Some of the 04s had the L36 rods, if his was made late 03/early 04 he could have a decent engine. Mine was built May/Aug of 03, aside from tearing the block apart I'm 99% sure I have the L36 rods. (buddy with an extended borescope, down the dipstick tube...couldn't see it perfectly, but it was enough that I'm convinced.)Originally Posted by blueguy
If it was me; I'd leave this car alone. Rip the powertrain from the other one. Scrap it and find a clean body to swap it in and mod that. L26, unless going turbo...you're not going to benefit from anything on that damn thing. Hell a heads/cam full bolt-ons L26 probably wouldn't crack 225 horse to the tire. It's not worth the trouble. These motors just don't make power N/A for beans. OR; find a cheap turbo kit for it. That L26 will take a little bit...toothpick factory rods. It has been the weakest of the Series II/III 3800's across the board when modding. Trans will go if the motor doesn't...but if you top swap it, keep a stock pulley, toss headers on it with a small cam or some rockers...it'll be a decent street car: boost + high compression.
