Look what I got today, for FREE!!!

 

The small port 3100 top end is definatly a step up from the genI top end.

For free you can't complain.

 

Exactly, it's no 3500, but the price is right and should be a noticable improvement over the stock setup.

 

Free is always good

Sure 3500 is the best, but the 3500 heads don't fit the 3.1/2.8 bore anyways Also, once you go through the top end swap, going from small to large port will be easy, so you will have room to grow.

 

Hmm, I thought the 3500 fit for some reason.

Just to clarify, the large port is the 2000+ 3100 and you need to change manifolds and heads for that right?

 

Somebody forgot to nab the front engine cover... I don't have mine either... I'm going to have to go back to that shop and say, "Hey, WTF is my timing cover? You said a month ago you were going to pull it as soon as you got a new damper puller! I paid $50 for that stuff, ALL of it!"

BTW, while I'm posting here, is the 3100 in a 98 Malibu large or small port? That's what I've got sitting in my garage right now (on a partial FWD 2.8 short block) .

 

Why do you need the timing cover, I'm using the RWD cover and FWD heads.

The 3500 heads have over a 91mm chamber, and the 3.1/2.8 is an 89mm bore.

 

Agreed, the FWD timing cover will be of no benefit to a RWD hybrid. The original RWD timing cover needs to be used with a slight modification of the removal of the tab that interferes with the thermostat housing.

The '98 'Bu uses a small port top end. I own one, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, but I own it anyway. I also used a small port top end on my hybrid, with stamped rockers. The '98 3100 will have roller rockers.