I'm looking for some aggressive ideas for my Lumina, including complete motor swaps. Any ideas? I absolutely love this car, as it was my first car. Now, I have a '97 Accord as my daily driver, and I'd like to get some ideas on how to get my Lumina to breathe fire. Most people tell me to start with a better car to begin with, but I can't help but love this Chevy. Any ideas at all are welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Rob

I agree, the sleeper factor of a Lumina is something to behold. Not many people expect a Grannymobile to do anything.

60degreeV6.com has a number of performance resources for your engine. Though I'd start with the 3.4DOHC (if you are VERY mechanically inclined, see below) and a beefed up 4T60E or even rip a five speed from some other GM FWD. My old shop instructor modified a 1998 Monte Carlo with that setup, stole the trans from a Saturn and a 3.4DOHC. Wasn't half bad.

I say mechanically inclined because the 3.4 is notorious for chewing up knuckles. From the alternator to the cams, it's just a bitch to work on all around. Great for mechanics, we make tons off the people who bring them in for service.

True, there isn't just a whole lot you can do to a 3100, though I've seen people pull the 3800 series II and drop it in with the supercharger sticking up. Let your imagination take over, as long as your pockets are deep enough.

The thing is, my dad bought it brand new in '95 and he's a career mechanic. The know how is there, which should save a few bucks overall. I was thinking of starting with an LTZ motor and going from there. I'm guessing the 3.4 was the LTZ motor? I'm not too mechanically inclined myself (although I can safely say I can install power brakes on a '69 camaro, thanks to good 'ole dad and about 12 hours of my time last week). Also, I've been reading about a new all aluminum v6 block built after the grand national 3.8 liter motor. Obviously, that would require amazing amounts of modifications to the car, but I wonder if that would be possible... A twin turbo Lumina? I can only wish.

A while ago I was reading some info on a Northstar V8 thrown into a Baretta and converting it to RWD. Obviously under-the-hood real estate basically vanished, but I'm sure it would take off. Guy sank about 10 months and some $15 grand into the thing.

I say if you can shoehorn that into a Baretta, you can probably figure some way to shove it in a Lumina. Might have to take out the dashboard...and the front seats...and get a bigger car...

The LTZ series use either the 3.4 or the 3800. I don't recall specifically which, I'm thinking the LS had the 3800 or 3400. I'm getting my years mixed up with this.

I had a '98 Lumina not too long ago, and it was a 3.1 so I'm guessing the LTZ is the 3.4.

The last year for the 3.4 DOHC was 1997.1998 and up LTZs have the series 2 3.8 under the hood.

im not sure if this will fit in a 95 but check it out:

http://www.angelfire.com/stars/mycaddy/asg.htm