Going from a 3.8 to a v8

I am trying to find out what all i need to do to make this change work out. I am wanting to pull the 3.8 out and drop a v8 in it. Do i need to change things like the motor or will mine work and what other issues may i run into. Thank you

 

1st, welcome to the site, please head over to the introduction section and introduce yourself for proper greetings and forum manners.

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What V8 are your replacing the V6 with? Is the V6 a 3.8 Buick or Chevy?

Buick, Olds, Pontiac and Cadillac all share the same transmission nicknamed a BOP, Chevy uses a different style bolt pattern. There was a rare dual bolt pattern tranny, but it was a 2004R 4 speed auto and I know your car had a weak knee TH200. SO if its a Buick 3.8 anything will bolt to it but a Chevy motor.

No matter what you will need a V8 fan shroud and I also recommend a larger core radiator. I have done over a dozen V6/V8 swaps in GM G-Body cars and the V6 radiators never seem to keep the V8 cool enuff.

 

First thing....if you have to ask this question you should not be doing the swap!

Search Search search......google search your question.....then read read read read!

A swap is not for beginers, there are questions that will need to be asked, but, get an understanding of everything before you start to do anything!

 

Another AMEN! Ampy. That's just what I did. Here's some of the gems I got for doing the research, wanting to swap from my V8 to the I6:
I found the FordSix.com forum, where I met and befriended HandyAndy, who is right here in my own town. I learned a lot about the 3.3L I6.

Then I found this and other sites about Station wagons, and told HandyAndy about it. He now has 2 Fairmont wagons (lots of parts between us).

And I can't forget the advantages of having two passionate Fairmont wagon buddies helping each other out within a 10 minute ride.

AMEN!

 

I mean I had to read the OP's post a few times, but I am pretty sure he said he wanted to "swap to a V8", then asked if he had to change the motor......I could have read it wrong........at least I hope I did anyway!

 

Still, the research to swap is worth the effort. That's what I meant.

 

Yeah I know me 2, you can find most info with some searching.....then if you run into specific questions you can ask away!

 

Well heck if nobody will answer the damn question, YES, you will need to swap the motor when going from a v6 to a v8!

 

Just wondering....what is a b8?

 

It's a combination of the key that's right buy the "v" and stubby fingers.

You're fast....

 

hahaha.....sorry I had to.....thought maybe you were looking for B18 from a civic lol

 

:confused: Since when?

 

Silly fella there!

 

Howdy jlr!

I bet you meant to write "motor mounts" instead of just "motor".

Please don't take our kidding you as our way of saying you are not welcome here. We do that with everyone.

Very good advice to research an engine swap thoroughly before attempting to do one. I know you were trying to do just that by inquiring on this forum.

There are probably members here that have done the swap you are asking about, and hopefully, they will chime in.

Stick around, ask more questions, and tell us a little about you and your Malibu wagon.

David

 

I have read

I have read up on the different things but no one can answer these questions for. I have done engine swaps before but only from a 305 to a 350. The Malibu that i have has the chevy 3.8. I am just trying to figure what all i have to do to do a v6 to v8 swap. I know that it is not that much to do but just want to be sure of what all i have to do before i go through with it. I am wanting to put a 305 out of an 86 Monte Carlo. But i just want to make sure that i have all the basis covered. I have been working on Chevy's for about 10 Years and have never gone from a v6 to a v8 so any help would be greatly appreciated.