Here We Go Again

"Long_Voyager94" (yourenotavalidusername)
07/20/2020 at 17:07 • Filed to: rallyvan, Engine Swaps

Welp, no AC still ( although it’s narrowed down to needing a different harness ), but I now have a bigger issue:

My little 3.3L has a lifter that collapses once it warms up. Now I don’t want to spend the time nor money tearing apart an engine that doesn’t make me happy, so I’m now back in the deciding stage.

I still have the 99 3.8L sitting in the garage in need of a rebuild. The kit to rebuild it is about $350, assuming nothing needs to be machined. If I find machining is needed, it can get expensive quick. Then there is also the issue of all the stop leak we were finding in the ports......

I could start scouring the webs for an engine donor to pull a “good” 3.8L from, but this will likely be a crapshoot.

I could bite the bullet and order a long block for $1800 and just be done with it. Obviously expensive, but guarantees a trouble free engine.

For the moment I’m going to drive it til it launches, but I need to get everything figured so I’m ready when it does.

DISCUSSION (19)

nerd_racing > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 13:33

$1800 sounds like a lot right now, but if it has the potential to give you a solid 15 0k miles, it might be the best option. Especially if you end up with at least $800 in parts to get a used engine up to part (minimum re-gasket, timing, and any unforeseen issues.)

Then again I am a cheapskate and would probably also get bored with the vehicle before I run into engine problems anyway. I have a 1.8L Escort GT engine I need to re-gasket and find something to shove into.

WildlyMild > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 13:37

Buy rusted out low mile 2000 to whenever they switched to drive by wire (?) f or motor and trans and wheels and junk ?

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 13:39

$1800 doesn't sound like a bad deal at all to me for a new long block. Rebuilding the one you have sounds like a good deal if you don't find any issues with it but like you said, it can get out of hand very quickly if you do find something. Maybe try tearing what you have now down to determine if you only need the rebuild kit or need more and then decide between the rebuild and a new long block based on that?

Nom De Plume > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 15:49

Highly underattended question given you are openly asking for suggestions on what motor to swap in.

If your sense of both motors you have on hand is not good? Maybe give it a few days of thought and suggestions here before committing. Something other than the most expensive option might come up.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 15:49

LS swap from a FWD Pontiac/Buick/Chebby

Long_Voyager94 > nerd_racing
07/20/2020 at 16:00

Realistically, I plan on keeping it for a very long time yet.

Long_Voyager94 > WildlyMild
07/20/2020 at 16:01

Ew, no DBW in my future. Good old easy cable throttle is the way to go.

Long_Voyager94 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
07/20/2020 at 16:02

If I’d putting a V8 in it’s going on a 4wd Dakota frame with a mild 318............

Long_Voyager94 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
07/20/2020 at 16:03

That is realistically the best option I think, but it also will take the most work regardless of the engine being good or bad.

If it turns out a simple bearing set, new pistons/rings, and new lifters will do the trick, I should get a reliable 100-150k from it for $3-400.

Long_Voyager94 > Nom De Plume
07/20/2020 at 16:05

Well I mean I’m pretty decided engine wise , unless of course someone wants to tackle wiring the 3.6/6-speed into the old chassis, then there’s a whole nother option.

I just don’t have the confidence nor motivation to try that swap thanks to the wiring being tied into the whole body.....

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 18:37

What about swapping in the 250HP 3.5L SOHC V6 out of a 1st Gen Pacifica/2nd Gen LHS/300M?

Or better yet, the 4L version of that V6 that also was mated to a 6 speed auto in the later 1st gen Pacifica and the 2008-2010 Caravan/Town & Country?

I bet the 4L in the Rally van would be AMAZING... a total sleeper!

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 18:46

I’m cheap, so I’d say do the rebuild under the assumption that some machine work is going to be necessary , whilst at the same time wondering how far you can bore out a 3.8, if at all...

Dogsatemypants > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 18:51

Find a buick 3800 supercharged. How hard could it be? Alternately, clear out the boat anchor bits in the front and make the minivan mid rear.

dogisbadob > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
07/20/2020 at 19:57

+1 came here for this

RacinBob > Long_Voyager94
07/20/2020 at 21:22

If the 3.8 needs a rebuild, how about doing a diagnostic tear down to see it’s potential as a rebuild. If you like what you see, do an economy rebuild changing only worn parts and parts likely to fail.

If you don’t like what you see, you have a spare core for exchange on the long block. and you haven’t lost much.

Long_Voyager94 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
07/21/2020 at 06:49

I would absolutely love a 4.0/6-speed swap and have thought about it numerous times, but it requires completely rewiring the van from front to rear thanks to the TICM. Rewiring the whole van is where my thoughts always end.

Same goes for the 3.6 Penta/6-speed swap.

Long_Voyager94 > Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing.
07/21/2020 at 06:49

There have been a few 4.1 Stroker builds done with 3.8s.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Long_Voyager94
07/21/2020 at 11:34

That’s too bad. I was thinking the 3.5L/4L SOHC engines would be similar enough that you could swap it in just like the 3.8L.

Long_Voyager94 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
07/21/2020 at 12:03

They are, but the wiring is completely different.

I’ve also heard issue of them “fitting” in the engine bay thanks to their wide design.