

 

So it sounds like an L26 is a minimum way to go... I am debating on just pulling the rocker covers off and seeing if one of the lifters is plugged up b4 I go through the headache of a motor swap... Has anyone replaced the lifters on one of these?

 

Whens the last time you changed your oil? My bosses 03 grand prix lifters will get nosiy when its time to change its oil and goes away as soon as changing it until the next oil change. Maybe its as simple as needing to change your oil a little more frequently.

 

I can change it every 3,000 miles with Quaker State 10w 30. I am currently 100 miles away from an oil change which I intend to do that tonight to see if it helps. I am also going to add Rislone oil additive. I hope that can put a "band aid" to the issue...