Advice on Swapping 1991 3.1 into a 1990 Beretta

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Advice on Swapping 1991 3.1 into a 1990 Beretta

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Chevrolet Forum >> Past Vehicles >> Beretta, Corsica & Lumina >> Advice on Swapping 1991 3.1 into a 1990 Beretta

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Advice on Swapping 1991 3.1 into a 1990 Beretta - 2/3/2008 11:13:39 AM

clevo

Posts: 2
Joined: 2/3/2008
Status: offline

The donor car is a 1991 Corsica , a 1990 Beretta GT is the recipient. I'm thinking it would be a straightforward swap, with the sensors and harnesses matching up between the recipient car an the new engine. Are there any resources for determining engine compatibility where I can find out for sure if everything will match up, and more importantly, work correctly?

< Message edited by clevo -- 2/3/2008 11:14:24 AM >

Post #: 1

RE: Advice on Swapping 1991 3.1 into a 1990 Beretta - 2/4/2008 5:22:12 PM

shawnvw

Posts: 590
Joined: 1/18/2008
Status: offline

I can't remeber when they stopped using the 2.8L on those cars, it was around the late 80's, possibly 1990......if they are both 3.1L....your good to go, all the sensors should all match up

(in reply to clevo)

Post #: 2

RE: Advice on Swapping 1991 3.1 into a 1990 Beretta - 2/5/2008 10:19:09 AM

clevo

Posts: 2
Joined: 2/3/2008
Status: offline

Both engines are 3.1L, so thanks for the info on the sensors matching up.

The Beretta has 220,000 miles on it ,but is in very good condition. The Beretta's engine had an interal coolant leak. I'm not sure how long I drove it with the leak, but when I started tearing down the engine I saw milk chocolate-colored sludge. Made me consider abandoning the top end gasket change and go with another engine. I guess I could always put it back together and see how long the bearings last.

The Corsica's 3.1 has 90,000 miles on it, and is still in the car. The seller said I could see the engine running before I decided to buy it. He said I could also buy the engine and transmission (it is an automatic like my current transmission) if I was interested in replacing the whole drivetrain.

Would it be wiser to replace the entire powertrain, rather than mating a 90,000 mile engine with a 220,000 mile transmission? I'm thinking I should swap the engine and transmission together to give me the best shot at having a reliable vehicle.

I've also been reminded that the car is worth at most $800 or $900 (in running condition) and that the wisest move would be to get rid it. I've had the car since new, enjoy driving it, and have a sentimental attachment to it, even though it is nothing special; it's just a run of-the-mill Beretta GT. That's why I'm considering the repair in the first place.

So if you have any thoughts on replacing the engine and trans vs the engine only, please pass them along.

(in reply to shawnvw)

Post #: 3