supercharged 3.1

[Gen2speed]

I know that the 3800 is a 90 degree V6, but is there any chance that the supercharger will work on a 3.1 or 3.4?
Also, I'd like to get some opinion of what to do with my Sunbird.
It's a 94 with the 3.1 and auto trans. I'm driving this car because I had to get rid of my WRX Wagon and my wife got a new truck....so I'm left with the bird. She's owned the car since new in 94 and it's in very good shape.....but compared to the Subi, it needs more go power.
So on a not so extream budget, should I bore out the existing 3.1, strengthen the internals, and maby add nitrous. Or go for a 3800 s/c swap?? I have only seen one other j-body with the 3800 s/c swap and it was in a third gen car, so I know with some fab work it can be done. But I have to wonder if I could get more power for less money and headaches by just modding the 3.1.
Any suggestions??

[bszopi]

RE: supercharged 3.1

Swap in a 3400 and go from there instead of modding the 3.1L. Its a pretty simple swap and has been documented extensively. Do a search and you'll find plenty of info.

As far as the M90 go, with enough modding and fabrication, anything will work. But it is far from a simple bolt-on...

[Gen2speed]

Thanks!
Now for part two of the question. The 3400 is the same block as the 3.1 right? So why not just punch out my existing 3.1 to 3.4 and switch the top end to the newer 3400 top end? Wouldn't that work as well and save me the trouble of having to find an engine?

[robby1870]

not the same block...oiling is much different and boring a 3.1 to 3.4 would be on the edge of too much safe overbore.

[Gen2speed]

got ya!
It's just so tempting to mess with the 3.8 vs the 3.4
But if the 3.4 is a more straight forward swap then I'll probably go that way. Now....the 3.1 is rated at 160 hp. The 3.4 is not much higher is it?
There are performance mod's for the 3.4 that will make it worth while right?

[96mcls]

got ya!
It's just so tempting to mess with the 3.8 vs the 3.4
But if the 3.4 is a more straight forward swap then I'll probably go that way. Now....the 3.1 is rated at 160 hp. The 3.4 is not much higher is it?
There are performance mod's for the 3.4 that will make it worth while right?

do you have the 3.1 or 3100?
the 3100 is rated at 160 the 3.1 is like 140. the 3400 is ~180
and you get alot more from swapping to a 3400, it's a newer engine and most of the bugs have been worked out, plus more HP and TQ, better flowing everything...

[bszopi]

The 94 Sunbird came with a 3.1, thus ~140hp.

[vsop4me3.1]

got ya!
It's just so tempting to mess with the 3.8 vs the 3.4
But if the 3.4 is a more straight forward swap then I'll probably go that way. Now....the 3.1 is rated at 160 hp. The 3.4 is not much higher is it?
There are performance mod's for the 3.4 that will make it worth while right?

do you have the 3.1 or 3100?
the 3100 is rated at 160 the 3.1 is like 140. the 3400 is ~180
and you get alot more from swapping to a 3400, it's a newer engine and most of the bugs have been worked out, plus more HP and TQ, better flowing everything...

the new 3100's are rated 175hp/195 tq

but ya swap the 3400

[Gen2speed]

The 94 Sunbird came with a 3.1, thus ~140hp.

Your correct...my bad! So the 3400 has a good bump in power...but how is the aftermarket for a cam, headers,and such? I've been to the GM performance website and found a few things, and I see several responses that headers have to be custom made. Any good sites other than the one's posted on the main page?
And how about a lighter hood? I've seen the JSP carbon hood and the ram air style ....but I was hoping for a stock look...or even a Z24 style hood made of fiberglass. I havent found those anywhere!! I've searched for like three days. The stock hood weigh's a ton, so I know it would definatley benifit from a lighter one. I've found fiberglass trunk lid's...so that's kinda cool. I'd like to find some glass fender's too.

[vsop4me3.1]

s&s and the other guys make headers and there is a thread here about milzy motorsports cam or you could always get a regrind. definatly check out the 60 degree store.

[bszopi]

Both S&S and TOG headers would have to be modified to fit his engine bay. As far as cams, yes you can go with Milzy, or if you can come up with your own specs, you can have Cam Motion grind it for you (since that is where Milzy gets his).

[Gen2speed]

Thanks for all the help guys!
If anyone hears where to find a non metal hood that dosent look like it was designed to suck up birds and small children (I dont care for the ram air hood available) let me know!
Like I say....I'm still thinking about the gen3 s/c 3800 also. the fab work would be easy for me...and I could leave it pretty much stock and still be fast enough to amuse me. I'll keep in touch and let you know what I decide and how it goes!
I've seen a few Feiro's with the 3800 s/c swap and there stupid fast....so I'm thinking a gen2 j body should still be quick. Plenty of tourque steer I'm sure.....but I think I can deal with that.

[bszopi]

Well, I checked one site (www.usbody.com) for fiberglass hoods, but no luck. They made one for Berettas and a couple years of GAs, but no J-bodies. You might still contact them though...

[blk92z34getrag]

My friend had a L67 Cavalier and it was stupid fast. However I'd stick with the 3400. Much smoother and more unique. And there is aftermarket for it.

[SHOoff]

Or go for a 3800 s/c swap?? I have only seen one other j-body with the 3800 s/c swap and it was in a third gen car, so I know with some fab work it can be done.

I know that the 90 degree motor in the 3rd gen requires you to make an addition to the front subframe. Hence why I stuck with the 3400. Only required fabrication of 2 motor mounts. Since you're looking for a 'factory' look. My install went in nice enough to actuallly look stock if you didnt know any better.