Hi everybody,

First post here. I have an 04 Olds Alero with the 3.4L in it that is fixing to become a toy car since I'm looking at getting a different everyday car. My question is how would I go about swapping in something bigger? I want to put in a 4.6L and make it a sleeper in a real bad way. I'm guessing I'd have to redo computers/wiring, but I'm not entirely sure what all would have to be done. The time it takes isn't really a concern, I'm just hoping to eventually make a wicked granny car. Thanks in advance.

Other toys:
1971 Chevy C10 350, 1971 Buick Skylark 455, and a little Dodge Ram 50 that I'll be loading with the 3.4L from this Olds.

To be completely honest, this is not a good question to start with for a major custom job. Simply put, you will likely have to do research on the interwebb, and if you want something different, you will likely have to blaze your own path.

Here are some concerns to consider:

1. The motor going in, and the space it'* going in to. I took a quick search on the internets for a SC 3800 swap into a Grand Am. There is mention of engine bay modifications being necessary to even fit that drivetrain in. I can't imagine how much more crazy a DOHC V8 will be. This also leads to the next concern...
2. The control system. There was mention of a lot of issues getting a 3800 PCM to communicate with the BCM of the era, which appears to be essential depending on which systems in the car are controlled by it.

That'* not even counting what the chassis can support and control as far as power, and how much power it can even put down. Spinnin' =/= Winnin'

One mention in the interwebbing however was to stay in the 60* v6 family. The talk was turbo charging using 3500 heads. You may also want to see what the 3400 is capable of on its own, as there was talk of surviving a 200 shot of nitrous with proper tuning.

What about the transmission? I believe the Alero has a 4T40/45E.....not only will it not bolt up to a 4.6L, it wouldn't handle the torque of it.....

I agree with rjolly87 and also submit that this car would not end up being a "sleeper" if you did actually accomplish this feat. This model never had anything physically bigger than this car'* original engine. To fit a 90-degree OHC Northstar in an Alero you'll need:
- a taller and/or cut-open hood
- to move the radiator forward therefore move the nose cone forward
- to move the firewall back therefore alter the guts under the dash

Full disclosure: All of this is from the CAD system installed in my head. I've seen lots of Alero engine bays and lots of Northstars. Anything is possible with enough sparks, but this project would not look anything like a normal Alero when completed . . . like a sleeper should.