Free doner Regal!!!Good Doner?

I have a friend with a 1989 Buick Regal 3.8SFI Turbo V6.(FREE)!!!!! The car seems to run good without any noises, 57K on the odometer. Car was T boned at an intersection. As soon as I get some time I will get a pressure guage on the cylinders. My question is, would this be a good doner engine for a 58 CJ5 with stock drivetrain? I get everything I need from this car minus a manual bell and flywheel. I would assume the computer needs to be reprogramed for a manual trans! I am gonna run the F head until I get sick of 45 MPH tops, maybe more with the overdrive, not that I am looking for a rocketship, just a little more get up and go!!! What bellhousing should I look for as well as a flywheel and clutch. I realize that free isn't always the best, that's why I need some input from the professionals. Any input would be appreciated.

Big Edit here, Just found out its a 1986!! NOT an 89. This is a RWD car. Last year made before the Grand National. I would assume this makes a difference?

 

In this case you're absolutely right being that it's a front wheel drive and the 3.8 doesn't share the rear drive transmission bolt pattern. Not to say it can't be done because it can but I've yet to hear of anybody that's carried through and actually done it. It involves a Dodge Dakota bellhousing a flywheel from something or other and a bunch of other stuff because the intake is backwards to what it would be in a rear drive car. Depends how many of these--> ??????? you have and how bad you really want that turbo.

 

Sorry about that! I was doing some research on the car and called him back due to the year of the car. I new it was rear wheel drive but 89 wasnt showing the correct info. it is an 86.My Bad! Does this change my outlook on a good doner vehicle? I hate to tow this home and tear it down to find out I can't use it!

 

That changes everything. Other than the "wow, you have a turbo stuffed in there" factor, not really sure of the practicality of a turbo in a Jeep. Guess it depends on what you're using it for.

 

free turbo v6 complete = yes I would take it , it would be home by now

 

Never been around a Jeep with a Turbo motor in it, but I've helped put 2.3 Turbos into Rangers and Bronco II's, and they really work out well, as long as the driver understands that you basically have to keep the RPM's up for the Turbo to do you any good.....

 

The Jeep will be mainly street use but I hope in the future to be able to bring it to the Beach and NJ sand barrons. This is a 4th car and will mainly be a weekend toy. I have been reading this forum for over 2 years and have been slowly restoring my CJ5 and I always come hear for advice and Ideas. The 3.8 or 231 V6 has been on my mide as a future upgrade.
Just didn't think a turbo would be included. I would have to guess that an sm420 or 465 will be added to future upgrades as well.
It seems so far that I will be getting this car as a donor and
I will dig through some pics and try to post my progress from the last 2 years. Thanks again

 

My outlook on the swap is that I have been thinking of the 231 V6 or a 4.3 for a future upgrade! This is free! running with everything besides bell ,clutch and flywheel and some other incedentals. I trust that the people on this forom would not stear me in the wrong dirrection with this.

 

For sand running the turbo is a good plus. If I scored on something like that I'd put it turbo and all in the Jeep. That would be lots of fun....

 

I would nab it check it over real well.
then start saving, If you are thinking SM420 or 465 ever, don't bother adapting the T-90,
same with power steering, if you want power steering just wait and save.
instead of converting twice; put the time and funds towards the final goal, and get it all done at the same sitting, that way you can still make progress on one end when waiting for parts at the other.
and keep eyes peeled for SM to transfercase adapters and bellhousings, most everything else little can be ordered via summit or similar speed shops and,
Read, take note, Read some more.

 

Thanks for all of the replys and good advice.
jwjeep60, you are 100% correct. I wont be swapping anything until all the parts have been obtained and my research is done. This was my first step and the fact that it's free makes it even better.
Does anyone know if the power steering pump from this car can be used with a saginaw gear?
Thanks again for all the help guys

 

Yes. If you use nothing else from the car at least you can save that. The high pressure fitting may or may not be the O ring type but that's not a big deal if it is. It may have the good Saginaw gear box too.

 

It would make a good swap, the hardest swap part to find , would be the flywheel. They can be found, but just a little harder to find.

 

I was actually curious about that! (the flywheel) wont any 231 V6 flywheel work? Or does it have to be specific to the 86 year? would a newer 231 fw from say a Grand National fit? I guess I will try to find out exactly what I need and start a search on CL and Ebay.

 

It needs to be an even fire Buick V-6 flywheel. Late '77 and newer. Also there are different pressure plate/clutch disc diameters they will accept. I'd hold out for a 10 1/2" clutch diameter flywheel. Earlier '77 and older Buick V-6's are odd fire motors and are balanced different. The 225 and oddfire 231 flywheels can be balanced to the even fire motor though.... With the turbo motor you'll get much better throttle response with the lighter 231 flywheel.

 

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?Ntt=zoom+flywheel Spendy but still available
Original 3.8 flywheels are pretty rare due to so few manual trans were sold behind these motors. I paid $150 for the only one I have.

 

Willy, Be sure to snag ALL of the engine wiring from the donor car BEFORE it goes to the scrap yard! BTDT! This wiring is for the FI, Turbo, Alternator, ETC.
As was said earlier, this would be in my back yard by now if it was me. Even if the car was a front wheel drive, I beleive that most of the engine parts will swap onto the correct rear wheel drive engine block. (Folks, please feel free to correct me here)!
Free is a very good price, especially since I would haul the carcass into the scrap yard and get maybe $200.00 for the residue.
Go get that thing and SMILE!

Matt W.

PS. Get the fuel system as well. Think hard before scrapping it!