well the title says it all...is anyone in the middle of doing one of these swaps..i'm contemplating doing the swap myself but have never done anything to this magnitude...i actually want to get a 3.4L and completely rebuild it as well...if there is someone out there that is currently in to middle of this type of project, please let me know
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11:34 AM
PFF
System Bot
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
anyways - the 3.4 is a simply swap - in fact - its barely even a swap, being you put all Fiero stuff back on, and nothing actually changes, except the displacement.
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11:57 AM
nmw75 Member
Posts: 1676 From: Mc Falls, Maine Registered: Mar 2007
well the title says it all...is anyone in the middle of doing one of these swaps..i'm contemplating doing the swap myself but have never done anything to this magnitude
If you feel that you are capable of successfully removing the 2.8 and putting it back in, then this swap is for you! You basically bolt all the Fiero engine parts onto the 3.4 - relocate the starter, get a new flywheel (no problem) - then put it back in. There are a few small details to take care of along the way, but definatly nothing too much to worry about!
Feel free to pm me if you decide to start the swap or if you want more info, as I work on my cars for fun and I have done the 3.4 OHV swap atleast six times.
Chris
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04:31 PM
labbe001 Member
Posts: 814 From: Alabaster, AL Registered: Jun 2008
i guess my biggest worry is not getting the 2.8 out and the 3.4 in..i've removed removed and installed 2.8L's before...my main concern is rebuilding the 3.4L...i've never rebuilt an engine before and i'm worried in tearing it down, i might end up doing something that cannot be fixed...like removing something i didn't need to remove or not numbering something and getting it out of order...things like that...any tips on some typical mistakes not to make tearing into an engine and the rebuilding it...thanks
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04:38 PM
Pyrthian Member
Posts: 29569 From: Detroit, MI Registered: Jul 2002
my 2 mistakes were: 1> the timing chain. when you install it, you do it with both the pointers pointing at each other. this is not TDC #1 - it is TDC #4. TDC #1 is with both marks pointing upwards. This makes a difference when you go to put the distributer in. 2> do NOT lash the valves until you have the intake manifold gasket in place. the push rods go thru the gasket, and you should not cut the gasket.
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04:51 PM
labbe001 Member
Posts: 814 From: Alabaster, AL Registered: Jun 2008
could you give me a quick description on what you mean by lashing the valves?
If you have a "Haynes" or "Chilton" repair manual, they both have a very good explanation of the procedure. Just read it and follow what it says - its not hard.
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08:24 PM
PFF
System Bot
MonteC Member
Posts: 502 From: Summerville, SC, USA Registered: Jun 2007
In my opinion its a good swap. Its not going to give you the power of a 3800 or v8 or 4.9, but its nicer then the old 2.8, it is a super easy swap, and its reliable as hell. I did one about 6 or 7 years ago and it still runs without issue. Very simple to swap it in, just need to drill a few things on the block, and it looks stock.
the 3.4 is a good "upgrade" for the fiero it opens up a lot of options for you. One of the biggest options is that if you want to, you can upgrade to the better 7730ECM and DIS on the engine to get a much improved engine control and better drive-ability and reliability. some claim even a jump in fuel economy.
How to rebuild your GM 60 degree V6. It tells you all about the upgrades you need to make to the engine (Hint: Start with a 1995 motor and most are already done) to fix all the flaws that cause failures. It actually has went way down in price. I paid $125.00 for my near mint used copy 3 years ago. But it is the absolute best book on the 3.4 pushrod and the 2.8. The chiltons and haynes manuals are jokes compared to it just based on the detail it gives you.
But, if you can find a camaro owned by grandpa that was rearended, you can skip the rebuild. Problems is that most camaros that had the 3.4 pushrod were ragged to death by the kids that owned them trying to drive them like they had a LT1 in them.
If you have an automatic, you have to grind away on a support to make the tranny fit, It's documented here but barely. Basically you need to test fit and then grind where it touches, not much needs to be removed.
3.4L pushrod is a great upgrade to make the car feel like it should have when it left the factory. It's a slight kick in the pants with the added low end torque, but enough to make you smile wider than when you had the 2.8.
[This message has been edited by timgray (edited 08-08-2009).]
The link to my swap(s) have allready been posted. (link in sig) It has pics on everything from the swap, full rebuild and all. I have done over 20 of them now.
The link to my swap(s) have allready been posted. (link in sig) It has pics on everything from the swap, full rebuild and all. I have done over 20 of them now.
Go with Sard. Good stuff there! Helped me a lot. MIne felt great!
