3100 w/ no top end power, any suggestions?

[dalejw3]

Ive been hearing all over the place here and 60degreev6 and other places that the 3100 is supposed to make good power over, say, 4500 RPM. My car on the other hand loses a ton of power at that RPM.

My 3100 is bored .030 and has the heads shaved .010. No other engine mods but that. Could that have anything to do with it? I hate the way it just runs out of steam. Any thoughts on ways to remedy this? Thanks

[fastbird232]

How's your air intake? Can the little guy breathe alright?

[dalejw3]

How's your air intake? Can the little guy breathe alright?

 

Thats the thing, im looking at doing a FWI, cause its still the factory box.

 

Also, i know its not just the top of second being weak like usual, cause when it hits third at around 75 or so the thing absolutly lunges.

[TeeJay3800]

Also, i know its not just the top of second being weak like usual, cause when it hits third at around 75 or so the thing absolutly lunges.

 

That's funny cuz that's exactly how my 3.1 acts. At 5,000 or above near the top of 2nd (like while merging onto the freeway), it really runs out of steam. However, when it shifts to 3rd and the revs drop back down into the power band, it really takes off!

[Brian P]

It depends, if you have the early model 3100 years '93-98 they aren't that great for upper-end power. They're better than the previous 3.1 but you won't feel a whole lot past 5k rpm unless you have '99+ 3100 upper and lower intakes on. That's my observation from what I've owned. My car's original engine ran out of steam at around 5500 rpm, after putting on the newer intakes, it wanted to pull past 6k.

[dalejw3]

It depends, if you have the early model 3100 years '93-98 they aren't that great for upper-end power. They're better than the previous 3.1 but you won't feel a whole lot past 5k rpm unless you have '99+ 3100 upper and lower intakes on. That's my observation from what I've owned. My car's original engine ran out of steam at around 5500 rpm, after putting on the newer intakes, it wanted to pull past 6k.

 

Maybe ill have to do that, cause it REALLY runs out of steam. I think it has to be the fact that its a 95, so it does it already, plus the added displacement and compression makes it worse. how involved is swapping intakes on these cars, never done it before.

[GP1138]

It depends, if you have the early model 3100 years '93-98 they aren't that great for upper-end power. They're better than the previous 3.1 but you won't feel a whole lot past 5k rpm unless you have '99+ 3100 upper and lower intakes on. That's my observation from what I've owned. My car's original engine ran out of steam at around 5500 rpm, after putting on the newer intakes, it wanted to pull past 6k.

 

It really does help.

[THe_DeTAiL3R]

Yeah my car pulls good from 3-5k or so, after that it's time to change gears...

[19Cutlass94]

Mine seems to pull pretty good up to 4500RPM. (Thats as far as its gone, never floored it and gone above that) Never really had a problem with it not pulling good.

[ns87]

That's funny cuz that's exactly how my 3.1 acts. At 5,000 or above near the top of 2nd (like while merging onto the freeway), it really runs out of steam. However, when it shifts to 3rd and the revs drop back down into the power band, it really takes off!

[94CutlassSLCoupe]

Mine seems to pull pretty good up to 4500RPM. (Thats as far as its gone, never floored it and gone above that) Never really had a problem with it not pulling good.

 

wow, mine hits 5500 almost daily...drive it like you stole it, its only a 3100

[THe_DeTAiL3R]

Mine seems to pull pretty good up to 4500RPM. (Thats as far as its gone, never floored it and gone above that) Never really had a problem with it not pulling good.

 

wow, mine hits 5500 almost daily...drive it like you stole it, its only a 3100

 

Yeah, it's kinda hard keeping it below 4k all the time. On the highway I like to let it "stretch it's legs" I don't wanna take my car to the track so I'm just gonna g-tech it since I drive it hard anyways...

[GP1138]

up to 4500RPM. (Thats as far as its gone, never floored it and gone above that)

 

Maybe that's why you say you have problems going up hills.

[THe_DeTAiL3R]

up to 4500RPM. (Thats as far as its gone, never floored it and gone above that)

 

Maybe that's why you say you have problems going up hills.

 

[1990lumina]

up to 4500RPM. (Thats as far as its gone, never floored it and gone above that)

 

Maybe that's why you say you have problems going up hills.

 

That's what I was just gonna say...

 

With my 3.1 (NOT 3100) after 4500rpm she's dies on the power BIG time lol...shifts gears and it pushes you back into your seat - well for a 3.1 lol

[TeeJay3800]

That's funny cuz that's exactly how my 3.1 acts. At 5,000 or above near the top of 2nd (like while merging onto the freeway), it really runs out of steam. However, when it shifts to 3rd and the revs drop back down into the power band, it really takes off!

Ummmmm.....I wrote that quote. Why does it say dalejw3 did??

[psychopyro31106]

I have a suggestion, drop a turbo grand prix engine and tranny in it

[badassoldspower]

I have a suggestion, drop a turbo grand prix engine and tranny in it

 

You dont need that, just do the 3400 upper swap, and get a little more kick outta that motor, I think maybe 20 ponies

[dalejw3]

I have a suggestion, drop a turbo grand prix engine and tranny in it

 

You dont need that, just do the 3400 upper swap, and get a little more kick outta that motor, I think maybe 20 ponies

 

Upper meaning upper intake? or the whole intake? or heads and an intake?

[badassoldspower]

from what i recall, i think it just the 3400 upper intake you put on

[dalejw3]

from what i recall, i think it just the 3400 upper intake you put on

 

Aahhh, Ill have to do some junk yard diving now.

[94CutlassSLCoupe]

you have to have the match pair of intakes...can't remember if you need the different heads for the rockers or something.

 

I know you'll need an EGR valve adaptor

[BIGBULS]

You need a matched pair of intakes.

 

The L82 lower will NOT match an LG8/LA1 upper.............no matter how you try to port it.

 

AND...............depending on your year, you need to grind off some slots for rocker clearance on the earlier non-roller rockers.

 

AND...........bigger intakes are kinda pointless without that larger 56mm TB (L82 TB's are 52mm)

 

 

 

AND.........

 

You are still stuck with the earlier heads (smaller intake runners and 1.72in intake valves........vs latter 1.76in valves), and crappier log manifolds (LG8/LA1 cars have a much better rear manifold design).

 

Not to mention a PCM optimised for less airflow..............

 

 

 

I'd expect an intake swap is good for 5-10hp (depending on suporting mods) at the power peak (which will also shift upward slightly), with a little larger gains PAST peak power (as you approach the rev limiter, I'd bet closer to 15hp will be available...........or would be if you tune the PCM for it).

[19Cutlass94]

up to 4500RPM. (Thats as far as its gone, never floored it and gone above that)

 

Maybe that's why you say you have problems going up hills.

 

 

thats a good one! lol

 

 

But no really, at not even 3K it gets up the hills with problem. Just did a tune up, and I found several holes in the plugs wieres........so yeah I think that was my problem. Runs like a champ now. And Im willing to bet Im the only person on the board here who hasnt floored their car.

[ns87]

TeeJay3800: my bad