what problems with 3.1L cars?

[bombergp]

Would like to hear from the seemingly minority of grand prix owners with 3.1L v6 and their repairs at milages & costs. I bought my '01 SE cuz of my friends '94 3.1L GT experience, watch idler pulley, alt.@ 80k, a/c @100k, other than normal tune ups & fluids/filters thats it!

[bombergp]

I guess I was right 3.1's aren't too popular eh?

[ctesla]

not that they are unpopular, but
hardly any aftermarket backing (being a modified 2.8)
but still, another, pretty reliable GM engine.
and there are some performance parts available.
the earlier ones had a injector recall, but I don't believe it affects yours.
and this motor/trans in the Grand Prix body, was a good all around power, yet (what do you get) 24-30mpg economical vehicle.

[jessep28]

The 3800 is a little more fabled than the 3100.

I was fairly new with GM (I grew up with Fords all my life). Everyone I talked to kept saying how the 3800 was nearly bulletproof if properly maintained.

When I was buying my car, I was looking 01' SE models and they wanted just about as much as the GT with the 3800. So I thought that for a little more, I am going to get a better looking car wtih a bigger, better engine in it. Plus this one only had 38k for a 00' while the SE's with the 3.1 had like 58k.

Anyways, any car properly maintained will last a long time. The key to a good decision is whether you are happy with the purchase. That car has to be driven every day and its better that the driver is happy than cursing out him/herself for a stupid decision.

Anyways, thats went nowhere but that's my two cents on the issue.

[gpgt98]

Well I have 1 of each and I am happy with both of them. I was really surprised with the power of the 3.1 in the 01, only about 20 less HP then my 98 GT.The body styling was vertually the same ( a bit different rear bumper). The only problem I have come across is ( i believe) the blower motor resistor on the 01.