2.8L/3.1L AND 3.8L FWD same bellhousing pattern?

[Shannen Durphey]

Terryk wrote:

> Ok, we have three yes (same) , and two no's (different).
>
> I wondered if the 3.8L in the Camaro was the Buick or the Chevy. Why not
> the Chevy? But that would require an adapter plate too. It would fit a
> little better though.
>
> TK
>
> ----------
> > From: Sketch <sketch at r34h11.res.gatech.edu>
> > To: diy_efi at efi332.eng.ohio-state.edu
> > Subject: Re: 2.8L/3.1L AND 3.8L FWD same bellhousing pattern?
> > Date: Sunday, December 14, 1997 11:11 AM
> >
> > > I thought exactly the same thing, but a guy that does Quad 4 swaps said
> he
> > > ran into that problem. The bolt patterns were different. I am assuming
> that
> > > he is right. Maybe someone can nail this down for me. I'm using an
> Isuzu 5
> > > speed right now. Works fine, but the gears are too low. From 6500, I
> drop
> > > to 4000 which puts me too far into the torque curve. The Getrag would
> drop
> > > me into about 3200 from 2nd to 3rd. If made a big difference in a
> friend's
> > > Fiero.
> >
> > Yes, the Quad 4 does have a different bolt pattern.  If you use a Quad 4,
> > you will need the Getrag 5-speed or automatic that came with it (or
> > another one).  All of the other GM L4/V6 FWD's use the same bolt pattern.
>
> > (I think the NorthStar might, as well?)  I don't think the BOP/Chevy bolt
> > pattern thing holds much weight as far as FWD goes, I think it's all just
> > "GM".
> >
> > > I considered the Q4, but the HO's are hard to find. The Buick has the
> > > problem of never being mated to a manual tranny. They check that in
> > > California (if they decide to look, that can bounce the swap.) I've
> been
> > > over it extensively with CARB.
> >
> > Actually, the Buick _IS_ mated to a manual tranny - in the 95+ F-bodies.
> > They use a RWD Series II 3800, rated at 200hp.  (5hp less than the FWD?)
> >
> > As someone else posted, you will need to make your own flywheel anyway,
> > and the web page he listed will tell you how.  It also mentions that the
> > RWD flywhel is too thick, but could probably be machined down to fit.
> >
> > BTW, there's some info on various Fiero engine swaps on my web page (see
> > below) which might be interesting to you.  :)
> >
> > C'ya    |  86 Fiero SE 2m6 4-speed  |  Space Coast Fieros
> > Sketch  |  Daytona Beach, FL        |  Florida Fiero Council
> >
> > Florida Fiero Council & Online Service Guide:
> > http://apollo.pacificweb.net/~sketch/
> >

 Sorry about the delay, I've had to spend the last two days dealing with
Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, Christmas cards, and Christmas traffic.

I guess by now that you found out that BOP is Buick, Olds, Pontiac (and some
Cadillac) bellhousing pattern for RWD vehicles.

Well, I learned some new things.  3800 in a Camaro, that's new.  Different
bellhousings for FWD, that's new, too.  Confirmed the 3800 but not the
bellhousings.  It's okay, I've got faith.

Now for things I did find...

Got an Olds Rocketparts and older GM Perf. parts book here.  Latest Chevy Power
is at the shop.  Got heavy duty differentials here for "any GM five-speed
transaxle"  #22551487.  There's a note in my Muncie 5 speed transaxle book that
rated input torque is 170 ft. lbs (future cap of 200 ft. lbs.). Book is dated
1988.  Looks like J, L, and N cars hold more oil than A or P cars.  I think A
is celebrity, P is Fiero, J is Cavalier, L is Corsica/Beretta, N is Cutlass
Calais.  Also show different parts for 2.8/3.1 and also some
tips/suggestions/parts for Olds stuff used in IMSA racing.  Hey!  Found a part
no for an Achieva body in white!!  Wonder what they mean by "special handling
required".

Cutlass Calais came with 3.0l v-6 which is little brother to the 3.8l engine.
Maybe get the flywheel and rebalance if necessary?? Maybe get complete
engine/trans combo so bolts, brackets, clips, and what-have-you are handy.
BTW  If you don't rebuild the engine, change the timing gears.  When it goes,
valves go too.  I've changed a bunch after it's too late.

Worried about conversions?  Worried about emissions inspections?  Wyoming and
Montana have no vehicle inspections whatsoever.  :)

My answer to making my 83 Phoenix phaster is going to be RWD.  302 ci, pfi,
muncie 4 spd.  What a fun toy. But that is 3rd project in list of big ones.

Hmmm...what about Aurora v-8?  I'll find out tomorrow if they came with std.
trans.  Yeah, I know.  That one costs money :(

Shannen