oldsmobile - GM Performance Tuning

Medz · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 05:18 PM

ok, i have a 89 cutlass ciera with a 2.8. i am thinking about geting the 3.8 supercharge III engine, now i am not sure if i would have to change my tranny. and if i did i am worried about my half shafts. not sure if i could get half shafts the right size to fit to my car. if anyone has some advice on this and help me out that would be great. thanks.

jeremy96gase · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2008, 07:21 PM

Hello Medz,
Welcome to the forum :)

Putting a 3800 in your car would be difficult, at best. You would need to change the Transmission, half shafts, custom engine mounts and ECU (plus wiring).

Your post reminded me of another thread I was involved with recently. Here's what I wrote.

3300 needing a trany

Quote:

Changing the transmission from a 3speed to a 4speed, isn't exactly a bolt in afar. They have different axles. Mounting could be different.
You'll need an ECU (computer) that works with the engine/trans combination you're using (although you could get something custom worked up).

l67swap.com is a great resource, as is 3400swap.com.

Another thing to remember is the 93 Century doesn't really handle very well (lets be honest) and was made to roll around with little more than 150HP. If you put a heavier engine\trans combo in that produces 300+ HP, you can end up with quite a handful on your hands.

There are some things you can do to make your car more powerful. Like custom intake, Exhaust, ECU tuning, or even installing intake manifolds and heads from a 3400 (or even the whole 3400). 60degreev6 - The BEST Source For All Your GM 60ºV6 Needs is a great resources for that engine.

But keep in mind the 3speed in your car (if you have an automatic) won't hold up very well if the engine is producing more than 150HP.

Medz · #3 (**permalink**) 08-08-2008, 06:02 PM

yea i think i have to add on top mount, and change the bottom if i had to change the tranny. now i am not sure where to go to find more about this, got any ideas?

jeremy96gase · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 06:01 PM

If you're dead set on putting a 3800 series engine in your car the best place to check out would be l67swap - MotorSwap

However, for less then the cost of the swap you could likely buy a used Grand Prix with a 3800 in your area.

Medz · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 06:53 PM

yea, thats what i have been told many times. but i love my oldsmobile! and this would be a great way to learn a lot, cause i have someone that has done swap and cutsom work befor.

jeremy96gase · #6 (**permalink**) 08-12-2008, 04:11 AM

Well it sounds like a fun project. If you can please take lots of pictures during the process :)