Enhancing the 3.1L sewing machine

I was hoping to r/r my engine from the 3.1L to the 3.8L supercharged but considering the wire harness and computer would have to be r/r...way too much $$ and not worth it. So...considering I will end up just putting in another 3.1 (exisiting one has piston slap :shakehead ) I wish to squeeze some more HP out of it. What are your thoughts on how to maximize HP out of the 3.1L?

The 3.1 doesn't take well to mods, so there's not much you can do. If you truly want performance, sell it and get a new one with the 3800, or a Grand Prix GTP/Regal GS with the 3800 S/C. Exhaust mods and a CAI are about it for your car.

Yeah I figured as much, I'm not a big fan of the Montes from 00-05 and the 06 is a bit out of my price range. I love the grand Prix GTP but too many on the road. The thing I like about the late 90's Monte's is there isn't too many on the road and they can look good with a few body mods and nice rims, I like unique cars so am hoping to keep it. I spoke with a performance mechanic yesterday and he said they have rebuilt some 3.1L to put out a bit more HP but like you said, not too much one can do. Shame on Chevy for ever putting in such a weak engine and associating it to the most winning name car in Nascar history!

Yeah I figured as much, I'm not a big fan of the Montes from 00-05 and the 06 is a bit out of my price range. I love the grand Prix GTP but too many on the road. The thing I like about the late 90's Monte's is there isn't too many on the road and they can look good with a few body mods and nice rims, I like unique cars so am hoping to keep it. I spoke with a performance mechanic yesterday and he said they have rebuilt some 3.1L to put out a bit more HP but like you said, not too much one can do. Shame on Chevy for ever putting in such a weak engine and associating it to the most winning name car in Nascar history!

The 3.1 is a little small for the Monte to be sure, however there is always something that can be done to get more power; look at the 1990 Beretta Indy Pace car, it had a 3.1 enlarged to 3.4 with trick components and 245HP! Or, if you still don't beleive me, go and look at www.turboz24.com (http://www.turboz24.com) that guy as a turbocharged Cavalier in the 12's!!! Really the only thing between you and HP is $$$ and the 3.8 is probably the most economical way, but don't dismiss the 3.1, it is a great little powerplant (better off in a J or L body though, I agree).