I have 197K on my 3.1, doesnt smoke or anything. the guy i bought it from said he thought it had a new motor prior to him buying it in 2002. but said he couldnt prove it... I'm guessing the block codes are in the same spot as the SBC... and I wont be able to tell if it had a rebuild if its the stock motor. but I've been noticing a slight ticking noise when the motor warms up and yes the oil is good n full. I know alot of 3.1s started life with a small tick.... but Im just trying to find out if the motor is stock, does anyone have the block codes for the v6 3.1's? i tried google and didnt find what i was looking for.

 

Easiest way to tell is to look for the boss on the starter side of the oil pan rail... There is a block about half an inch tall by a little over an inch long towards the front of the engine. Clean off the rust nice and if there isn't a 9-digit VIN derivative on the boss, it's a replacement engine. If there is a VIN derivative, the second digit is the year and all 9 should match the car's VIN. I'll look up the block code later (I think it's near the thermostat housing), but the 2.8 and 3.1 share the same block... Easiest way to tell if the engine is stock without opening it is the VIN derivative.

 

Hey Thanks man!! I didnt know where to look. my first v6 other than a s10 4.3.. And I'll be out there in the morning lookin! Thanks again