Opinion Needed: L67 Top Swap vs. L36 Bolt-on kit
Since we're on the topic of engines, I am planning to build a twincharge setup using an l67 and I haven't decided on a turbo yet. I currently have an l36. My question is, l36 top swap then add turbo or full l67 swap then turbo. 
Monte Of The Month -- March 2011
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,835
From: Shelby, MI
Just make sure that no matter what you do, save up for a built trans.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,466
My advice would be, don't twin charge it. I've heard that twin charging is a nightmare to tune and you still don't make anymore power than if you just went with the turbo. If you're already planning on going turbo, then I wouldn't even do an engine swap. With a very basic turbo kit you can make over 300whp easily. 400whp is doable with a little work, and 500+whp has been obtained by a number of people with turbo 3800s.
Just make sure that no matter what you do, save up for a built trans.
Just make sure that no matter what you do, save up for a built trans.
Totally agree, it's not worth the effort.
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 16
From: cincinnati, ohio
I get wanting more power, but how much can you really use? There are proven setups on a 3800 with the stock blower up to 400 whp, and plenty of turbo setups in the 500-600 whp range. At that point, you're getting beyond what you could ever put down from a dig, especially without slicks. Not to mention that will be pushing even the best transmission (unless you get lucky and find used GMR parts).
No doubt you could easily go a lot further on an LS - take the LS4, send it out to ERL for a 6 bolt super deck stroker, add a monster turbo, etc and make well over 1000 whp. Problem is, that'll never hook any gear on a fwd setup, and the transmission will never last without monster investment in custom 1 off parts.
You wouldn't need a top swap with an l67 or l32, they already come with a blower.
L67 vs L32 is a tough one. The L32 has the slightly better blower and makes a little more power. The L67 will likely be cheaper as there were far more made. Just keep in mind the differences between throttle body actuation (DBW vs DBC) and fueling (return vs returnless) as you will need to convert to match your current setup if needed. I'd go for whatever you find in the best condition with the lowest proven mileage.
No doubt you could easily go a lot further on an LS - take the LS4, send it out to ERL for a 6 bolt super deck stroker, add a monster turbo, etc and make well over 1000 whp. Problem is, that'll never hook any gear on a fwd setup, and the transmission will never last without monster investment in custom 1 off parts.
You wouldn't need a top swap with an l67 or l32, they already come with a blower.
L67 vs L32 is a tough one. The L32 has the slightly better blower and makes a little more power. The L67 will likely be cheaper as there were far more made. Just keep in mind the differences between throttle body actuation (DBW vs DBC) and fueling (return vs returnless) as you will need to convert to match your current setup if needed. I'd go for whatever you find in the best condition with the lowest proven mileage.
Last edited by 2000/MCSS; Feb 18, 2017 at 06:56 PM.
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 16
From: cincinnati, ohio
I have done the L26 aluminum upper intake swap. I created a pretty pic heavy and detailed write up of the swap (as I did a few extras in addition to the swap itself). Here's the link:
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...c-heavy-48949/
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...c-heavy-48949/
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1
Haha
I have a 99 cavalier 5 speed 2.2 ohv non ecotec and discovered my trans bolts right up to a l36/l67 and just bought a complete donor with the l67. this thread really helped me out in deciding where to go for the future of this build. Thank you all...
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 2
Swapping my 99 MC
You are all wrong here.... L67 is the series 2 supercharged engine which is easiest to swap in. L32 is the series 3 supercharged engine which has a tad better supercharger but not really enough to notice in stock form and it's harder to swap in because other components are different.
L36 is series 2 N/A and l26 is series 3 N/A
L36 is series 2 N/A and l26 is series 3 N/A
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,606
From: Mentor, Ohio
@turbo monte has not been on here in a while. But As far as an L67, it was offered in multiple GM cars. The engine itself, you can get some any of those cars. What you may have issues with is the year or car you get it from may have different brackets/wiring harnesses that could need swapped.