98 catera 3.2 or 3.6 swap help / info

[68topls]

I have a 98 with a blown engine. I would like to swap a 3.2 or 3.6 engine from a cts into the car instead of replacing with another 3.0. I did a search and saw a few people that are or have done this but I was looking for some specifics. will the 3.2 or 3.6 directly swap in for the 3.0 or there are some things that need to be changed along with it like electrical? I read one post where they said the 3.2 is the same as the 3.0 but I would like to verify it is a straight swap using the same components. Another post referenced using the 3.2 with the top end of the 3.0. Any help would be appreciated....

[CateraMV6]

I bet the 3.2L will be easier to swap then the 3.6L because the 3.2L is a modified L81 engine named LA3 and has bigger bore I think... also the electronics you will have to upgrade to the coil on plug design and you may have to play around with the wiring a bit, but as for the DBW, you might be able to get away with using Manual throtle bodies... but then again which ECU are you going to use...
Fitting it wont be an issue, the 3.2 will be very identical, the 3.6 might have some different motor mounts...

Good luck with it all, I hope you find what you are looking for... in the archives...
I would go with the 3.2L personally and a manual swap but thats just me.

I am working on getting the European ECU with a chip in it, and I am hoping I can bump up the HP on mine with at least 20 more...

[68topls]

so if I use a 3.2 it's a direct swap with noting else to change?

[elvin315]

I haven't done it myself but I remember reading that you have to use the 3.0's oil pan on the 3.2 to fit it into the Catera.

Elvin

[68topls]

looks like loddyjr2 has done this but I can't pm him because I don't have enough posts......