92 firebird 3.1 v6 replacing engine

**jmatt07** · 02-18-2009, 07:40 PM

we pulled the engine out of the car because it had a knock and found a spun bearing. we found another 3.1 with 68k. does anyone know about these engines? what should we be lookin for on this engine we are buying?

**TempleU_WS6** · 02-18-2009, 08:23 PM

In b4 "an LS1".

**67CamaroRSSS** · 02-18-2009, 08:58 PM

"I know NOTHING"......

...except you should be looking for an LS1 to drop in there.....

Sorry Temple. I just couldn't resist.

**Mr. Luos** · 02-18-2009, 11:10 PM

Time for a new car.

**JoshieDoom** · 02-19-2009, 01:10 AM

If you want to go stock get the stocker rebuilt.. if not.. go bigger. Dont cheap out on an engine if you want a dependable car. No real way to tell a junkyard engines condition unless you tear it down.

**jmatt07** · 02-19-2009, 05:52 AM

ya iknow we should go bigger but the problem is that if we get a v8 the transmission wont bolt up and the exhaust dont bolt up. its my 16year old brothers car and he dont have that kind of money.

**20Formula02** · 02-19-2009, 08:55 AM

I used to have a 92 firebird with the 3.1, parts and things were expensive compared to what the engine is even worth. What does your car look like, mine was bright red and had American Racing wheels, it had a stereo system in it and it also had body kit on it that looked awesome. The kit resembled a Ferrari in the way there were louvers in the kit around the wheels. It had a fiberglass ram-air hood too, man I wish I never gotten rid of it.

**NicksTA** · 02-19-2009, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by 20Formula02

I used to have a 92 firebird with the 3.1, parts and things were expensive compared to what the engine is even worth. What does your car look like, mine was bright red and had American Racing wheels, it had a stereo system in it and it also had body kit on it that looked awesome. The kit resembled a Ferrari in the way there were louvers in the kit around the wheels. It had a fiberglass ram-air hood too, man I wish I never gotten rid of it.

All you needed to add to it was a V-8...Should have put some power beneath the looks

**GULLETT17** · 02-19-2009, 09:17 AM

i think its time for the 16 yr old to get a beater pickup and start learning about the classic gm 350 (pre '85) or 400 (pre '76). prob the cheapest engines to build or get parts for and the best to learn on.

**JoshieDoom** · 02-20-2009, 01:18 AM

Originally Posted by GULLETT17

i think its time for the 16 yr old to get a beater pickup and start learning about the classic gm 350 (pre '85) or 400 (pre '76). prob the cheapest engines to build or get parts for and the best to learn on.

Pre 89 engine TBI 350s are the simplest trucks to work on.. ever.

**tnthub** · 02-20-2009, 05:30 AM

I would go looking for a recently trashed 92 at a junkyard that you can buy cheap. If it was wrecked you at least know the engine was working before the driver crashed, plus you can have all the little parts that may get hosed up during the poull and replacement process, and you will have some spares fro other items that may go in the near future due to the age of the vehicle...

**86 IROC-Z** · 02-20-2009, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

Time for a new car.

This, for the love of god.

**67CamaroRSSS** · 02-20-2009, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by 86 IROC-Z

This, for the love of god.

I'm gonna guess the OP doesn't know of your unique perspective concerning 3rd gens....

**Crimson Sin** · 02-20-2009, 02:02 PM

I did a quick search of recycling yards nation-wide. 120-179k engines about 4-600 bucks
anything with less than 100k was 800-1000 bucks.
Most yards give you 3mos/3k mi warranty.
Add a 100 or so for a gasket set and mebbe a water pump.
Crazy to install a salvage yard engine and not re-gasket it/water pump while its out.
I personally wouldn't use anything with more than 80k, but cost is always a factor.
Found a few rebuilt for about 1500.
Hope that helps.

**bigrondownhiller** · 02-20-2009, 02:08 PM

Have you tried calling your local gm dealer and seeing how much a remanufactured 3.1 is?

**jmatt07** · 02-20-2009, 02:20 PM

thats funny you guys said he should buy on old beater truck with a 350 bc he had a nova he bought from an old lady that had been in a barn for 20 years. it was a 77 nova with a 305. he sold it for 3k and bought that firebird and a 1973 k5 blazer CONVERTIBLE lol. its a beater but its pretty cool as well.