I recently bought a new motor to replace on that was blown in my sons base model 92 firebird. the VIN # says its a 3.1 V6 we also have the window sticker from when it was new. my mom is the original owner ( one owner). But after i got the engine out and everything stripped off of it realize its not a 3.1 but something else. I think its a 3.8 because it has a L cast into the block. The 3.1 should have a T on the block. everything bolted right up to the new 3.1 except the motor mount brackets. I cant find these things anywhere. I even went junkyard shopping and the 2 firebirds that a found with the supposed to be same motor also had L on the blocks im confused can anyone out there help?

 

Don't know where you're getting your info, but no base model F body had a 3.8L engine in it during the third generation. If the cylinders are pointed more up than out, it's a 3.1L 60* GM V6, not a 3.8L 90* Buick V6. In 92, the Buick engines were DIS. If the engine has a distributor, it's not a 3.8.

It's possible that you bought the wrong engine. There were 2 separate versions of the 3.1 that put out equal power. The RWD blocks have the starter on the passenger's side. The FWD blocks have it on the driver's side (or where the driver's side is on the engine when installed longitudinally instead of transverse) because the transaxle housing is in the back.

 

Pics would help...

sounds like you got a FWD block though.

 

Easy way to tell if its a FWD, see if the starter bolts up on the same side as the old engine. If its the opposite side, you got the wrong engine.

 

mine has an L cast into the block, its a 3.1 outtve a 1992 camaro... my 3.4 im pretty sure has a F cast in the block its outtve a 94 camaro

 

Thanks to all who tried to help me out with replys. After several conversations with the company I bought the new engine from (LKQ). it been figured out that i do indeed have a engine thats for a front wheel drive vehicle. They have sent me the correct one and it should be here on about Tues . again Thanks