I have a 2.8 85 gt with a head gasket problem and clutch slipping so engine has to come out. Here are my options so far. I can rebuild 2.8. or I have found one 3.4 at salvage yard from a 94 firebird with unknown mileage(don't like that) I have found an individual selling a 3.1 out of a 92 firebird who says it has 119,000 miles on it. Hard to install 3.1? I have read a lot about 3.4 as the easiest swap but I hate not knowing about the mileage first. 2.8 has 160000 miles on it and still runs decent losing some water, none in oil yet but it did run hot. I am not sure which direction to go. That 3.4 is the only one I could find in this area. thanks for advice.

The absolute cheapest way to go would be just replace your gaskets and throw a new clutch in. But as you know the 3.4 swap is the easiest swap out there. Since you are dropping the motor now would be a good time to replace it. With any of the engine choices you have I would personally rebuild whatever motor you choose to have some piece of mind. I got my 3.4 out of a 95 camaro that had 250k on it. It was very well maintained. I still tore it down to a bare block and had it rehoned, and rebuilt it myself. All in all I think it cost about 500 for all the machine work and that included new rings, bearings, heads rebuilt and the crank polished. It runs very strong now and has a nice torque feel to it when I punch it now. If you are low on cash and want a swap the 3.4 is the way to go. Use car-part.com or look in craigslist for a crashed camaro/firebird.

[This message has been edited by hiwil88formula (edited 08-20-2013).]

quote Originally posted by sgosser: Hard to install 3.1?

Easier than a 3.4! The 3.1 block is just a late ('88) 2.8 with a longer stroke (different crankshaft and pistons). With either the 3.4 or 3.1 you will also need a neutrally-balanced flywheel or flexplate. Your '85 2.8 was externally balanced, while the 3.4, 3.1, and '88 2.8 engines were all internally balanced.

And the starter for the FWD car is on the wrong side. Larry

Absolutely/positively use either a 3.1 or 1 3.4 . I'd put rings and bearings in either before installing them. it's cheap and you will KNOW what you have.

thanks for the advice. I will get this engine out and see what I have. I may get lucky and find a cheap engine replacement, if not I may just fix this one.