88 Coupe gets a 3.4 (Page 2/57)
josef644 MAR 28, 08:59 PM
I went to the machine shop to get my block and crankshaft. They both looked new. I do not know how they clean these parts, but they did a great job. Once home I used the Rodney Dickman 3.4 starter jig to drill the two new holes on the opposite side of the block. His jig works great, and I highly recommend using one of these to get it right the first time around. The jig comes with two drill bits. A 8.5mm and a 10.1mm I broke the smaller one as the bit came threw the lower part of the boss cast into the block. I wasn't able to get it up fast enough , hence the bit got bent and broke as the motor was still turning. My fault, not RD's parts fault. I couldn't find a 8.5mm bit around here and purchased a 21/64" bit that is about the thickness of a piece of printing paper smaller. I used it for the second hole, and all is well. New funds spent are posted and updated in the first post.

I am gonna lube and bag the crankshaft until such time as I am ready to put it into the block:


Block sprayed down and bagged while waiting for the rest of my needed parts:


Mains, and rod bearings, and new head bolt set are on the way. Timing gasket set, timing set, and head gaskets, also on the way.

I have new valve stem seals here now ready for installation.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 03-28-2011).]

Rick 88 MAR 28, 09:30 PM
Nice work! You will be very happy with the 3.4. I really like how mine moves my car.
josef644 MAR 28, 10:18 PM

quote
Originally posted by Rick 88:

Nice work! You will be very happy with the 3.4. I really like how mine moves my car.



I was reading where Pat was very pleased with the way yours went. This was part of the reason I decided on installing a 3.4

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 03-29-2011).]

josef644 MAR 29, 07:37 PM
Got my timing cover gaskets, rod bearings and rear main seal in the mail today. More parts arriving tomorrow.
Rick 88 MAR 29, 09:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by josef644:


I was reading where Pat was very pleased with the way yours went. This was part of the reason I decided on installing a 3.4




For me, it has more than enough power to be entertaining, yet it gets decent mileage. Mine is a 5-speed and it impresses a lot of people who ride in it. Plus, it looks bone stock and I really like the look of the Fiero V6 engine.

The only engine I would replace this one with would be the new Camaro 3.6 DI V6 with 312 hp and a 6800 rpm redline. Since no one makes a kit or harness, I won't be doing that for quite some time.
josef644 MAR 31, 04:37 PM
I got my head FelPro gaskets in the mail today. I was sent the incorrect timing set from an E bay seller. 3.4 is supposed to have 3 mounting bolt holes to hold it to the camshaft. This set has none
josef644 APR 01, 02:23 PM
88 Fiero V6 flax plate purchased. Added to the parts pile. One set of Standard Clevite 77 Main bearings,new oil pump, brass expansion plugs and a set of Standard Perfect Circle piston rings ordered. These parts will allow me to assemble the short block. I can get rid of some of these boxes starting to pile up in the spare bedroom.
-Joe

Replacement Timing set on the way.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 04-01-2011).]

josef644 APR 03, 01:32 PM
I removed all of the old rings this morning and cleaned the pistons grooves, skirts and rods for new installation parts. I put them each into a one gallon zip lock bag after cleaning to keep them clean . I will work on the oil pan and oil pump in the morning. I am gonna reuse my oil pick up tube in my new oil pump. The bottom of my oil pan is pushed in a bit.
josef644 APR 04, 06:21 PM
Cleaned the oil pan up and removed the pick up tube from the old oil pump. I got a new 3.4 dip stick in the mail. Also arriving were 10 brass freeze plugs and a ECM tray for a V6 ECM.
josef644 APR 05, 01:22 PM
Today I went and picked up my Perfect Circle Rings, Clevite 77 Main Bearings, and a new Melling oil pump. Total monies added to first post.

I picked up two cans of GM Corporate Blue rattle can paint. I was planning on using Pontiac Blue, but could only find one can in three parts stores. I do not like to use black on engines as it makes finding oil leaks very difficult. A blue and silver engine, in a white car.

Just waiting on my new timing set to put it all together

Ordered new intake gasket set from RockAuto

Forgot to order me an Oil Pan Gasket. O'Rilley's Auto Parts had one local. It is now in the pile of growing engine parts.

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 04-05-2011).]