Need An Opinion....

[lkurek]

OK...so the 3100 in my 1995 Lumina is going on 250,000+ miles. No leaks, still knocks down 24mpg on average, and doesn't burn oil. Not bad....but she has been fed a diet of synthetic her whole life.

So here is where I need your opinions....

I recently replaced/rebuilt the front end suspension, and it was definately worn out. Nothing broke, but worn. I changed the trans at 175K, as it totally lost first gear...make that all the forward gears. This being the case, I am in the mood to put a new bullet under the hood. Not content with leaving well enough alone, I am NOT going to just rebuild the one in their now, or even replace it with another 3100. It's time to step it up I already bought a 3400 engine out of a 2000 Grand Am.... but then went and bought a 1997 3400 DOHC motor too. As I spend more time thinking about it....I *almost* bought a 3.5 Shortstar motor/trans out of an Intrigue, but since that motor was kind of a bastard child of only a few years production, I've now started thinking 3.6 DOHC motor out of a later model.

As you can see....I need some fellow gearhead advice on what to do. Which motor would YOU guys swap in and why? The later motors scare me ONLY because of the CAN bus, and the other tie-ins to other modules around the car. If they could run stand alone....sign me up.

The pinouts on the 3400 DOHC motor are pretty much plug and play on the 95 Lumina, with maybe one or two wires on the main harness needing to be added (ignore the second O2, MAF, OBDII connector, etc.....that is no problem)

So guys.....let it rip. What say you? Maybe the 3900VVT? YIKES!!! There I go again!

Thanks!!!

[geoffinbc]

There is no 3400 DOHC motor. Are you talking about the old 3.4L TDC motor which is DOHC?

I would honestly go with a 3400 and hop that up. Simple mods can be done for some more power and it will drop in as far as mounting and the ECM is concerned. Also it is as reliable as a nail. Your 3100 has held up quite nicely and the 3400 will do the same with a little more umph.

[SappySE107]

If you want gas milage, you don't want the 3.4 DOHC. The 3.6 is better because of the VVT, making close or more than the 3900 (which gets my vote regardless). 3400 would be the easiest setup.

Really depends on what you want. If its gas milage, the 3400/3500 top end or 3500 would be a good way to go. If its power, the 3.4 DOHC could be it, or the 3.6 VVT or the 3900.

[lkurek]

BTY....yes, the 3400 DOHC is in fact the "old" Twin Dual Cam motor.....same thing, just the new name So yes, I have a regular pushrod 3400, and a 3400 DOHC available.

Ben.....Gee, thanks You sound just like me! I could use any of those motors...the question is......which one. I want the most power, without being a gas mileage pig....and maintain a somewhat compatible swap as well.

I guess my preference is something a bit more exotic than the pushrod motors.....and the 3.6 vvt DOHC motor would be AWESOME! I just don't know that the controller on that engine is capable of running (easily) in a stand alone non-CANbus vehicle. I don't want to hang every damn controller on that bus into my car.... For instance, on my Trailblazer, the radio is on the bus, and is an integral part of the vehicle operation. If I have to deal with that BS if I swap over a 3.6, then I want to rethink that.

I know the 3400 DOHC is almost a plug and play.....but it is somewhat dated as well.

Sigh...... Opinions wanted