So I just got a 2001 Monte LS, and it's gorgeous, the thing is in almost perfect aesthetical condition, but the engine is screwy. The motor rocks back and forth in the motor mounts, my crankshaft position sensor is shot, the tranny is leaking, etc. It's an awesome car, and I really want to swap the 3.4 for the 3.8. I read that the S/C 3.8 is a pain to put in the FWD cars, would a non S/C 3.8 from a 2001 SS be easier to put in?

 

Thats backwards actually. The SC 3800 is a pain to put in RWD cars because it never came in one (ie it puts the throttle body pointing into the passenger compartment all the way up against the cowl).

Its easy to put in FWD cars since thats what it came in originally. If you have the skills to put in a 3800 NA, the SC is nearly identical with only a few minor differences.