I'm looking for a little information on my 2001 Catera.  I have a blown engine with 36K on it.  I'm picking up a new 2002 3.2L motor tomorrow that was suppose to go into the 2002 Catera (MV6).  It has all the fixes for the oiler cooler etc.  I need some guidense in the do's and don't area.  I will be swaping out the motor in my garage with a friend.  The new motor comes complete with heads and timing all ready to go it has been dyno tested and run and the factory.  I ordered the following gaskets and material any sugguestions would be appreciated:
Upper intake gasket kit.
Exhuase gasket kit.
Thermostat gasket kit.
Oil filter.
Belts.
Hoses.

With the motor being complete I only have to switch over external parts from my old motor.  I need to find out what the torque specs are for the fly wheel and intake manifold.  Is there anything else I should do at this time? The car hasn't given me any problems other then the coolant valve at the back of the motor and the mass air sensor went but thats it.  Any information is greatly appreciated.  Thanks
Sincerely,
Kyle

If The Boy is right, that is going to be a bit of a head ache to convert

TheBoy wrote on 26. Sep 2007 at 20:42:


The US use DBW on the 3.0

Thank you all for you comments.  The motors are in southern Califronia, I spoke with the owner and he has about 30 engines left.  He bought 100 of them from GM when they decided not to manufacturer the Catera in 2002.  From what I have found out the 3.2L engine really has no size differnece and the only way that the car would produce more HP's is if I had the heads ported and polished to get more air.  The owner told me that he would swap the motor over for me for about 3000-3500 US dollars.  He told me its a direct replacement with no need for any recalibrations or jumpers.  I can only hope he is telling the truth he sells the motors complete for 1650.00 US dollars staight from the factory just 5 yrs old from the time they were built.

If the 3.0 is DBW then likely a much simpler job. Could probably even swap or reprogram the ECU for the new engine although there's little difference in power so it may run happily on the 3.0 setup.

Could have some fun with a shed full of brand new 3.2 engines!

Kevin

Thanks again for all your comments, should be a fun weekend hopefully all goes well.  Should I put a full synthetic in the new motor I purchased a case of 5W-30 regular oil I feel you should put atleast 6K on the motor before going to a full synthetic opinions.  I really appreciate everyones feedback I will be sure to post some pictures when I'm done.  I've got one of the cleanest 01 Catera's out there.  I bought it from an estate sale some poor old lady past away.  Got the car with 16,000 miles on it for $6000 us dollars I guess a deal like that would propose some problems eventually.  I still remember driving it home she had directions on how to work the radio on a posted note and every button in the car felt like I was the first one to touch them so crisp.  I will be happy when my baby is running again she's a really fun car to drive specially in sport mode with the TC off.  Which I really have only done twice in 20,000 miles.  I just put new G-Force tires on her and can't break em loose for the life of me great tires highly recommended.  Thanks again everyone. I will share pics with you soon.
Kyle

Some say it's a good idea to run a new engine around for 500-1000 miles on mineral oil but on the other hand when dealer maintained they come from the factory with decent oil in them and get 20,000 miles put on them before anyone does anything. The truth is, no-one ever strips down a new engine after 500 miles just to see so urban legends prevail, as with oil matters oil related!

DIY oil changes cost so little that I'd probably use a cheap semi-synth and change it after a short break-in period just to flush out any swarf and muck that might have been left in the engine from production.

Kevin

I have heard the best 2nd hand car to buy is one thats been a hire car for 6 months.....so i would say thrash the nuts off it     .....in moderation