Question: U-van Shortblock vs FWD MPFI?

[weba]

I read that the Lumina APV got the same FWD-block, but are all the internals and chain covers + else the same than in FWD 3.1 MPFI engines?

Reason i ask, found a possible donor engine for my project, but have to make sure the shortblock will fit my needs, thanks!

[1988GTU]

The APV should have a setup very similar to the grand am and newer grand prixs with the 660 engine.

You might have to use your alt bracket and swap a few other brackets to get it to "drop" in the Beretta/Corsica style engine bay.

If it was a long block, you'd never know where it came from ... Other than knowing it's a 3x00.

[Superdave]

the 3.1 in those is a TBI iron head FWD setup.. alot different than the MPFI aluminium head version.

[weba]

I know the top end is different, but i'm only interested about shortblock.

[Superdave]

same "981" crank, same rods but the pistons are flat tops. If used with aluminium heads you'll have around 11.5:1 compression.

not sure about the timing cover.

[1988GTU]

Are we talking about the same van here? Dustbuster nose style? Silhouette.

[weba]

same "981" crank, same rods but the pistons are flat tops. If used with aluminium heads you'll have around 11.5:1 compression.

not sure about the timing cover.

I have 99(?) 3400 topend parts to mate with the shortblock.. sounds like too much compression

[Superdave]

I have 99(?) 3400 topend parts to mate with the shortblock.. sounds like too much compression

shouldn't be that bad if you can tune.. You're gonna need good fuel though.

1988GTU, check the year 1990 in the family tree: http://60degreev6.com/content/60%C2%BAV6_Family_Tree

[1988GTU]

I guess what caught me up was the later years with the 3400.
That is weird. You learn something new everyday.

[weba]

Hmmh is there a thicker head gasket i could use?

I found post that tells valve to piston hit would be possible, true or not?

[Superdave]

It's been done quite a few times w/o problems. the FWD headgaskets are .060" thick, that'll take it down a little..or you could have a good shop cut a small dish into the pistons.

I'm not sure on the availability of parts in Finland but if you could find a set of pistons from a gen3 3100 V6 that'll give you around 9.5:1 with the FWD headgaskets. They will also give you perfect .040" quench.