Noob here....basic swap info needed.

[98malibu3.1]

Hello all, I'm the proud owner of a 1998 Malibu w/the 3100 V6. What performance parts are there or upgrades for this engine? What about possible swap candidates? A friend of mine told me that either a 3400 or 3500 pushrod would be a drop in the bucket for the most part. I'm not really looking to make this a super fast car, just to make it more enjoyable to drive on a daily basis. Sorry for such noob like questions but this is my first 60v6 and am interested to see what can be done with it. Thanx!!

[98malibu3.1]

I've been looking at the engines that appeal to me and the 3500 is looking mighty nice. 200hp/220ftlbs would be a very nice increase in power over stock. I also like the 3900 as well. 240hp/240ft lbs is even better. It makes just a hair over 1hp/cu in, but the 3500 gets better economy. Is a later 3100 engine a direct drop in? I see that they got a fairly significant upgrade in power to 175hp/190ft lbs later on.

[Azrael]

A 3400 is an easier swap than the 3500. There's a stickied-thread in the performance section concerning what the 3500 needs to take the place of a 3100/3400.

The newer 3100 requires the same amount of work as the 3400 to swap in. 00+ 3100's are basically the old 3100 with the same cylinderheads and intake manifolds as a 3400.

[ForcedFirebird]

If the motor is in good shape, get a 00+ top end.

[98malibu3.1]

Has anyone swapped the 4T45E from a Pontiac G6? That looks like the hot ticket for a stronger trans and better gearing. It has a 3.91:1 final drive with the same gearing as the 4T40E that I already have. If this is not really feasible, what other transaxle will swap in place of the 4T40E and a 3400 V6?

[98malibu3.1]

bump?

[98malibu3.1]

Well does anyone know of where or whom to get a built 4T40E from? I am interested in going 3400 turbo in my Malibu. Talk about a total sleeper.....lol.

[DEI37]

If you're gonna swap tranmissions, why not use a 4T60E, or, if you can get a way to control it via the PCM, a 4T65E/HD

[98malibu3.1]

How do either o those bolt into a Malibu chassis? I'm willing to try any trans as long as it will work properly and will bolt in without too much trouble. I don't mind using custom mounts if they're available.

[Azrael]

Is the Malibu a W-body? If so you can steal the mounts and axles from a 97+ grand prix SE and a 4T60-E should drop right in. I'm surprised your car doesn't have the 4T60-E already. I thought the 4T40's weren't used until the 99 model year.

[98malibu3.1]

No, it is a "N" body. According to my local GM service dept. it has indeed a 4T40E.

[98malibu3.1]

If I have been reading correctly the 3400 from a 2000 and up Impala will drop right in yes? I really need to find a stronger trans before I ever attempt to turbo this car. I have no idea what all transmissions will swap into a N-body easily........