[ikeaguirre14]

i have a 82 buick century with a 3.0 litre v6 231 (i think) motor. i was given a 90 buick century with a 3.3 motor but its motor isnt good. will 82 motor fit in the 90 century. if not, What went wrong was the timing chain slipped and bent a couple valves. is this major damage or whats type of repair am i looking at. im kinda knowledgable with cars, but i dont want to take on something i cant finish or screw up even more. if i had to take it to a shop, will it cost an arm and a leg. please any info is greatly appreciated.

[Wildcat66]

To answer your first question the transmissions will both bolt up to both motors but there is something different about the neutral switches in them. This is nothing major to worry about an easy fix if necessary. The k frames from both vehicles are the same also. A very important thing to have is a complete vehicle to supply the donor motor with so that you have all of the accessories harness and computer, this being said you do have all of that. There is only one thing that would have me worried and that is limited knowledge. These swaps are always a pain in the butt. The motor you have now would need the valves replaced in the heads. the heads would have to be removed for this to happen i.e. the intake plenum and fuel rail would also have to be removed. After the heads have been removed you could inspect the pistons for damage there is a a possibility that they have survived. So best case scenario maybe by two used heads an intake, and head gasket set and go to town. I hope this helps.
KIP

[Wildcat66]

I made a mistake the 82 Century is carbureated so there is no computer or mass or fuel rail this only makes it easier, to check out your current motor. Sorry my mistake.
KIP

[ikeaguirre14]

hi thanks for the rapid responce. so you suggest i just repair the 90 buick instead of swapping them. did i hear you right on that. what kind of damaged am i looking for with the pistons. my neighbor is a mechanic so if i have any probs i can always ask. i feel the only way to learn is doing it yourself. is it absolutely necessary to have to buy the heads and intake. if so why (just wondering). also since i was told the timing chain slippedi should be concerned with the timing chain right? thanks for your knowledge and assistance, any more feedback would be greatly appreciated. thanks

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

You will find that even tho the earlier motor will physically bolt into the later chassis.. Nothing from the later chassis will fit on the intake, exhaust, bolt ons. There are several different intake bolt patterns used on the different years. Same with the exhaust manifolds..

Flopped timing chains are fairly common on these. The chain stretches, tensioner wears out, or the spring breaks. Usually bends ALL the exhaust valves. Sometimes gets the guides also. If you decide to repair the 90 motor figure on . Timing set, tensioner set, Valve grind set (gaskets) 6 exhaust valves a couple intake valves, (possibly) half dozen or so guides. A valve job and possibly a (2) head mill, as very few are straight.

If you decide to get some bone yard heads for the 90. You must get the exact same casting no. that is on your heads (unless you have access to an AERA interchange). Like I mentioned, there were several small changes made by good ole GM that limit interchange!!

Also these heads have a cracking problem, like a lot of GM castings, so get a guarantee that they aren't cracked!!

We used to see lots of Buick motors, as Flint is(WAS) Buick town USA