Spent time last summer swapping my 2.5 for a 2.8. Did good for a few months. Then overheated. Coolant was was low. No sign of leak or any in oil. Let her cool off. Topped it off and drove home. Then found this time coolant did fill crank case. Redid headgaskets and found very hard to crank over. Finally got it to start but had to keep foot on gas to stay running. Then she started knocking.

How many miles were on the 2.8 you swapped in and how did it look inside the valve covers, any dark oil or sludge deposits?

quote Originally posted by Csjag: How many miles were on the 2.8 you swapped in and how did it look inside the valve covers, any dark oil or sludge deposits?

It had around 80k it was full of chocolate milkshake sludge. I should just towed it home

Ouch.

Trying to decided. 3400 or 3800 swap. Can't find a local 3.4

Depends on how much $ and work you're up for. the 3.4 Iron head swap is as cheap as you can do. The 3800SC Is Nice, I've done them both. If you're Not "up to" ALOT of work, and a few thousand dollars on parts, the 3.4 iron head is definitely ALOT Cheaper And Easier !

I just bought a 2004 Venture Van with a 3400 in it and I am surprised about how much power it has. Is that engine a direct fit into the Fiero?

You want a 94-95 3.4 like you would find in a Camaro/ Firebird. Call your local wrecking yard and see if they have any in stock.

With the 3400 can I keep distributor or do I have to change to dis?

[This message has been edited by Mr.Goodwrench (edited 03-24-2014).]

quote Originally posted by Mr.Goodwrench: With the 3400 can I keep distributor or do I have to change to dis?

DIS but the 3400 has many improvements like being aluminum and has decent aftermarked support