Chevy 3.5 v6/4T65E Swap (Page 1/9)
Cajun MAY 01, 05:29 PM
After great deliberations, searching, and what ever I have finally began my 3.5 v6/4T65E swap. I finally located a low mileage 2010 Chevy Impala 3.5 VVT v6 with 30,000 miles on the clock. The engine comes from New York state, hence some rust issues, but nothing major (mostly surface rust). I received the engine about 6 months ago but have not had the time to begin the swap. As you can imagine this will be a slow swap (it's summer family first)! I plan on documenting this swap as much as possible as I have really been less than successful in finding any 3.5 v6 swap information on this site (with photos of the process).

I have acquired several parts from the local Pull-a-Part. Firstly, the engine and transmission mounting brackets. I have already prepped my spare cradle for the swap.





I know the cradle is "RED", the same color as my 86GT.

Here is a couple of photos of the engine as it appeared up packed from the shipper.



I noticed the engine I purchased came with a power steering pump? I am seriously thinking about keeping the power steering pump and go ahead and add power steering to the GT. Any thoughts?

Today the front engine motor mount arrived from RockAuto so I decided to go ahead and install the 3.5 on the cradle.



The next set of parts to acquire will the 4T65E & torque converter and the AC compressor. I need those items to complete the engine mounting process. Hopefully that will happen within the next month or so.

Tell me, is that not a thing of absolute beauty?? I have been wanting to do this swap for a very long time now.

[This message has been edited by Cajun (edited 05-01-2022).]

Raydar MAY 01, 05:35 PM
Very cool!
I lust after an LZ9 (VVT 3900) or LGD (Flex fuel "Impala" version), but am up to my hips in an LQ1, just now.

Please keep us posted.
lou_dias MAY 05, 05:14 PM
...and here I am building a 3.400->3.5 L 6" rod, high-revving cam, lightened drivetrain old school pushrod motor with Fiero heads and 11+:1 compression running E85...
Will MAY 07, 10:22 PM

quote
Originally posted by Cajun:

Today the front engine motor mount arrived from RockAuto so I decided to go ahead and install the 3.5 on the cradle.





Do you have a higher resolution version of this photo?

I snagged one of those brackets on spec a couple of years ago (2018? Maybe more than a couple of years) https://www.realfierotech.c...php?p=157012#p157012
I have not yet had the chance to test the bracket.
Thanks!
Cajun MAY 09, 03:04 PM
Okay, as builds go this is my first (1st) hicup; engine placement:

As I had indicated I had mounted the 3.5 VVT v6 on my spare Fiero cradle. Thought all was good, then went on a fishing trip. When I returned, I checked out my engine placement. As it turns out the 3.5 is about 2 inches to the left from where it is supposed to be.:


The square is where the engine pulley is supposed to be. Here is my 87 GT parts car engine on it's cradle for engine placement reference.


I have lifted the 3.5 off the Fiero cradle for test fitting engine mount brackets. My plan is to utilize the Fiero 2.8 front bracket, modify it to fit the 3.5, etc. Once I get my son to fabricate the bracket I will post the results.

[This message has been edited by Cajun (edited 05-09-2022).]

Wichita MAY 09, 06:56 PM
Is there clearance to the trunk wall? I did a bit of rough measurement, but it seems like that from rear mounts to the forward side of the trunk wall was something like 5".

I guess that is why so many swappers cut the trunk out.
jdv MAY 09, 08:07 PM
When I did my lx9 swap into a 86 we used stock fiero brackets with the 3500 front cover. I replaced the stock mounts with 2x3 steel after I ripped the new rubber mounts apart.
ericjon262 MAY 11, 03:27 AM
looks good! I figured I would reply to your build thread instead of the PM, I think it wouldn't be crazy to make a mount plate similar to the LZ4 part, but mounting the engine in the correct location.

measuring off of the front of the block is fine for the front to back placement of the engine (relative to the car), however, I wouldn't do that for the side to side placement, I would measure off of the bellhousing flange instead, or off of the end of the crank snout (not the balancer) as the balancer and timing cover have undergone many changes in the past 30 years.

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"I am not what you so glibly call to be a civilized man. I have broken with society for reasons which I alone am able to appreciate. I am therefore not subject to it's stupid laws, and I ask you to never allude to them in my presence again."

cognita semper

Cajun MAY 13, 12:15 PM
Thanks Eric for your feedback.

I have stumbled upon a build thread by MaddMatt regarding the mounting of the 3.5. His approach is exactly what I wanted to do. Thanks MaddMatt!

The Fiero front motor mount bracket is with my son who will modify the bracket accordingly. He will also modify the Fiero cradle so the AC compressor clears when the engine is mounted.

Waiting on the son before I can proceed further.
Will MAY 13, 08:05 PM
Mind posting a link to the thread?