Expert: Skip Bollinger - 4/17/2007

Question
Hey, I have a 1996 Chevy Beretta Z26 3100 V6 Auto, and I was wondering if you know where I might beable to get a book on my car, I have been looking for awhile now and all I can find is books on 3.1's motors, which is no help to me, at all, and from what I was told, 3100 and 3.1 motors are not the same.
Thanks for your time  

Answer
Annie,
  Specifically what are you looking for?? (Besides a manual.) I have looked in Clevite Engine parts catalog, Wix filter catalog and even the AC Delco site and see no difference in the 3.1 or a 3100 or 189 CID for your car. Your VIN Code should be an "M" (the 8th digit in the VIN located on the dash as you look through the driver's side of the windshield). NOW, there are SOME G.M. engines, that, while displace the same, CC or CID, ARE different. Usually it is the 3.8 or 3800 Buick engine that GM uses in their vehicles.
  I feel VERY confident that if you find a repair manual on a 3.1 engine, it will satisfy your needs as long it is for a 1996. Who told you there was a difference between a 3.1 and a 3100?? I think they may be thinking of another GM engine... I hope this helps..
Skip