97 ssei to 03 malibu barbie

**pzog12** · 12-20-2011, 07:31 PM

random question, i know it'll be a fairly involved process (i have done motor swaps a few times) but i'm just wondering if a 1997 bonnie ssei 3.8 supercharged motor will fit some what nicely into my girlfriends 03 malibu. i bought the bonnie as a project car, (last bolt on each side k member has rusted through) and i was just informed from my buddy that is a body guy, that its pretty much unfix able. thank god i only spent 250 bucks on the car. Any help with this question would be much appreciated.

Before i forget to mention, the lower intake manifold gasket is leaking on the barbie, and I just don't care to fix it. the bonnie's motor and charger were completely rebuilt before the body decided it didn't want to be attached to the rear k member bolts (about 2500 miles).

**Smittro** · 12-20-2011, 08:28 PM

What engine is in the malibu? 3.1?

**Smittro** · 12-20-2011, 08:43 PM

Also what trany are you going with? 4t60e, 4t65e, 4t65e-hd, 4T40-E?

**Smittro** · 12-20-2011, 09:02 PM

Well since you bailed here goes..

Yes it will bolt up.

Will the 4t40e hold it? Prolly not for long.

You're going with an engine quite a bit heavier and 30 degrees wider.

The malibu's front springs won't hold the added weight very well, so suspension work will likely be needed right off the bat, and the bonnie's K-member won't match up.

There will be lots to change over as the 97 PCM will not likely work with any of the electronics left in the car, including the transmission if you stay with the 4t40e.

Engine compartment will need rearanged to fit the much larger 3800 sc and the hood may not clear the blower.

Sure it's doable but there will be a lot more involved than just the fact that it will bolt up..

What are your plans for it? Is this a build up or just getting a daily driver back on the road?

If it's a build up I would say go for it, but if it's just a beater I'd say put another 3.1 in it..

Just my o2..