Cadillac Catera 3800 Swap

[njbrain]

Hi all,

I am from the US, so we don't have the Holden over hear, but we do have the Catera.

I have a 1997 Catera that has the piece of junk 3.0v6, and I want to swap it to a 3800 series II. I know that it is possible, and that I will need the Holden PCM, Oil pan, and Exhaust manifolds. I just don't know much about Commodore's, or what line of Commodore is most like my Cadillac. I am just looking for pointers to get going.

Thanks a lot.

[naf33n]

from what i understand, you need to source parts off a vn series 2 to vr, which is 1990 to 1995 model commodores.

correct me if im wrong if anyone knows more.

[Calaber]

I think the Catera was a front wheel drive, wasn't it? And the Holden 3800 was adapted from front wheel drive application in the US. As far as I am aware, it hasn't been used Stateside in a RWD configuration for many years and adapting the engine to the Holden RWD platform required quite a few modifications.

Therefore, it might be easier to find a FWD US model with the old Buick 3800 over there and adapt it to the Catera, rather than trying to import a Holden motor and then adapt it to the Catera.

[njbrain]

I guess will each other in on our own country's cars. The Catera is a RWD car, that is actually an Opel Omega, so it share's the same chassis as a Commodore. This article here cleared some things up for me. Holden Commodore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia But yes, The 3800 Series II was used in the Chevrolet Camaro, and the Pontiac Firebird. I have found and engine and transmission for $600usd. I think that is a pretty good deal. Thanks guys! I really appreciate being welcomed to your great site without owning a Commodore!
Noah

[Calaber]

I guess will each other in on our own country's cars. The Catera is a RWD car, that is actually an Opel Omega, so it share's the same chassis as a Commodore. This article here cleared some things up for me. Holden Commodore - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia But yes, The 3800 Series II was used in the Chevrolet Camaro, and the Pontiac Firebird. I have found and engine and transmission for $600usd. I think that is a pretty good deal. Thanks guys! I really appreciate being welcomed to your great site without owning a Commodore!
Noah

Noah

Sorry, I was sure the Catera was fwd but on reflection, I seem to remember brief details of it from Motor Trend some years ago. Can you post a pic? I have a vague recollection that there would be some similarity between it and the VT Commodore and they share the same doors and basic platform.

[Calaber]

There's an interesting detail in the Wikipedia reference given above. At the end of the article is a time line for the various Holden models since 1980. "Midsize" already has the Insignia pencilled in for a 2009 release.

Hope it's right - the Epica is hopeless.

[adam69]

Here are some pics

[Calaber]

Here are some pics

Thanks Adam. Not much difference really, is there? (on the outside anyway)

[DaggaZ]

Looks diffrent... Its like a VS/VT mushed together.

steering wheel is on the wrong side :P

[delcowizzid]

first off what state in america are you in and what emmision laws are you going to have to be able to pass this will dictate to some degree what ecu you are going to use there are a lot of choices of ecu you could run the early vn-vr map based ecu or if emmisions are a problem youre probably going to need the later vs-vt stuff.

[Cheap6]

Late reply .

It will be closest to a VT(-VY). I've seen a private import Opel Omega (equivalent to the Catera) over here. Parked near a VT they appear to be quite different despite the similar styling. The VT is larger for a start. The door lower skins (only) and some switchgear would be about it for the obvious similarities.

From the wiki article it will be apparent that VS-VY share the (US) Series II (= Ecotech), with some minor differences to the oil pans, and variations on the 4L60E. e.g. the VT-VY uses 4L60E with a separate bellhousing and a deeper auto. pan.

Useful stuff for an engine swap might be that the right hand side exhaust manifolds (cast iron) differ between VS and VT-VY. The left hand side exhaust manifolds are the same except that the VT-VY has provision for EGR. there were left hand drive versions of the VT- badged as Chevrolet and sold in some Middle-Eastern markets (and possibly others) which might provide another source of manifolds more suitable for a LHD engine swap.

The PCMs are different for each of VS, VT and VX (not sure about VY). All interact with a security system included as part of the body control module (BCM) which varies according to the trim level of the car and the accessories fitted. The VT- PCMs use serial data to transfer sensor information around the car.

If you want to use an Aust. PCM the anti-theft function will have to be disabled in the PCM or, the BCM and anti-theft remotes/keys carried across with the PCM to the new installation. It may be easier to use a Camaro or Firebird PCM.