Trading up to the 4.6L...

[AmunRoo]

So I have a 2001 4.0 and it seems like I might be starting to have head gasket issues. Rather than fix it, I might as well swap the engines out. It's going to cost me basically the same amount of money. So my question is what year engine or what model would be the best to harvest from. I'm looking for the L37 VIN 9 motor. I'm trying to get the 300 horsepower version. I'm thinking maybe the STS or DeVille from the same model year? I just want to make sure that my stock PCM will run that motor. Once I get the motor installed and everything running I'll have it tuned. Probably by North Star performance.

[AUROD X]

Sounds like a good idea.

[tigger]

I haven't done this yet, so grain of salt...

But yeah, from my research, get a matching era 4.6L. So for your '01, you'd want a '00-'03 Seville STS or Deville DTS (for the VIN 9). Ignition systems are different before '00, and after '03. Pretty much plug and play, your current PCM should handle it just fine.

Post pics, still a back-burner project of mine.

GL!

[AmunRoo]

Mine went from the back burner to my plate since I think I'm about to have head gasket issues. So, now I'm about to look for a donor engine. I might even stud it before installation just to prevent the head gasket issue. But I will post pics 😁

[AmunRoo]

I actually found a 2002 Eldorado motor with 59k on the clock for $1600. Does that sound reasonable and will it work?

[AUROD X]

Maybe I should consider on doing this SWAP, sounds interesting if I get rid of my 96 SS and maybe my IROC-Z, I'll do IT. My only issue is oil leaks(engine), well lots to think 🤔 about.

[RCA1186]

The PCM should compensate but from what I have heard you'll definitely want to get it tuned for the change at some point.

[AmunRoo]

How things being considered, the head gasket job is going to cost me a little bit more than it will to swap in the 4.6L...

This also includes the cost of having the PC tuned by Northstar performance. So this car should haul ass once I'm done!

[tigger]

Nov 9, 2020 2:03:43 GMT -6 AmunRoo said:

I actually found a 2002 Eldorado motor with 59k on the clock for $1600. Does that sound reasonable and will it work?

Doh! Forgot the Eldo was still around early 2000s, haha!

Yeah, should bolt right up and plug right in. Good miles but the price is a little more than I'd want to pay, but it is what it is...

VIN 9 or VIN Y?

[AmunRoo]

It's a Vin 9. I don't really care about the torque. I have a cold air intake and a full custom exhaust... I figure I picked up the difference there LOL

Also yes, I'm not trying to pay the 1600. I'm still trying to negotiate the price. And I still have to pay to have it delivered to my state 🤔

[tigger]

Nov 9, 2020 22:04:12 GMT -6 AmunRoo said:

It's a Vin 9. I don't really care about the torque.

'02 Eldorado VIN 9 was rated at 300 hp and 295 lb⋅ft of torque, only 5 lb-ft less than the 275/300 VIN Y. Good choice!

[AUROD X]

Man would be nice to have that AURORA motor from that Shelby Series one.

[scottyaurorav8]

I'd go with the 275hp "VIN Y" engine. It's a little torquier sooner. The 300hp "Vin 9" engine in our Aurora's are a dog "without" a tuned PCM for that difference and N* Performance isn't having that tune for the 01'- 03's anytime soon. The "VIN 9" will accelerate the same as our factory Aurora off the line. It will just be a little bit quicker as it gets going. Not much of a eye brow raising wow.
But if you want to go "VIN 9" anyway, don't say I didn't warn ya lol. Swapping cams to correct it will be more expensive to correct it, than if you just got the 'VIN Y" engine to begin with.
01'- 03" will work direct fit and run no issues. If you go 03' some modifications to the PCV valve will need to be made, that's all.

[tigger]

Haha, I knew the torque of the VIN Y was gonna come up, it always does...

'02 L37(VIN 9) v. LD8(VIN Y) (year specified by OP)

L37 300 hp (224 kW) @ 6000 rpm / 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) @ 4400 rpm / 3.71 final drive ratio.

LD8 275 hp (205 kW) @ 5600 rpm 300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) @ 4000 rpm / 3.11 final drive ratio.

9 is faster to 60 by a full second, faster 1/4 by half second... Same models, weight. Gear ratio right?


Get out your calculators, VIN Y Aurora wins the 60 ft (with stock Aurora V8 3.71 trans) then gets SMOKED by the VIN 9 to the 1/4!!! 9 is like a 50 shot ALL THE TIME!

Don't me mad, it's math.

But both are an upgrade to the 4.0, so I guess it depends on what you want...

[scottyaurorav8]

No I get it....but I said untuned. The factory PCM works better with the "VIN Y" engine than it does with the "VIN 9" engine. But, like I said, since N* Performance doesn't seem to be closing in on a definitive date for their tuning of the 01'- 03' PCMs anytime soon, choosing the "VIN 9" will be a frustrating experience if you expect a seat of the pants difference you will be extremely disappointed when you install it and realize you spent all that money and it is the exact same off the line as the 4.0 engine we have UNTIL you get A TUNE. But hey it's your money and if you count on a tune anytime soon and you're patient I guess do what ya wish Amunroo 🤷🏻

[plato442]

Been pleased with my swap! Had it tuned by Ion years ago, a Volant CAI, corsa exhaust, aftermarket free flow cat and de-burred pipe, head studs, yada yada and now it sits in the garage.