Differences in 3100 need help

[joys el camino]

I'm new to this site but it looks like I have actually found a place where someone can answer my questions. I'm trying to figure out the differences in the 3 generations of 3.1L v6's. I have a 91 z24 cavalier with the LHO 3.1L as a beater and it tossed a rod... not uncommon apparently.
I wanted to know what the differences between the LHO 1988-94, the L82 1993-99 and the LG8 2000-05.
How interchangable are these? Are the blocks the same externally? I am hoping to find a lower mileage LG8 and put it into my cavalier. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dan

[bszopi]

http://60degreev6.com/content/60%C2%BAV6_Family_Tree

There is a start. Lots of differences, but a lot of similarities as well... Check out the link and ask questions then. I'm sure you will still have plenty.

Oh yeah, and welcome to the site!

[joys el camino]

Well that does give me alot of specifics. Thanks for the link. Really the only thing I need to know is if for example a 3.1 out of a 2005 would have the same intake bolt pattern, bellhousing bolt pattern, accesories mounting holes, and motor mount spots on the block as my 91 3.1. I know a lot of the internals changed over the years I just need to know if the external dimensions and bolt holes are the same. I can swap my intake manifold, all accessories if the bolt pattern is the same and can port match the intake to the cylinder head as nesessary. The only thing I need is a long block, but decent 88-94 3.1's around my area that dont have a ton of miles are hard to find. There are plenty of newer one in the yard with low miles. Thanks again for the help and the welcome.

[Superdave]

What you are trying to do has been done hundreds of times. you'll need a different front mount, it's fairly easy to build. There is even a diagram posted on v6z24.com. the rear and trans mount work perfectly. I would use the entire 3100, scrap all your 3.1 stuff.

you can run the 3100 on the old 3.1 tune and injectors, however it's not advised because you'll run it lean. It's best to use the 3100 injectors and a custom chip. WOT-Tech sells one for a 3400 swap that will work with a 3100 just fine.


www.v6z24.com will have every bit of info you'll ever need, also the old swap guide on Domesticcrew is the original for this type of thing. http://www.domesticcrew.com/installguide.htm


i have a '04 3500 V6 in my 91 Z24 and hold the record for the fastest N/A V6 Jbody. I've also had a '03 3400 V6 in it which replaced the stock 3.1 many years ago.

[joys el camino]

Thanks

Thanks for all the info. Can you tell me more about your 3.4 swap in your cavy. They are really easy to find at the yard too. Im gonna read up a lot on the other site. I'm more into small and big block chevy stuff but I love anything fast. My dad has run an automotive shop for 35 years and I grew up drag racing and helping him to build race cars. I've never worked with the 3.1 much besides basic maintenance but I helped my brother build his 91 GMC syclone. We actually just finished putting an T76 turbocharged LQ9 6.0L with a 4L80E tranny in it and I am currently building a pretty nasty small block for my camino. I can get to rambling as you can see but anyway. Thanks again for the help and I'm sure I'll be talking to you more as I work on the cavy. Thanks
Dan

[Superdave]

The 3400 swap was fun. I kept mine mostly stock, even used the old 3.1 exhaust manifolds and it still made a ton more power than the 3.1.

Here is a pic of the 3400 in the bay... http://www.3500z.com/Misc/Z24/3400in.jpg

the 3500 takes a bit more work, much more fun in the end though.

[joys el camino]

so what all did you have to modify/use from the 3400. I want to keep it as stock as possible but I can do any machining, fabricating, welding or whatever I need. I have my play toys. This is just a daily driver but way too nice to scrap. I'm trying to go as inexpensive as possible and the crazy rays junk yard near me has engines for 200 if I pull it. BTW- impressive numbers in the quarter.

[Superdave]

http://www.domesticcrew.com/installguide.htm

that pretty much covers everything. Is your car auto or 5 speed?

[joys el camino]

Its an auto

[Superdave]

cool, i think the Beretta guys have come up with a solution for the kick down cable that works better than the old way. I'll see if i can find where i saw it...