Hey guys, new to this so please bear with me! I've got a pair of '92 Regals, one in great shape but with a highly suspicious 3.1 (possible head gasket? Intake already done) and the other is a totaled 92' Gran Sport but with a Series 1 3800 and only 80k on it. My question is since they're basically the same, and I have everything available, can the 3800 be dropped in in place of the 3.1, along with the harnesses and computer, etc? Has anyone done this or attempted it before? More time than money and its not pressing, but I'd like to give it a shot.

Thanks!

 

There definitely is work involved. I also own a 92Regal with the 3.1 and a 92Regal Limited with the 3.8. Transmissions are the same. I will take some time and look at the harness assembly and see what is involved. I do know that the engines definitely have different components like fuel vacuum valves and other sensors. One very important item is the dash. Are they the same as respects your guages. Are they both digital or analog, as this is also tied to the ECM and makes a big difference whether you want to even try this swap. Talk at you again later with more if your still considering taking it on.
KM

 

Hey, sorry for the delay in reply, sometimes everything just catches up with you all at once right? Anyways, after a lot of thought and research into the 3.8 change, I got a bit discouraged. I did however fall into a free 3100 from a '95 MC so that's the route I'm going, along with the typical gasket overhaul. The downpipe/exhaust manifold and a couple other things are easy to work with and I've got the ECM and wiring harness etc. all with it so I think it should just drop in. And yes, everything has has the analog gauges, I know exactly what you mean. My '93 LeSabre was a bear to try changing over from the old sweep needle to the cluster when I put the L67 in it a couple years back.

 

I cracked the engine block in my Regal Custom and I plan on swapping the engine for the newer L36.