I was wondering how difficult it would be to put a 3400 series motor from a 2000 grand am in a fiero. I can get the motor with only 13k for cheap. I am looking at an 86.5 GT with a tired 2.8. I was also wondering which trans would bolt up. The car currently has a manual trans.

Thanks

Not sure about the newer 3400s, but here's a one link I found to info on the 3.4 Camaro/Firebird motor swap:
http://web2.crazydave.org:81/fiero34project/

The transmission will bolt up.
However, the 3400's alternator location interferes with a strengthening rib on the underside of the decklid. The solution is to use the Fiero timing cover, waterpump, and accessory drive, but that also requires some fabrication to get the Fiero brackets to mate to the Gen III heads on the 3400.
The Fiero engine mount bracket will bolt up to the 3400 block.
Also the 3400 has never been offered with a manual transmission, so you'll have some electronic issues to deal with. There are other people on this forum with more knowledge on that than I.

Like this?
Don't mind the mess in this pic

My motor is out of the Venture Van...I went a bit overboard on my swap. TecII engine control, etc. Its FAST I had to make a scoop/vent in the lid, because of the high mount alternator(not sure if this would be necessary on a GT. It bolts up fine, but you have to put a "dogbone" torque strut somewhere. Like will said, a new front mount is necessary. Do a search in Gen chat for 3400. I have a whole mess of pics there somewhere.

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[This message has been edited by Joe Torma (edited 03-30-2002).]

quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: Like this? Don't mind the mess in this pic My motor is out of the Venture Van...I went a bit overboard on my swap. TecII engine control, etc. Its FAST I had to make a scoop/vent in the lid, because of the high mount alternator(not sure if this would be necessary on a GT. It bolts up fine, but you have to put a "dogbone" torque strut somewhere. Like will said, a new front mount is necessary. Do a search in Gen chat for 3400. I have a whole mess of pics there somewhere.

Good job!
I've seen a 3800 swap with a similarly high mounted alternator. The decklid had been notched, and consequently when closed had a very unsightly bulge where it bowed upward from the force of the torsion springs. I advise against cutting the decklid.

AFAIK, with the Fiero timing cover, etc. on the 3100/3400, the the stock Fiero engine mount bracket can be used. I've seen the Gen II engines, and it looks as though the stock Fiero engine mount bracket could be used with the Gen II front cover. I don't know what front cover changes were made from Gen II to Gen III, so I don't know if the Fiero bracket will work with stock Gen III engines, but I would expect it to.

Yeah, I notched my lid, and took out the torsion springs.

I suppose you could convert the front stuff...but with the 3400s nice clean look and the 20 minute water pump change, lack of squeeling belt, which takes all of 10 seconds to change...why! Just duplicate my front mount and you're all good

quote Originally posted by Will: AFAIK, with the Fiero timing cover, etc. on the 3100/3400, the the stock Fiero engine mount bracket can be used.

This is correct. You will need the cast oil pan of the 3400 and an 88 timing cover, but the stock front mount will bolt up. Note: you will need to plug a hole in the timing cover where the water pump goes or you will have a substatial coolant leak.

[Edit] Wanted to add some pics.

It took me all day to go from this:

To this:

In case anyone cares, this is a 3400 from a 97 Olds Silhoutte using the stock Sihoutte computer (thanks Joe!) and all Fiero accessories.

[This message has been edited by Steve Normington (edited 03-31-2002).]

quote Originally posted by Joe Torma: Yeah, I notched my lid, and took out the torsion springs. I suppose you could convert the front stuff...but with the 3400s nice clean look and the 20 minute water pump change, lack of squeeling belt, which takes all of 10 seconds to change...why! Just duplicate my front mount and you're all good

Do you have a better pictures of your front mount? I can't see enough to duplicate it.

quote Originally posted by Will: Exactly what parts did you use from what? I was thinking of using the Fiero timing cover with the Fiero waterpump, Fiero A/C compressor and alternator mounts. In that case there wouldn't be a hole where the waterpump goes beause the waterpump's in place... Unless there's a significant change to the block of which I am not aware... I guess you're using an automatic? Also, is that intake stock? Did both of you grind the "3400 SFI" off your manifolds and powdercoat them black?

I used the timing cover and water pump from an 88 Fiero 2.8. The AC and alternator are from my 85 SE 2.8. I have a spreadsheet that details exactly what parts are used for the entire engine setup. There is a change in the block that requires plugging of the hole in the timing cover. Note, the bracket mounts for the AC and alternator on the side of the head are different on my engine from the 2.8. Someone on this forum has Gen III aluminum heads that have the same bolt pattern as the iron ones, but I don't remember who.

I am using the Muncie 4-speed (requires some computer fooling). The manifold you see is the stock one without any grinding. I guess the vans don't get the pretty one.

quote Originally posted by Will: I guess you're using an automatic? Also, is that intake stock? Did both of you grind the "3400 SFI" off your manifolds and powdercoat them black?

Dunno what Steve's got...I have a 4 speed.
The Van intake does not have the 3400 on ot(it came with a plastic cover that said 3400).