Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: 3.8 / 3800 engine swap, buick v6, rod bearings

Question
Hi Ed,My daughter has a 1995 buick lesabre with a 3800 v6 (rod knocking).I have a 1988 olds ciera with a 3.8 buick v6 (bad fuel pump).will the basic short block interchange so that I could take all extrernal parts , manifolds, sensors ,etc off 3800 and put on 3.8 and use 3.8 in her 95?88 has sequential injection 95 has throttle body.Both use coil packs.Trying to save her some cash.Thanks Dave

Answer
Hi,Dave

The interchange can be done,problem is the 95 3800 uses a balance shaft were the 88 3.8l does not,this could complicate the swap because the engine will have a vibration issue,what about putting a set of rod bearings and a new oil pump,as long as the crankshaft is still good it may be a better route to go.

ED