Engine Conversion/Injection to Carburetion Update!

[Golden Cruiser]

Hi Guy's. For those who are just starting to follow this thread. Here are my latest updates. I will be installing a Chevy 3.8L 3800 Series ll V-6 engine into my 2002 PT Cruiser. I have decided to stay with the SFI throttle body system that came with the engine, instead of switching to carburetion. I'll be using a 700R4 RWD transmission, and probably a Jeep
Cherokee or a Suzuki Vitara live axle, coil spring rear suspension. I chose
these suspensions because the track widths are almost identical to the existing PT Cruiser track width. And, the PT Cruiser also has coil over springs in the rear. This eliminates having to cut and respline axles. Yes,
there will be many obstacles a long the way. However, that is always expected when attempting these types of conversions. Why not use a V-8
instead of a V-6? I do not want to cut into the firewall. The stock 3.8L is a 200+ horse power engine, compared to the 150 horse power engine that I have in the PT Cruiser right now. With an after market cam and lifter set, as well as a set of headers. That should give me all the power I need. I could top that off with a Super Charger if I wanted additional
horsepower. I would only cut into the firewall if I had no other choice. Comments and suggestions are always welcomed.

[Homer]

The S/C 3.8L has a different crank and pistons than a regular 3.8L, it also uses a different pcm and wiring harness. So its more than just a bolt on. But it seems you have done some homework on how to make everything fit into a PT.

[Golden Cruiser]

Engine Conversion/Injection to Carburetion Update!

Hi Homer, that's why I love these forums. You learn some thing new everyday. Yes, I have done a lot of research. However, no matter how much research you do, someone will always come up with a good comment or suggestion. For me, that is always welcomed and greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your support. Keep them coming

[geoffinbc]

So why not a 60* V6? Sorry just had to ask...

But seems to me with it being narrower than a 90* V6 that it would fit much easier. Plus it is MUCH lighter

[Anonymous]

So why not a 60* V6? Sorry just had to ask...

But seems to me with it being narrower than a 90* V6 that it would fit much easier. Plus it is MUCH lighter

Narrower than a 3.4DOHC engine if I'm not mistaken (will fit easier).. thats just about the most powerful 60* readily available at the moment.

[Golden Cruiser]

Engine Conversion/Injection to Carburetion Update!

No real big reason. I guess I will have to say availability. It was there when I was looking for one. And the low miles, the engine only has 5k miles on it. Space wise in the engine compartment, I'm not too concerned about left to right. Being that the existing 4 cylinder is a FWD engine, the left to right space has more than enough room to fit the 3.8L. However, the front to rear space is indeed limited. That's why I went with an engine that had no distributor at the rear, which will allow me to set the engine much further back than one with a distributor. One immediate big problem will be the steering. The existing rack & pinion sits just below the face of the firewall on a huge cross member bracket. I'm still running the car, that's why I can't take any serious measurements in that area. However, just by looking at it, it appears that the 700R4 trans will not fit in that area without some kind of modifications to the cross member bracket and steering components.

[bszopi]

Even though you are swapping in the much-hated 3800, I think all of us would still like to see pics and hear updates about this project. I think it's pretty cool, and not something that you would see everyday. So keep us updated!

[Golden Cruiser]

Engine Conversion/Injection to Carburetion Update!

Yes, I sure will keep you informed of my progress which will include pictures. I understand how some of you feel about the 3.8L. Nothing wrong with that. That is why the American way of life is so wonderful. We have the freedom to make our own choices. We do, however, have to live with the choices we make, good or bad. Perhaps if I did a more extensive research, I probably would have gone with the 60 degree V-6 engine. I appreciate all the comments and suggestions from all of you. Keep them coming if you like. My ears will always be open. Thank you very much.

[pendan]

That is pimpin man.. fucken pimpin
what a sleeper that will be since most people think PT cruisers suck

Too bad you didnt go with a SC'd 3800.. i would love to see a RWD car using an L67..
Im not familiar with the 700R4 transmission.. is it stick??

Anywho im really interested in your project.. keep us updated! Oh and good luck
have fun too

~Matt

[bszopi]

700R4 is just a 4L60E without the electronics....

[Golden Cruiser]

Engine Conversion/Injection to Carburetion Update-1

Matt, it's like Brad said. The 4L60E is a 700R4 RWD transmission that is controlled by the PCM. It is a 4 speed computer controlled automatic trans. I will be using the stock 98 Camaro floor shifter. I purchased a coil over rear housing & suspension from a yard in Oregon. It's from a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. I got the 3.8L 3800 Series ll V-6 engine from a yard in Wisconsin. It came out of a 2000 Firebird. It only has 5K mile on it. The engine will be set-up to the specifications of a 98 Camaro. I ordered headers for a 2000 Camaro from Clear Image Automotive. They work out of Seattle, WA. It's called CermaChrome headers, really nice and well made. I just moved, and I'm still unpacking and trying to get things in order. I expect to start on my project next month. I'll be updating my progress with text & pictures for those of you who are interested. I thank all of you for the support you have given me. Talk to you later, Tommy.

[bszopi]

Wow... haven't heard from you in awhile! Glad to see the project is still going though. Definately keep us updated.

[Gemmer]

BTW, the 3.8 is a buick engine

[Golden Cruiser]

Chevy 3.8 conversion

Hi there, this is "Golden Cruiser" I'm back. I know it's been a while. I have been real busy. Anyway, I will be installing the 3.8 shortly. For those of you who are still interested and want to see where I'm at with the engine, you can check it out at the links below. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. It's good to be back.

http://ptcruiserworld.tenmagazines.com/mygallery.ten?id=3504

I just updated the link above. Looks like their was a problem with it. It should work now.

[geoffinbc]

BTW, the 3.8 is a buick engine

The 3.8L esed to be Buick. But now every engine is corperate GM and no division makes their own engines.

I am a big fan of the old BOP V8's. I like the head design and the massive displacement of the stock blocks.