L32 Powdered Metal Connecting Rods in a L36 top swap?

**slimguns** · 07-31-2012

Maybe I just can't find the old thread as I'm sure they should exist. I'm sure I'm not the first to all this.

Can I upgrade to L32 Powdered Metal Connecting Rods in a L36 top swap? If I can, is it worth it since I'll be installing a cam, IC, and top swap? Please advise.

TIA,
Slim

**machinegunsquid** · 07-31-2012

You can, but you don't want to crack open the bottom ends of our engines unless you absolutely have to. If you do, have a machine shop reassemble it and get a warranty on the work. The 3800 bottoms ends give no trouble unless you run it out of oil or play with it. They like to spin bearings soon after reassembling the bottom end.

**JoRoW99** · 07-31-2012

Well youll basically get the compression of the L32 if im not mistaken since the rods are shorter. Why not just use the whole L32 block? Your L36 will also hold up fine.

**Pure2sin** · 07-31-2012

Either use the L36 the way it is or get a L32 block otherwise you are asking for problems.

**slimguns** · 07-31-2012

If the 36 rods are fine this sounds like too much work, not enough benefit to me. I appreciate the help guys. The knowledge here is priceless!

**Rico** · 07-31-2012

Cracked rods are very durable; they'll unlikely need resizing. The L36 rods on the other hand are very susceptible to OOR and will likely need resizing. Resizing is not cheap and the outcome is very dependant on the expertise of the machine shop doing the work.

Using the cracked rods will require L32/L67 pistons since the rod is shorter and the wrist pin is larger. If you're going into the bottom end I would check the mains for OOR. The L32 rods would be my choice because of the increased strength and them most likely not needing resized.

Also, make sure the font cover/gerotor and bypass is within spec. This will determine if the engine is getting the proper oil pressure.

Rebuilding the 3800 SII requires a little finesse in that the bottom end has very tight specs and the builder has to do his/her homework. If the block requires machine shop work be prepared to write a big check!..Worth every penny though. A correctly rebuilt 3800 is good for at least 100K miles.