Questions and Answers
The question I have is this: Can I swap a 3.1, 3.4 or 3.8 GM power plant into this car and if so which one is the easiest swap? I favor the 3.1 because that engine is an enlarged 2.8 and I'm assuming that there would be no need to change CV shafts and transmission. Related to this is: if the 3.1 is the best swap, can I get a hold of a late model Malibu 3.1 (160 hp) and get that put in there or do I need to look at the older 3.1 from 1990 onward?
Regal Engine Swap
Q. Hi Vincent: I've got a hold of an 1988 Buick Regal Limited with the 2.8 litre V-6 and four speed automatic transmission. The previous owner cooked the 2.8, so it's toast. The car has about 127,000 kilometres (approximately 76,000 miles). It has P/S, P/B, A/C and, tilt - no cruise, and rack and pinion steering. I believe it's multiport fuel injection but it could be throttle body as well, I'm not entirely sure.
The car is definitely worth fixing (I got it for a song, about USD $250.00 Canadian $400.00) and it has a whistle clean body and decent interior. What do you think?
Thanks in advance for any info.
MattA. I think you're best bet would be the 3.1 engine. As with any engine swap the biggest issue is the electronics. If you can use the base engine, block and heads, and transfer the manifolds and other parts from the 2.8 to the 3.1, your chances of a successful transplant increase greatly.
Whatever engine you go with, look it over very carefully for any possible electronic problems.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
