3.1 to a 3.8 supercharged motor

[blurredvision]

i was wondering if i could take a 3.1 out of my 96 grand am and put a 3.8 superchanged motor out of a grand prix in my 96 does anyone know if that will work

[StaindGreen9]

I was told it won't fit but it will fit into a Fiero.

[b2089]

With enough perserverence it will work. We have a thread here where someone put a V8 in a sunbird and made it real wheel drive, so anything is possible.

I don't know the engine sizes but typically almost all similar displacement engines are similar in outside size. Heck, many v8's aren't very much larger outside for that matter. You may have to move the motor mounts though and possible reposition some of the accesories (probably not though).

Sorry I don't have specifics, but don't give up yet, unless you have a Fiero. If you do, put it in that.

Matt, I'm told one of the best tricks for a Fiero is to get a front wheel drive Norstar from a caddie and drop computer, engine, and tranny all in one big unit. That keeps the powertrain happy because it thinks it's still intact and in a caddie and it keeps the driver happy because the Fiero now moves much faster :)

[Matt95GT]

*sigh* Isn't there at least 1 of these same threads per week?

Yes, with lots and lots of work and money. It would be cheaper to purchase a used 97+ GTP.

[BBT]

Just to simplify. It CAN work, but it not s imple bolt in. The engines are different physically. The 3.1 is a 60 degree V6 while the 3.8 is a 90 degree.

Other than that, for advice I suggest pressing the http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/images/big_search.gif button and doing a little research.

Been talked about ad nauseum here.

Good luck. Have fun. And make sure you have a lot of $ and talent.

[RocketFast321]

Anybody remember my post in off topics :lol:

[blurredvision]

so what ur saying is dont even bother trying it wont work

[b2089]

He isn't talking about using parts from one for the other though, it's a total swap. Would the different degree configurations be that much of a problem for a total swap?

[voyager]

if you have to ask wether it will work or not, this swap is probably not for you.

but to answer your question, yes, it ought to fit; it's been done to a handful of berettas and J bodies. you'll need custom mounts and the 3800's wiring harness.. and if i were you, i'd be upgrading the brakes & suspension and reinforcing the frame.. you need to do more than just switch motors if you want it to be driveable. i don't really expect you to go through with it, but if you do, just some more things to think about.

[Korbendallas68]

3400swap.com my friend.

[BBT]

Originally posted by blurredvision
so what ur saying is dont even bother trying it wont work

Not at all. It just is not a simple bolt in swap. There is a lot of work to do to fit the engine, plus you probably need to swap transmissions as well, as the stock GA automatic isn't up to the power handling level of the SC 3800.

Like I said in my first post, search. It has been discussed here, and there are other forums where people have made that kind of swap.

If you have the time, talent, ability & most of all money, go for it. But if you think it might just be a simple swap you and a buddy can do on a weekend, you're in for some disappointment.

[btizzell]

It will fit eventually but make sure there are some zeros in your bank account. A guy swapped it into a 91 cavalier but it set him back almost 7 grand so enjoy!!!

[SPECIALGAGT]

Check out a few Ford Focus swaps using the Mustang Cobra drive-train if you want a real sleeper. Lots of work puttin the trans under the dash and the final-drive out the rear!! Here's a pic, in progress :: http://www.ford-v8-focus.com/images/f16.jpg

[04GASE1]

that makes the focus look even more stupid. ha ha, lol, lmao.

[04GASE1]

p.s.


I hate fords and especially the focus, (pronounced fukus)

[96GreenGaGT]

it's been done on a 94 grand am and a 99 grand am. the other problem they had was that (i don't remember which one had to get it done) the guy had to get custom axles done because of the different tranny.

you'd be better off puttin in a 3400 and turboing it. that is a direct bolt in. bolts up to the same holes and everything... even same tranny can be used from 3100... but for that do a search.

[GTSpeeder]

Originally posted by 96GreenGaGT
it's been done on a 94 grand am and a 99 grand am. the other problem they had was that (i don't remember which one had to get it done) the guy had to get custom axles done because of the different tranny.

you'd be better off puttin in a 3400 and turboing it. that is a direct bolt in. bolts up to the same holes and everything... even same tranny can be used from 3100... but for that do a search.

Which would give me better performance, my 3100 to a 3400 S/C or turbo, or 3100 to 3800 S/C? I'm in a group with a Cobalt SS/SC, Mustang Mach 1, turbo Cavys, SVT Contours, Eclipses, and Evos. Which swap would give me the best advantage to run with any of those cars?

[eric99gt]

Sell it..and buy something faster.

[coupe]

^^^Ditto

[Refuse Winst]

Originally posted by 04GASE1
p.s.


I hate fords and especially the focus, (pronounced fukus)

My dad drivbes a Focus, and between my old car and my GA I had to drive it.... god that car sucked! Of course, now that I have a nicer car than him, he's decided to go out and get a turbo Solstice. He's always gotta outdo me. :P

Back on topic... I hate to say it, but they're right. If you want to have a racecar, you'd probably better off just getting something else. GA's are nice, sporty looking cars, and with certain mods you can get a *decent* amount of HP out of them, but these cars just aren't built for speed. The amount of time, money, and effort you would need to put into swapping for a more powerful engine (transmission, brakes, suspension, frame...) you'd just really be better off spending that time working some overtime and buying a faster car.

Now, if I won the lotto and could afford to pay someone else to put a supercharged 3.8 into my car, I would, just to have a freakin' fast GA. But on a working man's budget of time and money, it's just not practical. As someone else posted... 7 grand into a '91 cavalier! I almost bought a supercharged GP that I had the guy talked down to about $6,000 on (had slightly more miles than my GA and I didn't trust a high-mileage SC engine), so you have to think whether it's really worth it.

[matts]

Originally posted by GTSpeeder
Which would give me better performance, my 3100 to a 3400 S/C or turbo, or 3100 to 3800 S/C? I'm in a group with a Cobalt SS/SC, Mustang Mach 1, turbo Cavys, SVT Contours, Eclipses, and Evos. Which swap would give me the best advantage to run with any of those cars?


the turbo 3.4. it's gonna be lighter than the s/c 3.8, it's easier to put in, and probably better all around manners than the s/c 3.8.

why would that Mach 1 be running around with those other cars? that's like a fish out of water IMO. and a SVT contour? you're worried about a SVT contour? :lol: you'd probably be able to hang with it like you sit. those things are a joke.