3100 timing belt

[GreenGA]

I'm new to G As and I need to know if the 3100's have a problem with skipping a tooth. My gaughter's 97 se quit on her and from her discription it sounded like the fuel filter was blocked.
But when we tried to bring it home it would not run worth a hoot.
It ran rough and blew black so I knew the timing must be off.
I had it towed to a shop and thet said the belt skipped a tooth and these are interfirence engines so they hit the valves on the comp, stroke.
I would like to know if this is true about the belt.
thanks for your help.

[nice96gt]

Actually it has a timing chain rather than a belt. Can't help you with your problem though. Sorry :(

[Prospeeder]

rough idle and black exhaust, is it really rich? o2 sensor mabye

[GreenGA]

No, I don't think it's the o2. The died then started then died just like a plugged filter, but that won't make it run rich and no power.
Well, I guess the o2 could cause that, though.
I will have a shop read the codes.

[mikem220153]

I owned N Bodies (the frame the Grand Am, Skylark, Achieva, and Malibu are based on) since 1994. I have never seen a problem with the timing chain or gears. But like all things mechanical, I am sure it does happen from time to time. But the timing chain on the 60degree V6 does not have a history of problems.

The very first thing the shop should do is read the codes.

[GreenGA]

Turns out the cam broke! How? Idon't know, but it's time to find a replacement engine. Could any one tell me what years are compatable with my 97? I would like the best match tech wise.

[nice96gt]

Join the club. I snapped my cam too. Any 3100 motor from a 96-98 Grand Am will swap in without and issues.

[GreenGA]

Thanks for the info.
I decided to swap out the 3.1 to a 3.4 from a 2004GA.
Hope the swap goes well, I found a swap guide to follow.

[voyager]

good idea. you might see if DHP or someone can get you a reprogram to match the new engine.

[GreenGA]

You know, that would probably make the swap even easier!
Thanks for the idea.

[nice96gt]

You don't HAVE to get a new computer for the 3400 swap. The DHP would just make the 3400 run a little better, like voyager said. The 3100 computer is compatible with the 3400 engine. If you didn't check out the 3400swap.com site and the manual found there I highly suggest you do so. I would read it over 4+ times before even attempting the task. :)

[GreenGA]

I got the swap guide off of 60degreev6.com if that is the one you mean. The swap looks to be easier than his since it will be going into a 97. I just don't know if I wili need to mod the egr or some of the other sensors and such. I was also wondering if the connecters and plugs and pcm would need to be changed. This will be a learning experience for sure.

[nice96gt]

There are a few things that need to be done. Coolant temp sensor has to be used from the 3100 and screwed into the 3400 block. 3100 injectors, rail and harness need to be used. 3100 downpipe or else it won't bolt up. Unless you can get a custom bent pipe. I'm pretty sure the egr isn't an issue, but don't quote me on that. I would also change the LIM gasket while the motor is out of the car, just so then you won't have to worry about it later on. :)

I have never done this and I'm sure there can be a lot more problems so it'll just be a trial and error job. Good luck...

[mikem220153]

The EGR won't be a problem. The swap guide from 60degreeV6 is a good one. Yours will go easier because you are going from OBD II to OBD II.