This will probably be a simple answer and sound likme a stupid question, but can someone tell me what the major differences are between the 3.1 rodeo motor and the 3.2l rodeo motor?

3.1 is made by GM

3.2 is made by Isuzu

They are vastly different engine designs. The 3.1 is an iron block, aluminum head, cam in block, 2 valve, pushrod engine. 60deg "V" if I rememver correctly, as opposed to the 75deg all aluminum, overhead cam(s) 4 valve 3.2L. The old school GM engine IMO isn't too shabby of an engine. They run a LOOONG time & the same basic design is still being pumped out to this day in the front wheel drive 3.1/3.4/3.5L form.
G/luck
Joel

thanks thats basically what i was askin, so if the 3.1 is nottoo bad off an engine what about the 3,2 isuzu engine that i happen to have?

The isuzu 3.2's are good engines, lots of power for their small size, run a long time if you never run them low on oil or coolant. Probably the worst thing about them is their must be several hundred GM 3.1 variants on the road for every one 3.2L. Support network for our isuzu's is slim to none (a/m parts, mods, service knowledge). That's why this board is so great!
G/luck
Joel

They are vastly different engine designs. The 3.1 is an iron block, aluminum head, cam in block, 2 valve, pushrod engine. 60deg "V" if I rememver correctly, as opposed to the 75deg all aluminum, overhead cam(s) 4 valve 3.2L. The old school GM engine IMO isn't too shabby of an engine. They run a LOOONG time & the same basic design is still being pumped out to this day in the front wheel drive 3.1/3.4/3.5L form.
G/luck
Joel

Gotta love those OHV pushrod engines...at least when it comes to tearing into them to replace a head gasket or something. No worries about messing with camshafts or timing.