Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee
I'd have to know if the 3800 had any goofy external balancer issues like some small blocks, and for sure the 2.8/3.1 flywheels/bellhousing bolt up? Sweet!
I know for my car there are many different axle combos depending on if it's m/t or a/t, 4 cyl or 6 cyl, etc. I don't know about the GM line but perhaps they are better about interchangeability on that than Ford.
Trans mount fab is no biggie for some of us but then it is a biggie for some of us.
Same with the clutch pedal/linkage.
I've never reflashed an ECU. Something tells me I'd need more than jumper cables to do it.
So how does a 3800 5 sp m/t FWD '59 Bel Air sound?
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I honestly can't remember what axles I used to put the 1.9's tranny against the 2.3, going from auto to manual, but I feel like we just used whatever was already installed.
There have been several 3.8 swaps in place of 3.1's and 3.4's in Luminas and other similar mid-size cars, with no talk of adapters or mill work. Without having done the swap myself, that's what I'm going on, but I'll say "yes", they fit. If you check out 60degreeV6.com, you'll probably find a swap or two, if you're really interested.
Reflashing an ECU is the trouble point, here. You're correct on that. Most cases, only dealers can do it. They will only do it based on VIN number, as well. Unless you can find a tuner ($$$$) with the proper equipment, you're going to run funny unless you're swapping in place of an older hydraulic (non-controlled) transmission.
That Bel-Air would def be something... but I'd go for and MR drivetrain if using a 3.8/5 speed. Enough torque to break up the day to day grind, and a rather efficient setup with a decent weight bias. Putting everything up front might seriously upset the weight bias of the car, and I assume that would be important, given the nature of the project. (I'm fairly certain it's not a hypermiler...)