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Hello,
I put so much time and money into this thing in the last couple of years. Including a rebuilt transmission, etc. I even spent the time to remove ALL the rust from the van. Even on the underside (removed gas tank as well), removed the rust and welded in new metal where I needed it. So, needless to say, I would like to keep the van as long as I can. lol It’s been a great work van for me. 🙂
So, what I need to know is this. Is there any options that would allow me to put a NEW engine in the van. Not rebuilt, but actually brand new. Even if there is a small displacement difference. For example, the Buick Rendezvous has a 3.5 V6 and I have a 3.4 V6. Is there any way to get a 3.5 V6 in my van? This would give me the option of getting a brand new engine, since, as far as I know, they still make them.
I really hope someone can help me with this. And yes, I aware that there may be issues with the PCM programming and what not. 🙂
Thank you all,
Duane
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what ever you decide to go with make sure you don’t under power the engine. to me I would pull what I got and build from there.this way what ever
mods get done cam,intake,bored out. it guaranteed to fit back.maybe you can get a crate motor with all the goodies you need. good luck and
keep us postedWelcome to the ETCG forums!
I think your only option would be to buy a rebuilt unit that is ready to drop in. I would also call the dealer to see if you can drop any other GM engines in without any type of modifications.
However, if your creative, have time, have lots of money, have the equipment, you could put any motor in any vehicle.
I think you are both right. Since I don’t have tons of money, I do think my only option would be a rebuilt. Of course, I could then take the old engine and take the time to rebuild that too. I have plenty of room and time to rebuild the engine that is in there, but I can’t do without the van for that long. lol So, I think I’ll wait until the current one craps out, get a rebuilt in, then rebuild the one I have. That way, I know I have a spare that will be done right for sure. 😀 Plus, I could make sure I get all new hoses and add-ons. Like power steering pump, alt, etc.
I think that was all just rambling. I hope everyone knows what I mean. lol Sometimes I am not totally clear on some things. lol
Duane
I was doing some reading and checking pics of the newer engines. It looks like the mounting brackets on the LZ9 and LZ4 engines are the same. Anyone know if those would fit in? I know I’d need new computers or some reprogramming, but if it’ll fit, there is a way to make it work, right?
Yes, if it’ll fit, there’s a way to make it work. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to get a remanufactured 3.4 is that those engines (along with their 3.1 and 2.8 bretheren) are notorious for having leaky lower intake manifold gaskets. They leak due to a poor design from GM. At the risk of sounding like an advertisement, using Fel-Pro gaskets on the lower intake manifolds, rather than dealer parts, will make it so that the lower intake manifolds don’t leak anymore. If I was going to get a remanufactured 3.4, the first thing I’d do before putting it in the van is swap out the lower intake manifold gasket for a Fel-Pro one, so I wouldn’t have to fight with putting one on while the engine is in the van.
Would it be easier to just get a nice 3.8 in there? As far as i know it would fit in perfectly. and not need a different computer
Jasper does reman the 3400 using the updated metal intake gaskets.The intake bolts,GM says not to reuse them for the 3400s.The Dorman kit uses the updated metal intake gaskets with new intake bolts.The 3400 is an interferance engine,the valves bend if you install push rods in the wrong spot.6 short and 6 long pushrods.You can tell real easy,the short pushrods are a 1/4″ shorter than the long push rods.Removing the engine is a huge job and can be a pita to do.The engine comes out from the bottom with the transmission still bolted to the engine.I have done a few of them and I hate doing them called time consuming.
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