Series 3 swap

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Mar 13, 2012 | 05:34 PM

#11

SupplySgt

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 3,635

From: Central Oklahoma

Keep in mind that if you don't swap in a Series II throttle body, you will need to also convert the gas pedal for DBW. Easiest way is probably to either swap in an 04+ GP pedal assembly or an 06+ Monte or Impala pedal assembly. Should bolt right in so it probably wouldn't be a huge deal to do.

Mar 13, 2012 | 05:49 PM

#12

mairj40

Thread Starter

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 439

From: Cedar Rapids, IA

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Maniac

A Series 3 engine N/A is exactly the same as a Series 2 N/A from a mechanic stance with exception of the drive-by-wire throttle body and cast aluminum UIM. From what I've read, the internals are more durable (forged vs cast is what I've read).

To swap it into a Series 3 into a Series 2 car, you will have to look at that following:
- Either switch the aluminum UIM for a nylon Series 2 UIM and Series 2 throttle body (direct swap, the LIM is the same between the engines). OR adapt and L67 throttle body to the cast aluminum UIM.
- You may also have to swap some sensors over and fuel rail/injectors from the Series 2 engine to the Series 3.

I'm on a Bonneville forum a bunch and a lot of those guys have pioneered this swap. It's no big deal from all the reading I've done. Require NO PCM changes unless you are modding the engine.

Now to swap it into a 3400 powered car, it's much the same process you would need to do to swap a L36 into it. You need wiring harness, PCM and some other pieces and parts. Personally, if I was to switch a 3400 to a 3800, I'd go Series 3, it's newer, hopefully easier to get a low miles one and has a rep for being equal with only a couple improvements.

I have been emailing with Mike at Milzy. He basically said the same thing. I would need to swap the injectors and fuel rail and then figure out how I wanted to approach the UIM issue. I like the idea of the aluminum one, but I think switching to a series 2 upper manifold would be easier. I have had a really hard time finding a series 2 that has fewer than 170,000 miles for a decent price. The junk yards around here want $600 or $700 for one with that many miles. INSANE! If you find one with less than 100,000 miles they wany $900 to $1000 for them.

I can get the upper intake, injectors, wiring harness and computer for less than $100 from a junkyard. And considering that I am getting a fairly low mileage engine and transmission still bolted together for $600, I think it's a pretty good deal.