I want to know how hard it would be to put 1990 Gen I external parts on a 1996 or newer gen II block. Would they fit? I am in the starting phases of a 3.1 to 3.8 swap and have done tons of research on this great site but everyone says "find a grand national drive train" or "find a tta drive train" I've been looking for over a year and haven't found anything for less then about $5,000. So I came up with the idea to get a '96 Firebird or Camaro block then just put the electronics of a '90 era car to simplify the electronic nightmare. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

 

follow this thread https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/6...-gtp-swap.html or dig up some of my old 3800II swap threads

 

There is nothing from a 3.1 that will fit onto a 3.8. These are two completely different engine families.

FWIW, 1996 or newer 60 degree V6 (3100, 3400, 3500) are gen 3.

I don't know how the generations or series break down for the 3.8/3800, I don't follow them.

 

sorry to be so confusing. I left out a vital part of the puzzle. I meant Gen I 3.8 electronics and accessories onto a gen II block.

 

try clubgp.com

 

Probably be best to get something around 90... Basically, all you need is the matching ignition parts and fuel injectors that will work with your current system. The 3800 ignition wiring is almost identical to that of what's currently there. I'd shoot for injectors out of a (Gen2?) 3800, around 90-92 (should have a plastic acoustic cover with "3800 Tuned Port Injection" on it or even the old metal plenum saying "3800"... Stay away from the 3300s). May also be able to use the ECM (with rewiring), if you currently have a 91. Shoot for a Buick Century or Olds Cutlass Supreme or similar.

Either way, you want something roughly post-87... The F-body Series 2 engine utilizes the Buick "Fast Start" ignition system and the earlier engines don't have the provisions for it (front cover, damper, crank and cam sensors).

 

That's what I want to do but put it o a 1996 or newer short block. That way I can utilize the better fuel economy and higher power ratings of the newer block along side of the simpler wiring of the older electronics. That's my question.