[:-] Howdy - picked up 1999 van w/ 3.3 with a rattle in top of engine. No oil to sludge filled heads, removed head & found 2 missing pistons, badly scored liners - sure did sound like it was all in the top! Think I should take the 3.3 out of my 1992 van, engine is sweet, body is tired, both vans have 135K miles. Thinking of staying with the 1999 intake since the wiring & fuel lines were just disconnected. Will the 1992 block bolt right up to the van/trans? Does engine come out separately, or take eng/trans out as unit? Out the top, or bottom? I am a backyard mechanic, no lift, plenty of jacks. Thanks in advance,
Pete

 

Yes, yes & yes. The 99 engine came out the top (took the water pump out for little extra room,-it was tight. Going back in through the top - removed the crank pullry - had a world of room. The 1992 has alot more room taking the engine out through the top.

The electrical sensors (cam/oil press) between the 1992 & 1999 are the same except that the electral connectors are different - so they were swapped. Used the 1999 intake/plenum since the the 1999 fuel rack is different. The good news is that the van started as soon as the key was turned - like the engine was always there! Runs like a champ, just pssed NJ's two year motor vecicle inspection including running on their threadmill.