why should i build up a 3100?

[mr_frogstomper]

why should i build up my 3100? is there any reason that its better than any other engine? what about a 3400? or a 3800? i dont want to go super fast, just a little sleeper...i got a 96 cutlass supreme with a 3100...not a super genius when it comes to engines or anything but i do know a bit.....is it hard to make 230 or so hp?

[3100 MPFI]

RE: why should i build up a 3100?

not that hard to get power out of them. It does require some work, but to me, it is well worth it.

The 3100 has some good points. First of all, since it is a 60* engine, it is naturally balanced. There are a good selection of parts for it (if you know where to look), and the block, even in stock form, can handle quite a bit of power (lol).

When people ask me about it over the 3800, I like to point out that the 3800 is a 90* engine, and therefor is NOT naturally balanced, and requires a balancer the size of a spare tire. Also, it is a REALLY heavy engine. Weight is not POWER, but it can sure rob it.

I also recommend the 3100, or 3400 over the 3800 for the simple fact that it will require less work to get it in the car and running, wheras the buick engine, you will have to do a LOT of wiring, as well as changing out exhaust downpipe, mounts, various other parts. The 3800 is not a drop in.

I say get a 3400 (for the displacement), and start with that. Once you get it done, you can pretty much drop it right in.

[firechiken]

RE: why should i build up a 3100?

Building a 3100 or 3400 is something you can take pride in. Something that you can say you actually did some work to, instead of just bolting on a bunch of over priced parts. There is a lot in information on this sight, use it and you will be happy with your results, not to mention maybe showing some of the 3800 guys what the back of your car looks like!

[mr_frogstomper]

is it worth the money to build it up though? i want to make a sleeper and to me it would be a ton easier to just stick with the car i have now. The tranny was just rebuilt and i know the engine will last for awhile. Am i gonna have to dig deep to get the money to build up a 3400? And if i get oen from a junkyard or something....do i have to have it ported or machined? could someone fab up a turbo for me? ive got no idea how or where to start.....for $3000?...or less maybe?....to me it seems that if i build one up i could take pride in knowing that its not like anyone elses....

[vsop4me3.1]

http://www.jeepnuts.com/12sGASE/turbo.htm#Turbo

found this online. It might help you along with all the info from this site. I think that a company has a aftermarket kit for the 3400 which I would assume would work with the 3100. with 3g's you could have a pretty sweet car.

[3100 MPFI]

with my engine build up, I spent LESS than $2000 and I am REALLY pleased with it (That $2000 also inclues the Tranny, seeing that I replaced my 440T4 with a 4T60-E).

For the time and money that I spent doing it, I might not be as fast as I would like (hey, the car weighs 3500 lbs), but I get the most pride in embarassing a little 4-banger honda and knowing that htere is an NA PUSHROD V6 under the hood that I built with my own 2 hands.

To me, that is far more rewarding than just dropping in a blown V6 that could go nova at any given time.

[Froggx]

Well, I'm currently somewhere under $1500 in my turbo 3400 build (including engine) and I have very few parts left to buy so I should be able to finish at under $2000. The engine does weigh less than a 3800, and while this isn't too big of a deal for me, it could really help avoid understeer in the FWD cars most people have. If you're starting with a 660 platform, it's much easier to get the 3100 or 3400 to work and fit correctly. Also, the naturally balanced engine likes to rev a lot more than the 3800's and call me a ricer, but I like to rev. Also, the pride of knowing I did it all myself for cheap and it's my own custom job instead of buying other people's work. I've learned a lot more from tearing apart this engine than I would have had I gone with a 3800 as I likely would have never removed the heads, pistons, oil pan, etc. And if you want a sleeper, no one will ever suspect any car that the 3100 came out of in stock body trim.

[imported_germ]

Also, the pride of knowing I did it all myself for cheap and it's my own custom job instead of buying other people's work. I've learned a lot more from tearing apart this engine than I would have had I gone with a 3800 as I likely would have never removed the heads, pistons, oil pan, etc. And if you want a sleeper, no one will ever suspect any car that the 3100 came out of in stock body trim.

so true

couldnt have said it better myself.