l36 Series II in a 1972 Nova???

bing98 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-17-2006, 08:28 PM

Any thoughts on how to accomplish a 3800 series II into a 1972 Nova? I was going to swap in an LT1 from a late model Camaro. This can be done quite easily. I have done my research and have found all the resources necessary to make this happen.

I love my 97 Bonneville with its 3800 so it got me thinking. I thought it would be cool to have an L67 supercharged 6 in my classic. After researching this I found it can be done but with extensive mods. The FWD 3800 accesory/pulley locations interfere with the frame and the supercharger intake extends so far back that you have to cut a hole in the firewall.

I thought maybe a rwd v6 out of a camaro/firebird would do the trick. If the LT1 swap is so straight forward why not the 3800?

I found the resources to swap an L67 supercharger to the L36, but I can't find anything on the engine swap itself.

My intention the plan is to start small. This car has a 100hp straight 6. I could spend 1000 to 1500 to add a bunch of power goodies and we only get to a little over 200 hp. That's twice the power so the car should move pretty good. You can get a lot more hp, up to 600, out of the straight six but it become much more difficult after this point.

With the 3800 I already have the 200 hp. Add the eaton and i'm up to 250. As you know this is stock hp and simple odds improve on this immensly.

All I want to do is get it up and running and then eventually break it down and make it really move out. I want to be able to cruise in this thing and have some fun while I restore the rest of it.

There's this guy out there that did a great job putting an l67 into an older rwd cutlass, but the mods he had to make were extensive. So, I feel that starting with the l36 rwd set up from an f body is a good route for me as you can already easily swap the lt1 from these cars.

Mr. INTENSE · #2 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 11:29 AM

Sounds like an interesting swap.

Good luck with your project!

PaganEgyptian · #3 (**permalink**) 03-18-2006, 05:03 PM

just rememberthat the F-Body 3800II and LT1/LS1 is a 2 bolt main and I think the Nova may be set up for a 4 bolt... I am thinking the hardest part would be the Engine mount fabrication. -Tim

Abysalone · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2006, 12:23 PM

Please dont put a six in her. If you have any thoughts of selling it let me know. I had a 71' for my first car and im looking for another. Good luck if you decide to do it.

L67fiero · #5 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaganEgyptian

just rememberthat the F-Body 3800II and LT1/LS1 is a 2 bolt main and I think the Nova may be set up for a 4 bolt...

HUH?

z2896 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2006, 11:41 PM

I used to have a 64 Skylark and while doing some research I saw two 64-67 Skylarks with turbo 3800s from Grand Nationals. I don't know what website it was but I know it was a classic Buick site. Hope this helps.

MikeGS · #7 (**permalink**) 05-13-2006, 12:50 AM

Definitely could be a cool project in the making.
Starting with a clean sheet of paper would make it all the sweeter IMO. Making a suitable engine mount would be a minor obstacal. I'd seriously consider a turbo, and possibly a transmission upgrade. GM tranny bolt paterns are all pretty similar from what I've read, you may not even need much of an adaptor. (An old TH350 maybe?)
With the RWD and room to upgrade to beefier components you'll be the envy of most L36/L67 owners. Being able to have RWD and a blower is a nice option over camaro/firebird cowl/firewall issues as well.

Best of luck!

viper04af · #8 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 12:34 PM

the 3.8 uses the same bolts pateren as the 3.4, 3.1 and 2.8 as far as tranny's go 4l60 or 4L60E unless you do a apdapter plate

the bare blocks are the same the L67 is better intrnals for boost, find a L67 short block and use the camaro acc and top end...... if you turbo

if you SC just get the camaro acc's.......

need any other info