Ken Copenace wrote:hello im new here, along with modding cars
i just got a 98 cavalier, 4door, stock 2.2, runs good but i was looking for something better like the 3400
1)how much will it cost?
2)will i need to make mounts or will the 2.2 fit?
3)will i need a new tranny?
4)how does it bolt in?
5)and etc
1) Varies greatly depending on what is available to you. I got an entire 2000 grandam for $400. The engine is probably the cheapest thing you will get. I know between new transmission, clutch, flywheel, I'm looking at $800-$1000, depending on if I rebuild the trans, and how fancy I go with clutch/flywheel. If you have all the tools, and since you already have a 2.2, you MIGHT be able to get the swap done for $1000-$1500, but don't be surprised if you spend more. I'm expecting I'll be spending around $3000, but I'm doing alot of unnecessary (in some peoples opinions) things.
2)easiest option, contact quiklilcav, hes got a thread in the group purchase section. He is selling mounts that will work for this swap.
3)Your transmission will work, unless you are switching between auto and manual. You could also swap to a 2000+ 2.2 transmission, but this is more work and will cost you more. Your transmission will probably be fine, if it is in good shape. If you switch to the 2000+ trans, you will need to weld in new mounts for it.
4)With the bolts that come with the mounts
... see 2
5)
READ THE STICKY, thats how I got most my info, but I still asked some pretty stupid questions afterwards.... I also started a thread that has pretty good info in it from people helping me. Its called help with 3800 swap, because that was my original plan, but the 3400 is much less work, and not that much less power. Alot less torque... but I have plans to make up for that....
Don't forget that once the engine is actually in, you will still have to worry about all the plumbing and wiring. If you will be using a manual trans, you will need the pcm tuned. I purchased hptuners and will be doing this myself (In the tuning forum, there is a thread that explains how to do this, but you will need hp tuners. I got it $300 used, pretty sure its $600 new). You also have to modify the engine harness.
I would also recommend doing some maintenance while the engine is out. The lower intake manifold gasket should be changed, apparently they are notorious for leaking in these engines. There will also be other gaskets you will need to replace, depending on how much you tear the engine apart. Replace plugs and wires, new intake, oil filter, fuel filter, clean everything, may also want to paint (you are obviously going to want to show it off, so don't show off a dirty engine) and replace any accessories that may not be working well, while you're at it, you could replace the belt as well. If you are worried about cost, that you should hold off for now. I know I could do the swap for much cheaper, but I want to make sure I will be happy with everything when I finish. You could also look into getting an lsd insert. Theres alot of threads here talking about them so search. Again, not essential, but I'm going to be using one.
Your homework:
1)read the sticky at the top of the third gen forum
2)search for the older 3X00 swap thread (I believe it was by quiklilcav)
3)read my help with 3800 thread, not nearly as much info as the how-to, but there are answers to questions I had, so it may help you
4)decide if you are going to do the swap or not
if you choose to continue
5)order mounts from quiklilcav (if he can still get you some, or make your own)
6)I recommend you read the getrag swap how-to (not a sticky, so search for it), and look up lsd inserts, then decide if you want either of these things
7)Figure out what route you want to take with the wiring, there are a few options, the sticky will explain
Once you have figured out what you plan on doing, do it. Start a thread with progress, and ask any questions there. People will be willing to help you with specific questions like how did remove "x" part. But not many people will be willing to answer "how do I pull my engine?". Also, pictures are pretty and keep people interested
.
That should cover ALOT of what you need to know. I'm not an expert, but luckily the experts have plenty of info already posted
.
I'm also making the assumption that you will be doing most of the work yourself. If you don't know what you are doing, you need to find someone that knows their way around cars. People can only help so much over the internet.
