Hey guys, my 95 SE Bonnie had the engine seize up a few months ago, and I've located a replacement engine plus have the money to go ahead and get it(the important part ). Although I'd love to go with the SC'ed engine and tranny, it'* not really possible as far as cost goes right now.

So my question is, has anyone done this and how hard is it? I've done a lot of work on my cars, but have never swapped engines out. I know I'll need an engine lift(obviously), but if anyone could give some more detailed steps, I would REALLY appreciate it. And I really look forward to getting her back on the road Thanks!

Edit: Also, can it be lifted out, or does it have to be dropped?

Sounds to me like you had the problem with the broken plastic upper intake evantually destroying the engine...were you having a coolant problem before your engine died?

As to your engine swap, you have to change the whole, thing, I can;t remember if anyone has swapped a Series II NA to a Series II SC. Its your only option tho, you'd have to do a complete swap plus tranny and PCM plus you can't just supercharge a naturally aspirated engine..kinda sucks eh?

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/techinfo/?article=43

It could well have been. The Bonnie was actually on her way to the junkyard(car was in the family, perfect condition except for engine) and I said I'd take her instead. The only thing I know is that the mechanic tried to turn the engine with a wrench on the starter, and it wouldn't move, even with him hanging on it.

From reading around, I know it wouldn't be worth it to go with the SC engine because of $$. I'm just looking to put another identical engine in it (3800 Series II na). Same thing that was in it before...don't want too many headaches

Sounds like a good plan, they should be plentiful, but..keep an eye on the plastic intake manifold, or get a Series 2 metal intake cover from Ty..

www.domesticperformance.com

I will definitely do that My question, though, is should I have much trouble lifting this one out and putting a new one in if I have an engine lift, plentiful tools, a driveway, and a few days, or would it be worth my $600 to get a shop to do it?

You should be able to do it your driveway. See if you can rent an engine lifter. Lets see what others say before you hop to it...hahah, I'm no expert.

Good luck tho

did you have a series 1 or 2 in there in the first place...if you have a series 1 and switch to drop the series 2 in you will run into plenty of problems with conenctors and the tranny too i assume form what ive been told...but a series 1 drop in wasnt to hard but definatly gave me a few probs and took about 3 days for me(im not the most profiecent or done many of them).

95 is Series II, first year of it I think

Yeah, it'* the Series 2.

Good deal Thanks!