I'm almost done with a 3.1 swap. I had a 1986 2.8 with an automatic tranny. I bought a donor stick shift 1988 and a 3.1 RWD block. I used everything from my '86 and put it on the 3.1. Did the tranny switch and everything.. I turn the key but it's not starting.. It's getting plenty of fuel and its sparking. It's not even trying to turn over. I'm wondering if maybe the timing is different on the RWD 3.1 or maybe it's not getting compression even though I had the heads machined.. Even with all that, the fuel should be ignighting, right? Any input would be greatly appreciated

Do you get a check engine light when you turn the key on (engine off)? You should.

Does the fuel pump run for two seconds when you turn the key to on, but before you crank it? It should.

If the answer to the first two questions is no, check to make sure the ECM reset connector is connected.

quote Originally posted by Stevengoldenshoe: ... I turn the key but it's not starting.. It's getting plenty of fuel and its sparking. It's not even trying to turn over. I'm wondering if maybe the timing is different on the RWD 3.1 or maybe it's not getting compression ...

Where to begin? What do you mean by, "It's not even trying to turn over"? Do you perhaps mean that the crankshaft is actually turning but the engine is not firing? Or is truly nothing happening?

How do you know "it's getting plenty of fuel"? Have you done a fuel pressure test? How do you know "it's sparking"?

Did you set the ignition timing properly ... with cylinder #1 at TDC on the compression stroke? The procedure is the same for all distributor-ignition 2.8/3.1/3.4 V6es. My best guess is that you have the distributor 180 degrees off.

How did you adjust valve lash/lifter preload? Have you done a compression test?

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 07-10-2013).]

Timing is the same, make sure the distributator is pointing at #1 when it is at TDC on the compression stroke. If it has fuel and spark it will likely run unless you hosed up the cam install or the valves are totally out of adjustment. Larry

The crankshaft is turning but It's not firing. We pulled a spark plug and there was fuel in the cylinder. The fuel pump runs for 2 seconds. The spark plug wires are sparking when pulled off the plug. We're going to start with the basics (compression check, making sure #1 is at TDC, all that good stuff) ill let you know how that goes later tonight