New to site but on Grand Prix number 2

**Afriederich** · 10-27-2016

Hey guys,

Just bought a 01 se for $400 bucks planning on making it a commuter with a permanent for sale sign lol. Yes it's a turd and a half but the body is fairly clean. It's got the typical 3.1 oil in coolant issue and I'm tryin to decide wether I should tear the top half down and put all new gaskets on and cross my fingers it's not a warped head (or worse) or if I should go straight to 3.8 swap. I'm in no rush on this project so if I gotta wait around to find the right parts at the right price I will.

Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!

Also used to have a 99gtp blew up the tranny and unloaded it due to it nickel and diming me but I sure do miss ole black Betty!

**BrandonHall10** · 10-27-2016

Welcome to the forum.

My opinion....? Take it slow. Fix the 3.1 and sell it. Meanwhile look for a deal on something that already has a 3.8 in it. Motor swaps are always more work than you plan for. Ask me how I know.

**coolone** · 10-27-2016

3.1 is great too... 60* engine FTW, lol... Go Turbo baby! Hahahaha

**Slick2500** · 10-27-2016

Originally Posted by coolone

3.1 is great too... 60* engine FTW, lol... Go Turbo baby! Hahahaha

The 3100/3400 are worthless turds.

Make no power
Limited aftermarket
Have to remove pushrods to change intake gaskets
Have fun changing the thermostat
Heads crack
Piston slap

The only mod I would ever do to a 3100 powered wbody is put in a 3800.

**Explicit_Spade** · 10-27-2016

Welcome!

I would definitely just sell what you've got and get a 3.8 car. N/A or supercharged. Either way would be better than the 3.1! lol

**Afriederich** · 10-27-2016

Brandon lol been there done that...take your plans and double the price and time you think you'll need and you'll end up close

cool part of of me wants to make it fast but part of me says be responsible and flip it

**Slick2500** · 10-27-2016

Originally Posted by Explicit_Spade

Welcome!

I would definitely just sell what you've got and get a 3.8 car. N/A or supercharged. Either way would be better than the 3.1! lol

This guy knows what I am talking about.

**Afriederich** · 10-27-2016

lol I know I know but if I gotta sink 500 in it for a 3.8 I'm still in it cheap enough to make it do what it needs to. I'm diggin lookin for tranny differences between the 3.1 and 3.8 na...anyone know off the top of the head if there the same or at least same bolt pattern

**Slick2500** · 10-27-2016

Same trans. Get 3800, engine harness and pcm out of 2001 GT.

**Afriederich** · 10-27-2016

You got it boss!

**Slick2500** · 10-27-2016

You should be able to get the engine, harness and pcm out of any 99-02 gt iirc. I was just saying 01 as that way you shouldn't have any issues.

**coolone** · 10-28-2016

Originally Posted by Slick2500

The 3100/3400 are worthless turds.

Make no power
Limited aftermarket
Have to remove pushrods to change intake gaskets
Have fun changing the thermostat
Heads crack
Piston slap

The only mod I would ever do to a 3100 powered wbody is put in a 3800.

Ummmmm... Duh!?!? Been there and done all that noise! As a matter of fact, my 3100 is still on the road, approaching 270k after the recent disappearance of the front cover gasket which went poof (like magic disappeared) and a pool of coolant followed. It's in my sons hands now and he's learning the joy of owning a Pontiac!

So, you think I am unaware? Point is, once the attempt would've been made the realization wold take hold as to the fruitless effort! Can't even find Pacesetter Headers (70-1207) for the 3100 anymore, lol...