We are trying to get it in, changing from a 3.8, is it possible and what do we need to do?

MIKE WILDE

MEMBER
1998 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
4.3L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Some lack of advice, labor help, and full understanding. Motor mounts are not a fit so we are trying to line up motor to figure out what welder can make for it. (This process is not going well, easy, or fast.) Communication is a slight problem due to health problem of Iss stroke in the past. From: Loving girlfriend hanging in here been his 17 years! Jc

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Just to be clear, you are changing the 3.8L to a 4.3L? If so, what vehicle are you removing this from? I assume something like an S10?

If this is the case then it is not going to be easy simply because the 4.3L was not offered in this vehicle so it is not going to just bolt in after changing the motor mounts.

You are going to have to use what are called universal mounts or so as you are suggesting, cut them out and hang the engine and line up the mounts from the 4.3L, mark them and weld them in.

Then you are going to have to have the transmission from the other vehicle and mount that as well unless there is a bell housing adapter that will fit your transmission to the 4.3L.

Then you will need to get it running so more than likely you will need the PCM and wiring harness out of the other vehicle as well.

Please let us know what questions you have or if you need other info and we can go from there. Thanks