How hard would it be besides the ECU and wiring problems? Would I need custom mounts or should the s10 V6 mounts bolt up? Ive been toying with the idea lately and just seeing what it would actually take. I was thinking about buying a junk yard Buick Riviera engine and doing a full rebuild the swapping it.

thanks in advance,
-Mike

 

You'll need a V6 4L60e or a V6 Bell housing for a T5. The 3800 is not a standard SBC Bolt pattern. Another issue with a FWD motor in a RWD car is the TB is going to be pointing toward the firewall. Some careful measuring needs to be done. I know in an Fbody the TB would touch the firewall but in a truck you have considerable more room. What about pulling RWD 3800 Mounts and start fabricating from there?

 

or just drop a sbc in and call it a day <------- i had to say that

 

Much simpler since they actually have after market parts for the swap but not everyone wants to have a "...me too," car.

 

Exactly why I dont have a 350. I can get a 350 thats built with dyno proven 380 hp for $600 But I dont want just another sb-s10. I know the TB will be facing the wrong way, but if it fits, its as simple as a custom intake( will hit a shop for an aluminum one) I would find a RWD tranny that bolts to it, like the one from a GNX(just an example.) Im just wandering if the mounts will fit the trans, I dont really want to have to weld up new mounts.

 

Fit the block? I know the RWD L36 mounts are different then LT1/LS1 mounts in an FBody. People who swap to a V8 from a V6 Fbody have to change motor mounts and K-Members. Not sure if it would be easier to get RWD 3800 Engine mounts and then fabricate or just make mounts from scratch.

Just an FYI as far as the transmissions go you only have two bolt on options. I 3800 4L60e or a T5 with a 3800 bell housing. The 3800 is not a standard SBC bolt pattern and won't bolt up to a TH400, TH350 ect unless you make a bell housing adapter.

Edit: The 3800 Series II block is much different then the old 3.8 Turbo motors that came in the GNX's and T-Types. The 3800 Series II is also much different then the 4.3 V6 since those are basically a SBC.

 

The 3800 FWD blower inlet isnt removable, you cant just easily remove it and fab an intake tube, chances are if you put that engine in, with the M90 that it comes with, you'll have to cut a hole in the firewall / cowl to run the inlet piping through, there are no bolt up mounts, your best bet would be to get a full engine pullout with the mounts from a 3800 F body, or at least just the mounts from an f body, if i were that determined to have a 3800 in an S10 and was hell bent on forced induction, a F body setup and fabbing a turbo would result in much better fitment in the end.

If your just set on being different, watch ebay plenty for a set of syclone exhaust manifolds for the 4.3, get an aftermarket intake manifold and you have your different force fed S10 with a lot less headaches.

Or be different and actually do an LT1 or LS1 swap, complete it with all the goodies and do it properly without all the hackjob crap that comes with most peoples idea of a swap.

93-97 4WD S10 +LT1 + Bravada Transfer case = awd V8 fun, different, and evil.

 

i got a motor ill sell ya

 

PM me.

 

ok ive seen the swap done be for here in minnesota but it was put in a chevy cavalier, you have to make the wish bone motor mounts, the bottum motor mount, the intake will most likely be right against the fire wall, and the tranny you are seeking is a pain to find and just as big of a pain to make a bell housing for, but it is possible, also the time and cash you will put in this isnt even close to what your probably looking to spend.

Your best bet is to get a vortec 4.3 b/c im assuming you have the shity TBI 4.3. and super charge it, port and polish the heads and intake, run around 30 psi of boost. that will give you good pulling power and you will be fast. and if you want this truck to be different and fast. that would be the bang for the buck way to do it and easyest. ya u see a few super charged 4.3's but not many. if your going to do any swaping the stick with fwd in fwd, and rwd in rwd.

If you still want to put a 3.8 s/c in your truck then go for it but it will be spendy. And if you want any performance parts for the 3.8 go to ZZPerformance in the Grand Prix section. ive bought stuff from them for my buddy's GTP and its a great place and there a good site.

I found a site about a guy that put a 3.8 in a chvy cavalier thats newer then the one we did, hes in california and this should give you a little visual of what you will have to do, the site is www.cardomain.com/ride/526752/18