I knew the 2.8 became the 3.1 Because I owned a 91 Z24. I think the Cavaliers upgraded to the 3.1 in 1989. But I wasn't sure if the 3.1 became the 3.8 or the 3.4 litre. The 2.8 had a reputation in the 80's of being an unreliable engine. And was part of GM's era of underpowered cars.

 

I had to work on it almost daily to keep it running. My Ex stole the car soon after we broke up and blow the motor then had to ***** to have my mechanic replace it. then drove it to Boston. It was a good little engine for me, I can't really say anything bad against it. It held its own against 305s.

 

I know it's not a Chevy engine. But what about the Northstar V8?