Swapping DOHC for 3X00

[jmgtp]

Hey Pocket, pick that chin up. I took a long hard look at this car and decided it would destroy me to get rid of it and I asked myself what do I need to do to keep it? So yes, it is losing its dohc heart and I will miss it. But I am getting back my driveability and reliability and keeping it 60v6.

Iasaac... I'm reading pcguys thread right now, lots of good info - thanks for bringing it up.

[pocket-rocket]

A little piece of me dies each time I read this thread

[robertisaar]

DF is a *bit* more documented/sophisticated than A1, but either would work in a 9396.

[IsaacHayes]

Have you looked at PCGUY's thread? He swapped a cammed headered LX9 into his. Might want to look through that when you get time. Of course he replaced a 3100 that was in his instead of a TDC, but still for the other things that would apply.

You don't have to worry about the cam and 24x sensor though. You can tune with the stock $DF code or drop $A1 code into your PCM.

[jmgtp]

Good

Along with the pickup truck that we'll be using to transport the engine, my dad is also borrowing from work some sort of special straps meant to pick up a palette with a hoist.... just in case! It may even prove easier to leave everything on the palette and just pick it off the truck and plop it on the floor for now.

Really appreciate everyone's input on this thread!

I'm sure I will make a 'swap' thread where I'll share the details, ask the questions and post pics of the progress... hopefully by the time it is all done I can be a new resource for swapping an LX9 into a Gen I W car.

[IsaacHayes]

Should. There should be one on each head. It would be hidden by the cover.

[jmgtp]

On the eBay pics I don't see the engine lift brackets. Are they concealed under he cosmetic 3500 manifold cover? I hope they are there or I don't know how I can get this thing off the bed of the pickup. My engine hoist goes plenty high just needs somethig to grab onto!

[IsaacHayes]

Sweet deal, you can't beat that!!!! Still $300 for an engine locally with low miles a good deal.

[jmgtp]

Won an eBay auction (from LKQ) for an LX9 today. 52k miles pulled from a G6. This swap is officially on!

Engine Cost: $300

Shipping: $0 - borrowing a pickup and getting it myself (~100 miles) - sure beats paying $250 to ship! There is a small additional cost to put the engine on a palette or crate of some sort. Also have to pay sales tax. Overall this is still a good deal.

[mickaz]

EDIT: 3400 with 3500 top end = cost more than just 3500 swap, and you loose compression and .1 displacement.........

expensive yes but just as powerfull, alot of 3500 malibu and G6 have seen the back of my car LOL! and that is with my stupid misfire

[jmgtp]

Thanks I may take you up on that... I need to see what exactly the engine comes with, the pic I saw may have been a stock photo.

I'm waiting on a shipping quote right now...

[asylummotorsports]

I have the 3100/3400 manifolds and cross over that were on my 3500 before I got the headers.

If you are stuck you can have them for the cost of shipping.

[IsaacHayes]

As long as it's an LX9 you're fine. You don't want the VVT 3500 that is a destroked 3900.

3500's have dual exhaust that connect to a Y... You could use 2 front 3500 manifolds for good flow since they are almost like shorty headers, and bring the front one over and connect in the rear. Or get 3400 log manifolds that have a cross over. Don't get 3100 ones unless 2000+ as the rear is even more restricted and kinks down. Plus 3400 rear has short runners sort of.

But 3500 manifolds would be best if you can swing it.

[jmgtp]

I'm looking at an lx9 from a Pontiac G6. Is this the same as the Malibu one? The engine I am looking at does not appear to include the crossovr pipe for the exhaust. Two questions here: are they cheaply available (I could make one if I HAD to) and will the stock lx9 crossove clear my getrag and shifter cables without a problem?

Thanks guys.... About to pull the trigger...

[jmgtp]

Believe me, there is so much stuffed in there that it can only barely fit a single car.

It needs a good clean out and rearrangement. There are also a lot of things in there that should be in the shed, but my dad has that full of lumber and other building materials.