Chevy Vans
The Chevy Lumina APV is not the same as the Chevy Lumina but the two share some basic parts. The Lumina APV is a 3 door van and it came out between1989 to 1996. It was geeky-looking but the body gave lots of room to the occupants. It shared a chassis with the Oldsmobile Silhouette and the Pontiac Trans Sport. It had the same drivetrain as well.
Engine
The Lumina had three engines. There was a 3.1 litre V6, a 3.4 litre V6 and a 3.8 litre V6. These engines lasted for the life of the vehicle and the buyer could choose either a 3 speed automatic or a 4 speed automatic. The 3.1 litre engine is severely underpowered and only had 120 horsepower. This was not enough to get the van around especially if full of kids and all their stuff. The engine somehow managed to sell even in 1996. The better choice was the 3.8 litre engine that had 170 horsepower and 172 pounds per foot of torque. The van could get things done now and the engine went into the Silhouette and Trans Sport chassis as well. The engine was from a series of engines produced by GM. It was affordable and had the power.
In the last model and in 1995, Chevrolet stopped using the 3.8 litre engine and began using a smaller more economical and better tuned engine. This was the 3.4 and even though it missed 400cc of displacement, it brought the total horsepower up to 180. The engine was also very smooth and it added more comfort to the van. The 3.4 was also spread across other models. It made 205 pounds per foot of torque as well. The added torque was good for pulling trailers and driving up steep inclines. The engine also had GM’s workaholic 4 speed transmission. The transmission was great for pulling and had a high range 4th speed to give the van better fuel economy when traveling on the highway or driving at cruising speed. The 3.4 litre engine in the Lumina met the initial standards for emissions and was eco-friendly at the time.
Conclusion
Getting one of these engines used is a good idea to get your van in good shape. However the 3.1 litre engine will not give you the power you need especially in recent times and driving conditions. The 3.8 is the best compromise between power, efficiency and price. The 3.4 is a bit more expensive and harder to source but if found it will make your van feel new again.
Buy a quality used Lumina APV engine at SW Engines at an affordable price with nationwide shipping.