Hey, this is my first post. My name is Dan, I'm a mechanic. After recently getting my firebird on the road I am looking to take on another project. I had been thinking about trying to find a 3.8 and everything to go with it but the opportunity has arouse for me to be able to get a driving but wrecked 99 caravan with a 3.3 so if this is at all possible that is that I will try to use since it has everything needed (engine, transmission, ECU / harness). I would like to put that 3.3 into my 94 shadow with a 2.5. has anyone done something like this before? how different is the 3.0 you could get in the shadow from the 3.3/3.8 block? My main concern is actually getting the engine into the car, electronic issues can easily be solved with megasquirt. What are the differences between the 2.5 and 3.0 sub frame, do they use the same mounts? thanks in advance

 

3.3 3.8 never came in any shadows. The 3.0 is a whole different engine. I never messed with a 3.0 in a shadow but I think they used the same mounts. As for axles to make it move I don't know they changed anything over the years that would prevent you to do it or not.

 

ok i owned both a 2.2 and i still own a 3.0 and when i was taking the engine out of the 2.2 i found out all the mounts are the same as well as most of the wiring i believe the 3.0 frame would have better suspension but other than that and the rear spoiler the 2.2 and 3.0 frames are the exact same. as well as engine mounts tran mounts(other than standard to auto). i dont know how the 3.3 3.8 will swap in but i know you can put a 3.3 throttle body on 3.0 as well a diamante exhaust manifolds on the 3.0.

 

IF it will fit a 3.0 it should, should in theory, fit a 3.3/3.8 without problems.

Given that, go with the 3.3 and NOT the 3.8

The 3.8 has really thin cylinder walls, most rebuilders won't even risk touching 3.8 blocks. Its not a good platform for performance.

The 3.3 is decent, but its cheaper and easier to use a 3.0 for performance however because its lower tech and has more transmission options.

You're gonna need pretty much everything to use a complete 99 3.3 engine, trans and electrical system in such an older car. And I mean everything all the way down to the gauges, the electrical systems are quite different between the two years and you can't even use a '99 3.3 trans in a '94 3.3 van of the same model.