3500 Swap Question

[98Malibu_LS]

Hello,

I've been reading all the posts I can find here regarding 3500 swaps and have yet to be able to figure out a few things so I thought I'd break down and ask.

I have a '98 Malibu with the 3100 and auto trans. The motor needs to be rebuilt or replaced. I'd like to just install a low mileage 3500. What I can't find out is;

1. Engine Mounts - Will it bolt in with minimal custom work?
2. Auto Trans - I can rebuild mine or buy another low mileage one from linders. If I buy a newer one, will it bolt up with minimal custom work? Gearing - lost here, unless a newer trans has the exact same gearing as mine I don't know what would be "compatible" for lack of a better term.

I'm not looking for a race car, just a reliable daily driver. The car is in great shape and just needs an engine. The trans is only being replaced or rebuilt since it wouldn't make sense not while everything is out of the engine bay. I have limited time I'm looking for easy, very minimal custom fab work, get it back on the road quickly solutions. What looks easiest on paper is getting a 3500 and AT from a newer malibu.

Thanks in advance.

[slinky]

you have to make all of the mounts and move alot of stuff in the engine bay..

[SappySE107]

Move a lot of stuff in the engine bay?

I am not sure if the mounts will be an issue or not as I don't know where your mounts are to compare. The J bodies have to make a mount, but that was the same for the 3400 swap too.

[CNCguy]

The LX9s came in the newer Malibu's. Did the mounting points change in the Malibu from '98 to '04? If the mounting points on the body/chassis didn't change, it seems that the newer drivetrain would bolt right in. The '06 Impala 3900 engine mounts are the same as a '95 Lumina 3100.

[Superdave]

It should bolt right in, you'll need an external crankshaft trigger to run it on your stock ecm, also you'll have to re-use a few things from the 3100 like the coolant lines and the fuel rail/injectors. there will be other things like the throttle body that will need to be delt with as well. wot-tech has everything you need..


as for the trans, i'd just have yours rebuilt. That way you know it's in good shape.

[kerno]

You'll probably want to follow along with my 3500 into a 99 Malibu thread which is current. There are several issues you want to be aware of before you dive into this. The crank sensor and manifold adapter are easy, but the A/C pump mounting and the right hand trans to block mounting bracket are going to be issues you'll need to deal with. The key to success is setting the engine up so that it produces the sensor data that the 98 ECM is happy with.

I am planning on simply slotting the lower hole on the A/C pump because the mounting boss on the 3500 pan is about .200 lower than the 3100 pan. It will require a stack of 10 mm I.D. washers that is about .300 thick. The only fis I see for the RH trans to block bracket is welding a piece onto the existing bracket (It comes of easily) and drilling new holes. I also need to drill a hole for the 3/8 NTP threaded coolant sensor in the LIM.

[SappySE107]

You can use the 3500's CTS in the rear head if you extend the wires. I sell a plug and play adapter for this, or you can cut and splice.

[kerno]

Ben: Where is it listed on your site?

[pocket-rocket]

Ben: Where is it listed on your site?

http://wot-tech.com/shop/all/cts-extension/prod_254.html

[98Malibu_LS]

Yes, I've been following your thread...with much interest! :-) I can kinda visualize what you're going to do with the AC mount. The engine mount seems easy to fix (with a torch and welder) ....or, is there room between the block and the mount to simply bolt a drilled/slotted flat plate to the mount?

[98Malibu_LS]

after looking at your picture again, it appears you'd have to weld the plate right to the original mount. I can't tell if all four holes in the block are tapped in that picture, if so you could utilize all of them.

[kerno]

All four holes are tapped and by welding a plate to the mounting face of the bracket, all four holes could be used. But I think two will be enough, since the bracket ties to the end of the transaxle with only two bolts. I've been sent out on a temporary assignment and am now about 2500 miles from the car, so my project will be on hold for about a month.