Series 2 year & model differences

[ColinWilson1980]

Wasn't able to find what I'm looking for through the search function, so this seems like the best place to ask.

I am looking into any difference from years to models that the 3800 S2 came in. Long story short, I am looking to replace the motor in my 99 Regal LS. I replaced the intake gaskets earlier in the year, and a couple months ago it decided to start making some unpleasant bottom end under load only noises which I am assuming is a spun bearing. After looking into machining and rebuild kit prices, the most cost effective fix is to simply buy a total loss vehicle with a good running drivetrain for < $500 and swap the whole thing.

Since the L36 came in many different Chev, Pontiac, Buick and Olds vehicles, are there any material differences in the long blocks, sensors, or wiring that anyone knows about? I’ve also thrown in a couple lowball bids on some L67 cars (two Park Aves and one GTP), and assume that it would be as simple as swapping the engine/trans assy, wiring & computers.

Everything that I’m reading says that a L36 is an L36 is an L36, be it from an older gen 96 Regal to a 00 Intrigue to a 03 Grand Prix to a 98 Impala, but if anyone is going to warn me about other things to look out for, this would be the place.

And just to clarify, I am looking for engine, wiring and sensor differences, as I am aware of the TQ converter, Final drive and transmissions line differences if I decide to swap the engine and transmission together.

I appreciate any suggestions or concerns that may be offered.

 

[BillBoost37]

Disregard any wiring differences, because at the most you swap your flex plate, coolant sensor, O2 sensor, rear exhaust manifold, where the evap is located and your alternator bracket. all simple things that you have on hand.

The Series 2 started off in 1995 in the Bonnevilles, Park Avenues and Riviera's. LeSabre got it in 96 along with some Regals. In 98 Monte Carlo, Lumina and Intrigue had the 3800 for the one year. In 97 Grand Prix, impala and Regal got the 3800 then around 2000 Monte's etc joined in the 3800 fun.

Now..you are likely going to find L36's are getting scarce and therefore the price for crappy miles is way up. Take a look for an 07 Grand Prix Vin 2 motor. It's the L26 aka the new L36. You can relatively easily put one of those in and smile on your way to the bank.

To retain the L36 plastic upper manifold, plug the coolant ports on your new L26, put your old plastic manifold and TB on ..grind a little piece off the subframe or put your existing motor mount on and off you go. Or you could so what I did.. get a GenV/L67 adapter and use that to adapt your L26 upper intake to your exiting throttle body, tap the pcv area below and run a hose from the upper manifold to the fitting you tap in.

L26's in my area are going for $300 with 39-50K miles on them.

 

[ColinWilson1980]

That's good to hear, as wiring is my least favourite battle to fight.

Most of the wreckers up here are all over 1000 for anything with under 150,000 kms.

 

[BillBoost37]

Well take a look.

My motor came out of a 07 Lucerne. Technically you can look for anything 3800 NA from about 95-08 and it'll work with a couple minor things. Wiring is very easy if you tell us what you are trying to do. Very easy.. nothing to be worried about.

 

[ColinWilson1980]

That would really be pretty awesome, and would consider it if this specific car had more value to me. I've been thinking of getting rid of it (have a total of 1700 invested in the car, including 500 to have the manifold gaskets replaced) and buying one with a body in better condition, preferably a GS to begin with. With that said, I'm pretty sure it'll end up being a 250km+ motor being put in it for the sake of being mobile enough to make it through one more winter.

Anything 2005 or newer with less than 300,000kms on it is well over what I'm looking to spend on this one.