M96.02 & M96.03 crankcase expert??

[dhamilto]

Gents, I have recently dismantled my damaged M96.02 3.4l engine and came across a pair of M96.03 3.6l crankcases. After making side-by-side comparisons, I found that the .02 and .03 cases are almost identical. The cylinders are the same diameter and length, cylinder head gaskets are the same. The only glaring differences are the mounting holes for the oil-air separator are missing on .03 (just not drilled) and there is a raised/domed section around the sensor that protrudes into the back of the #6 cylinder that is flat on the .02.

Lets pretend for a second that I can make that domed section go away. Of course the stroke is different on the two engines (78 v 82mm), but the stroke is set by the crankshaft and-or conrods. On the face of it, it looks like these .03 cases are compatible all of my .02 components.

Anyone know if the 3.4l engine can be built with the 3.6l cases?

Will upload pics later...

[dhamilto]

[ltusler]

I have a set of new 3.6 heads and other misc parts.