Unless there is a cost point, I would NOT bother with a Series 2 if I can get an '05+ Series 3. Heck, if you don't want to adapt the throttle body, you can ditch the aluminum UIM and swap the ol' Series 2 nylon UIM on it. But at least you then have forged internals.

 

Good point, if it was me I'm sure money would be an issue which is why I said what I said. But like you said I'm sure it'll be easier to come across a decent mileage l26.

 

The funny thing to add about cost of the engine.... When Frank dropped an L26 in his Monte, he got a low miles L26 CHEAPER then a comparable mileage L36!!! Figure that one out!!
Maybe because it's hard to sell due to the drive-by-wire and returnless fuel system (two simple items to fix on a L36 car, just use the L36 fuel rails to solve the fuel system issue and drive by wire is solved by getting a throttle body adapter or ditch the aluminum UIM).

 

If I was you, to keep it original engine, get a super charged series 2 or a 5.7 if it fits then buy it at a good medium 10-30k miles on it and put performance parts inside the engine with small replacements but great benifits in the end. E.g. gaskets, sensors, pulleys, whatever. Get it high performance and you are good to run with no problems for a good amount of years. Personally don't know how much it would all cost because I have a friend who goes to wyotech and he does all my mechanic work. :\ fortunate for me, if you are in the bay area I can probably give a hook up.

 

If you want it to look original, a L67 (3800 Supercharged) or a 5.7 v8 are not going to look original as a replacement to a L36 (3800 non-Supercharged).

I think it's a matter of cost on this situation.

 

"deceiving" was just one of many suggestions given to me.

Money is an issue in the sense that I don't want to spend a lot of money on a car that mite not be worth all that much in the end.


I had originally planned on buying a new car in the spring and keeping the Monte as a second car, but with all of this happening and a lot of thinking, I most likely will trade it.

Will swapping the engine aftect the trade in value (prior to the... Situation. Not current non running condition)

If I swap the engine is that going to hurt me when I trade it?