DTS L67 swap?

Tiny
DMTOWNSEND1
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE DTS
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Okay I'm new. I've 3800 series 2 being swap into a 2000-2005 Deville. I think this was the idea of my very 1st swap that's on very low budget. So, I rather take a non invasive approach on swapping this vehicle. I also chose not to swap subframes due to cost concerns. So, here's my list:

2000 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi - $150 (Donor Car)
**Good 3.8 SC, and Good 4t65e
2005 Cadillac DTS Premium
Monday, July 24th, 2023 AT 9:01 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,463 POSTS
Sorry to say it but that is not going to be a low budget swap. Virtually nothing on those cars is the same. The 3.8 engine mounts are different, the transmission mounts are different, so you are going to need to swap the subframes to even have a chance. While it's apart you will need to swap out most of the wire harness, ECM, BCM and the dash as well because the control modules and programming along with the security systems are different between the 3.8 and the 4.6.
It's one of the reasons why you don't see many swaps on post 1990 or so vehicles, the computers and all the other items make it a nightmare. Plus with all the changes you will lose the memory functions, the heads up display and other Cadillac only items.
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Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 AT 12:07 AM
Tiny
DMTOWNSEND1
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  • 21 POSTS
Okay, I understand what you're saying. I'm not sure if you're familiar with these generations of cars from 2000-2005. But for starters. Again, I refuse to swap subframes because the Bonneville Trans is a weaker transmission compared to the 4t80e. And the Bonneville has 240,000 on the body, also the body is severely rusted. Which is why it is now a donor car only the engine can be saved. As far as the Cadillac, here's what I compiled from a forum as this is for to swap a Supercharged Series 2 V6 from a 2000 Bonneville SSEI into a 2005 Cadillac DTS Premium, if there's anything I'm missing please let me know.

*1) SSEI Engine and Engine Wiring with minimal modifications to the DTS hood fuse box connector. All of the Caddy interior electronics will work properly for the 3800 s/c v6.

*2) SSEI Exhaust downpipe can be bolted directly to the DTS exhaust. It will retain the factory 3800 starter location. Also, the A/C lines route the same, so the DTS Condenser wouldn't need replacement. The DTS Mounts is Similar to the Bonneville, so either mounts can work. The DTS accumulator is also in the same place. 2000-2003 Bonneville SSEI models came equipped with Stabilitrak 2.0. So the ABS wiring is also the same as the DTS.

*3) The DTS 4t80e transmission can be used with the 3800 s/c, just re-drill the flex plate for the four bolt converter and re-drill one bell housing bolt.

*4) 90% of the 2000-2005 Deville DTS wiring was much closely matched to the 2000-2003 Bonneville SSEI. All the major SSEI wiring plugs do match up to the DTS, so reprogram the BONNEVILLE ECM to match your specific DTS VIN. But REUSE THE BONNEVILLE ENGINE HARNESS. Bypass the communication line at the electronic suspension module, so there's no "service suspension". You'll also have to do the "RELEARN" for the Bonneville ECM once everything gets converted over to the DTS. Key on till the security light goes out on the dash (approx 10 minutes) cycle key off, back on twice more (30 min total time) to get the DTS can recognize it.
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Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 AT 4:34 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,463 POSTS
Having the factory info on both as well as actually working on them is why I gave you the earlier answer. First the electronics are different and the interior electronics that are programmed for the v8 are not the same as a v6. Next you have the minor detail that the bulkhead connector might be the same but that actual wire locations are different between them. The engine mounts are not in the same locations from the 4.6 to the 3.8. So, you will end up engineering those to fit. No 90% of the wiring is not the same. You have a v6 that you intend to swap in place of a v8, the ECM is not even close to the same programming and no, the 30 minute re-learn isn't going to magically alter that, that process is to re-learn a key, not to reprogram the ECM. Then there is the re-drill the flex plate, they don't have the same crank bolt pattern and are not balanced the same. Even the programming for the two transaxles is different and would need to be changed unless you want to burn up the transmission in short order.
I will say this, good luck in the attempt but it's not as easy as those folks seem to think it is.
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Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 AT 6:52 AM

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