I bought this car about a month ago

Tiny
SHAFA1121
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 BUICK REGAL
  • 144,600 MILES
I bought this car about a month ago. Did the tune up, power steering pump. The rack is leaking, which I know should be replaced with the pump, but I live in Michigan so I'm trying to buy some time until it gets warmer out. The lower intake is also leaking, valve cover gaskets as well. I also own a 1997 Olds 88 LS that currently has 96,000, I bought it with 78,000 so I've done a fair amount of work to the car. It also has the lower intake leak and rack and pinion leak, which was the reason for buying the Regal. I originally planned on buying a nice looking car with high miles (200K+) and swapping them, but at 144K, I know the engine will last awhile, so it wasn't worth the work.

However, since they both have the rack and lower intake problem, I'm reconsidering the swap. I planned on doing both myself anyway and selling the Olds, but would it be more worth it for me to change the engines out? Putting the 96K into the 144K Regal. I know it can be done, they're both 3800 Series II motors, but I don't know how to go about this. Ordering parts, I know there are different steering racks for each vehicle, so the other parts that basically "connect" the engine to the other various parts of the car are different to account for the different distances between the components.

If it is worth it for me to change the engines out, I won't be able to do it for a few months til school's out. Would I have to fix the lower intake and change the racks in both cars then? And I'm thinking it'd probably be worth it for me to swap trannys too, right? I've kept everything on the Olds in tip top shape, changed all fluids, done scheduled maintenance, etc, that's the only reason I'm considering this, but I need another opinion before I get rid of the Olds-registration's expired next month, so I could tinker with it until May if I needed to.
Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 10:51 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It sounds like a good plan. Yes, it can be done. The rack and pinion will be easier to do without the motor and trans in the car.

The lower intakes can be done with the motor out of the car. It will be much easier. It is a good project for you just take your time in doing the repairs.

When it comes time, come back to us and we can guide you with your questions.

Roy
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Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
SHAFA1121
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  • 7 POSTS
That's what I thought, but doing the rack in the Regal is my problem I guess since it's a daily driver. How long/many miles does it take til it actually goes out? I'm thinking I have to do the lower intake on the Regal soon-was planning over spring break in a couple weeks, but can I really wait til May to do the swap and do it then? And just so I'm clear, it IS a good idea to swap engines instead of selling the Olds with the 96K motor in it? I'm a little nervous since this will be a bigger project than anything I've done.
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Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
SHAFA1121
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Was I right about using the Regal "connector pieces" when swapping the engine into it? Just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. The rack on the buick will attach the same as it does on the olds, right? Just a different size?
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Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I think you are good with the swap. Something I would consider myself

watch the fluids till you can do this project.

Roy

f.
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Friday, February 15th, 2013 AT 11:14 PM

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