I have a 91 Beretta with a 3.1 motor in it. The motor snapped a connecting rod, and we're pretty sure it trashed the cylinder wall. I was talking to a mechanic friend of mine who said that the earlier 3.1 Chevy engines (like the one I have) had an intrinsic flaw in them focused around the crank system. He told me that the engines were fixed sometime in the mid 90s. I'm looking for a simple swap, where I (preferably) don't have to change or rebuild the tranny or replace the wiring harness. But I want to get a decent performing, reliable engine.
Now I've read up on this topic quite a bit (and have used the search function). I found a great website (3400swap.com) with lots of good information; however, on there he is saying that the write-up is based around the motor going into 94-95 cars with the 3.1. It seems like everyone's recommendation is the 3400 motor. I assume that because it's so highly recommended, that it's both reliable, and has decent power. I've read on this site that it is as easy as a drop in (?fits like a glove?), but I've also seen the opposite, and that there are a fair amount of modifications that need to be done. The latter is why I'm writing this post. I assume that the modifications needed are all dependent on what model year car the motor is going into. What I really don't want is to get 80% of the way through the swap and all of a sudden get surprised by something.
So, since I'm sure that there are some of you here that have actually done just this, I wanted to ask you for your help.
What motor can I drop in? What car should it come from? What do I need to get from the donor car in addition to the motor, anything? What modifications will need to be made, or new parts purchased to make it work? Will the motor bolt up to the tranny? Is it a ?drop in, hook up, turn key, drive away? type of deal?
Thanks so much for your help, and I?m sorry this became so long.
Now I've read up on this topic quite a bit (and have used the search function). I found a great website (3400swap.com) with lots of good information; however, on there he is saying that the write-up is based around the motor going into 94-95 cars with the 3.1. It seems like everyone's recommendation is the 3400 motor. I assume that because it's so highly recommended, that it's both reliable, and has decent power. I've read on this site that it is as easy as a drop in (?fits like a glove?), but I've also seen the opposite, and that there are a fair amount of modifications that need to be done. The latter is why I'm writing this post. I assume that the modifications needed are all dependent on what model year car the motor is going into. What I really don't want is to get 80% of the way through the swap and all of a sudden get surprised by something.
So, since I'm sure that there are some of you here that have actually done just this, I wanted to ask you for your help.
What motor can I drop in? What car should it come from? What do I need to get from the donor car in addition to the motor, anything? What modifications will need to be made, or new parts purchased to make it work? Will the motor bolt up to the tranny? Is it a ?drop in, hook up, turn key, drive away? type of deal?
Thanks so much for your help, and I?m sorry this became so long.
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