A 3.1L can be built by adding the 3.1L crank, flywheel/flexpate and pistons to a Fiero 2.8L. Everything else remains the same. This modification yields 191.5 cubic inches. If your budget can afford it, the 93-95 Camaro/Firebird 3.4L engine is the next step up at 207 cubic inches and is a fairly easy installation.
I am looking to do this upgrade, from 2.8 to a 3.1, displacement. Mainly because I have to do a rebuild, and would like the added displacement but also with more solid internals (pistons, rings, cranks). Any infor or good supplies would be appreciated.
I would also like to know more about this. Just curious... I dont have the time now to do such a thing (nor ambition). Just wanted info to keep in mind later.
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05:10 PM
IDoMy0wn Racing Member
Posts: 107 From: Pioneer, CA. USA Registered: Aug 2002
Those ARI kits. Are the pistons forged, along with the other parts? The engine will be boosted and so I need the stronger internals.
ARI sells a Pro Builder kit, hypertech piston as an upgrade, if you give them a call thay can get you what ever you need. for the cost of upgraded pistons, I asked for hypertech and more compression ratio and ended up getting speedpro, teflon coated skirts, hypertech, 9.4:1. just had to ask, I like what thay did for me.
when I had my 2.8 rebuilt to a 3.2 (3.1 crank and bored over) after all was said and done it cost about $2100. I think it was $1695 at the machine shop and $400 in shop fees (do it yourself auto shop) and random parts.
crate 3.4 enginge from GM costs like $1600.
investigate both options befor you decide. if I had it to do over again, I'd go for the 3.4
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04:50 PM
Jan 3rd, 2003
beelizard Member
Posts: 69 From: Winterville, Ga USA Registered: Sep 2002
With the a.r.i. kit Does anyone know if the crank is just a stock 3.1 crank or is it modified to fit the 2.8 flywheel or is it just a swap to a 3.1 flywheel. I did a little research and found that the 2.8 and 3.1 flywheel have the same OD and pitch and number of teeth. They also have the same part number for the clutch, which being the smarta$$ that I am, I am guessing it is the same clutch also.
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12:37 AM
IDoMy0wn Racing Member
Posts: 107 From: Pioneer, CA. USA Registered: Aug 2002
With the a.r.i. kit Does anyone know if the crank is just a stock 3.1 crank or is it modified to fit the 2.8 flywheel or is it just a swap to a 3.1 flywheel. I did a little research and found that the 2.8 and 3.1 flywheel have the same OD and pitch and number of teeth. They also have the same part number for the clutch, which being the smarta$$ that I am, I am guessing it is the same clutch also.
ARI sells a flywheel (+ $65.00 core), or you can get the 2.8 flywheel resurfaced and then it will need to be neutrally balanced (the counter weight groud off)to work on the 3.1 crank shaft. or send it to ARI they will do it all plus install new ring gear for $105.00.
I've got about 10K miles on mine now and couldn't be happier.
I bought a re-mfg. crank through the machine shop along with a set of Silvolite #1486 pistons. Total machine shop bill was $1073. This would have been somewhat less but he had to replace all intake valves due to my stupidity regarding a vacuum leak. Also, the kit came with some off brand bearing inserts and I had to pay extra for the Clevite 77's. I did the assembly and installation myself. The only other add on was a Crane 2030 camshaft for $159 through Summit. It went togather without a hitch and has been trouble free. I also did the "standard" gasket match and exaust manifold mods and removed the cat. The car is an '86 GT with TH125. I could not believe how responsive and strong the damn thing is compared to the stock 2.8.
For the money, this is the best, most fun mod available. If I can pull it off, anybody can.
!!!!!!!
