3400 vs. 3100

[Guest]

Ok Its been real cold on the east coast. I have a 1995 Z26 all stock with a 3100 engine
I started leaking Antifreeze.  First in small amounts then allot. Now showing water/antifreeze in the oil. But no exhaust symptoms (smoke, water, etc)

Went to shop #1
They say they want to do a new water pump, thermostat, heater core and intake gasket, plus fluids.  
Parts = around $100 Labor $400
Shop #2 says rather then do all that, Drop a used 3100 engine in for around $500 plus $200 labor.
When asked they say they can put in a 3400 (following the guide from 3400swap.com) for $70 more,  But both of these prices don't include the heater core (just a bypass since summers close at hand) and I would be alright with that.

Wondering if the 3400 is that much of a benefit or should I just fix or replace the 3100.  I know prices differ from place to place just showing its only a $100 difference in the two options.  Just questioning the work itself.
I can't do the job myself and don't know anyone to do it themselves.

This is my only car so Its a keeper for now.

Thanks for your opinions
Chuck

[Luckymc420]

**** if you have water in your engine that is not to bad. Antifreeze is the killer.  

Depends on how much was introduced into the system.  

Plus its your lower intake gasket they need to replace that means heads come off new gaskets.  You shouldn't have smoke out of your exhaust.  If you did you have some problems.  I dont know if you can pull all that without pulling the engine.  I pulled my engine when i got water in the motor and rebuilt it.  Plus a new water pump? WHY?  I would pay for a used 3400 in a heart beat.  I would want a new engine or an overhaul.  Overhaul will cost more parts and labor.  400 for a possible another engine failure OR 770 for a different engine that hopefully they will warrenty for something.
You could prolly get a 3400 on ebay for cheaper than 500 bucks.  The shop my not warrenty an engine they cant pick thou.  

Sounds like shop one might be trying to spend more of your money.  Just because you have a coolant leak does not mean that you need to replace everything.  Why not replace the over flow tank to.  I would have the put in a new thermostat just because its not to much and can save a head.

[Guest]

Thinking it is Defiantly antifreeze , getting milky condensation on the oil cap when removed it.

Shop 2 says once that happens you can flush and replace gaskets but in there opinion chances are good that there will be problems soon down the road. Now the motor is warrantied for 90 days but the labor is not.

Thanks

[Asylum]

$270 labor for a 3400 swap is a pretty damn fair deal!
Start looking for an engine
Try www.car-parts.com

Have fun!

[wicked-irocz]

A 3400 is a great upgrade but you will still have problems with the intake gaskets if it is not an 04+ motor.  Usually you only have intake gaskets go bad on the 3100, not head gaskets.  DO NOT drive the car when you are leaking a lot of antifreeze, it will ruin your bearings.  Why replace the water pump?  makes no sense.  How many miles are on the car?

[MY91GT(Z)]

3400 from what ppl say can knock off more than .6 in the 1/4 also thats not includin any lil performance u can do like udp/lower dogbone  from fasfwdperformance.com and maybe an intake u'd be really happy w/ the change and worth evry extra penny u would spend rather than puttin in another 3100