PT Cruiser V-6 Conversion!

[2002Gold]

I'm working on installing the Carbureted Buick V-6 engine shown below into my 2002 PT Cruiser. It will be an automatic RWD application. Here are 3 pictures of my progress. The engine is being supported by chains on the forward side, which are attached to a wooden support frame shown in the 3rd picture below. The trans is resting on the cross member that I fabricated. The car is sitting on jack stands. This allowed me lots of working room under the car while fabricating the engine mount cross member bracket. Note the modified 6" brake booster and Corvette brake master cylinder I'm using. This brake assembly mod gave me the clearance I needed between the engine and the brake assembly. Thanks for looking.

[AlTheKiller]

thats gonna be insane

ive always thought about stuffing a small block V8 in there but i dont think there is room so i started wondering about doing a V6.

are you doing the work?

[slayerdarkcross]

Holy thats going to turn out sweet!

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome.
So, an engine between 1978 and 1983, right? In '84 the turbo V-6 got fuel injection.
Curious how/why you selected that engine...

[Candyman]

Hey their 2002Gold,

Welcome to the Forum. Cool project! Just out of curiosity more than anything, are you Hawaiian Gold from the old PTCW Forum? If so, I used to follow your epic progress all the time. If not, no problem, and welcome anyhow. was just wondering as its a pretty good long shot that their are two DCS1's with similar conversions in progress.

Please keep us updated, and as always we love pic's! Especially of huge mods like this!

Go easy, and I'll catch ya later.

Candyman

[2002Gold]

You can install a V-8 engine, however, it will require allot of mod's under your dash. I did not want to do that. Eeverything under my dash is still intact. I did have to cut into the firewall to create a tunnel for the RWD transmission, the finish product shown in the top picture. I lucked out and was able to re-install the stock floor shift console as shown below in the second picture, being fitted up as I welded the new tunnel in place over the 4 speed automatic GM transmission. The 3rd picture shows the final mod made to the shifter console. I modified the stock 3 speed floor shifter with internals from a GM 4 speed floor shifter to match the 4 speed shift pattern on the GM transmission. I had to elongate the floor shifter console, painted gold, due to the added 4th gear shifter postion. The mod was done on the lower 1st gear side. I also installed a Lokar Led Shift Indicator shown in the picture. If you look good you will notice that the Red indicator is in the Park mode. I had to turn the ignition switch on to light up the indicator. Yes, you are correct, this Buick 3.8 V-6 engine is from a 1979-1983 Buick LeSabre. I purchased the engine from an engine rebuilder in Spokane Washington. They did some head work, installed a mild cam, and balanced the crankshaft rotating assembly which included the crankshaft, crankshaft damper, and the transmission flex plate as one unit to avoid vibrations. I will be installing a 4 barrel Holley 390 cfm carb on the Edelbrock intake. Later on I will be installing a rear end housing from a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. Even that will be modified to a leaf spring set-up from it's current coil over set-up. Yes, I'm Hawaiian Gold from the PT Cruiser World forum. This is my second application. The first one did not work out. I had a 1998 Camaro 3.8 V-6 engine with fuel injections and a distributorless electronic ignition. Due to electrical problems and 2 years of troubleshooting the system, I was forced to give up on that application and go with this carbureted application. I have a new gas tank being fabricated which will sit flush with the floor in the truck area. The stock gas tank is in the way of the new drivetrain assembly so that's the reason for the new tank. Yes, except for the gas tank, I'm doing all of the work required by myself. Thanks for looking. I'll be glad to answer anymore questions you may have. Thanks for the comments. Aloha, Tommy.

[Candyman]

Hey Tommy,

Again welcome to the Forum. I knew it! Good to see ya again, all the very best on your project, I will keep my fingers and toes crossed this time it happens for ya as that PT of yours needs to finally see some Cruise time for sure!!! Its been too long!!!

Keep the faith, and I will catch ya later.

Aloha,

Candyman

[2002Gold]

Candyman, thanks for following my progress with the Chevy 3.8 V-6 application. I'm sure this current application will turn out ok. Less wiring and no engine computer to worry about. I just completed the new engine mount and rack and pinion cross member shown in the 1st picture. The green circles are the bolt on flanges that attach to the existing PT Cruiser side engine and trans mount locations. The pink circles are where the Buick engine mounts will attach to, and the red circles is where the rack and pinion assembly will bolt to. I'm also just about completed with the rear main cross member shown in the 2nd picture. This main crossmember is located just below the firewall. As you can see I had to cut off most of the stock crossmember to get this Buick engine to fit and sit where I wanted it to. I left just a short stub on both the left and right side frames, to attach the new crossmember brackets to. I designed this new crossmember (portable) so it could be removed to make engine and transmission removals and installs much easier. The stubs will be trimmed up to the red line and the angle iron brackets will be welded in solid on both sides. The area where the green arrow is pointing to will also be welded solid to the existing frame as well. Thanks again for your support. Aloha, Tommy.

[quicksilverdon]

[QUOTE=2002Gold;278765] Yes, I'm Hawaiian Gold from the PT Cruiser World forum. [QUOTE]

I remember seeing that and rooting for you. Another forum that seems to have died....

I wouldn't be able to do that in Joisey - they do emission testing - and it goes by year of the car, so your 79-83 engine would have to pass 2002 standards...

[2002Gold]

[QUOTE=quicksilverdon;278783][QUOTE=2002Gold;278765] Yes, I'm Hawaiian Gold from the PT Cruiser World forum.

I remember seeing that and rooting for you. Another forum that seems to have died....

I wouldn't be able to do that in Joisey - they do emission testing - and it goes by year of the car, so your 79-83 engine would have to pass 2002 standards...

To my knowledge there is no automotive emissions testing in the State OF Hawaii. I will double check and get back to you. Thanks for your support, Tommy.