Hey guys, i was wondering if any of you have a good knowledge base on GM'* 3.8L sc and non sc engines.
i am thinking of purchasing a 1990 Buick Rivera in immaculate condition, the interior is amazing and has loots of cool features i really like. The only problem is it has 220k, i know it will still run for a while but i was wondering if a 3.8SC engine would be a bolt out bolt in swap or will it require some custom fab work? ANY advice would be much appreciated!!!
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Do you want to swap over just the motor?

If I went with the SC I'd go for the whole engine/transmission, as the transmissions in the non SC setups are not as strong, and if you put a SC top end on top of the non SC lower end and transmission, then it is not going to last as long, unless you baby it all the time..

i would i have to unbolt the tranny from the engine to remove it? probably not right? if i could swap any 3.8sc engine and tranny out i would. would one from a gtp fit?
thanks for quick reply

like will series 1,2,3 all fit in this 1990?

You will also have engine harness and computer problems to deal with....

It'* not going to be as simple as a 1:1 swap out/swap in, bolt stuff up, turn key. Looking at a few pics you're probably going to have to convert quite a bit of hoses and wires and etc.

Not sure the dimensions underneath for subframe and half-shaft concerns.

The Series2/3 both are a little smaller package than your Series1. Then add a supercharger on top and it might be a bit taller.

I agree with the others, get a donor trans with the donor engine. Preferably out of a mechanically sound car that'* been wrecked in back. Target a W-body and you'll have a chance at having motor mounts near where you need them in your E-body. Also think about how you are going to manage gauges and electronics and controls. Grab a PCM too. Maybe a lot of the donor'* wire and gauges and controls too?

Series 2 or 3 engines will not work on a Series 1 computer. Period.

As far as mounting it, I'm not sure.

But if you still want to and feel adventurous, get the harness, computer, trans, engine and halfshafts.

Yep, that'* why I said to grab a PCM too.

Maybe Bflegs should just turbocharge what he'* got. Might be easier. I wonder what altitude he lives at.

That'* another possibility, but the LN3 typically won't be able to handle much boosted abuse, and can be easily and reliably outran by a series 2 L67 stock swap, and that'* not even counting modding potential.

Was mostly joking about turbocharging it. I've been trying to get some answers on doing something similar elsewhere at: https://www.gmforum.com/buick-172/wa...p-back-308778/