i want to do a cheaper engine upgrade from my 2.8 (87 GT, 5spd) and was wondering, is the 3.4 a good upgrade to do? how hard is it to do? does anyone have pics of them installed? what performance stuff can you get for them, without pulling it all apart (like manifolds, stuff like that, i dont want to like, bore it out - that kind of stuff)
any help?? thanx in advance!!!
Jason

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We all have dreams, but not everyone gets them...

Ed Parks has a web page (Fiero Factory) detailing what this swap requires. Hardest part is the starter bolt holes. I'd have a GOOD machine shop tackle this part. The rest is fairly straight forward. Use the 3.4 injectors on your Fiero intake setup.
I wouldn't plan too much changing on the intake. Perhaps some headers would help. Too much modification throws the ECM off.

I couldn't recommend it higher! I had an 87 with a 3.4 in it. Lots of torque and HP. Very easy swap. Easiet thing to do is have a machince shop drill the bolt holes for the starter cause it's on the opposite side of the 2.8. Everything else bolts right up.

Phil

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GTDude
25 years GM experience

The 3.4L swaps are easy to do. I am in the process of getting everything together right now. I am going to do the swap over the winter. As for performance parts, There are a good variety of parts to be found. Roller rockers, about 25 different cams, and most performance items for a 2.8 work on the 3.4 like headers and such. You can also buy a 3.4 from Ed Parks or Bob Steiger with the holes already drilled. I am picking up my engine on the 22 of June from Bob Steiger with the starter holes drilled and the block notched (needs the notch for an auto trans). I am also adding a custom cam and other items. Total cost should be under $2000. That is including items other than the engine like having the trans reworked, heads reworked, all new mounts and bushings, new radiator and hoses, seperate trans cooler and oil cool, etc. My engine on the desktop dyno's should put out 210hp. I would guess the actual engine would be close to that. Somewhere between 200 and 210. Once built and installed I am going to have it dyno'd so I have exact numbers and I am going to take pic's of the entire swap so I can put them on a CD for others to use as a reference. (CD should be available next spring)

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Happiness isn't around the corner...
Happiness IS the corner.

I have had good luck with my 3.4L swap. I also decided to add a turbocharger. This helped peerformance greatly but presents a bigger challenge for tuning.
The way I see it the main difficulties with the 3.4L swap are caused by the main advantages. This swap is nearly a bolt in job and reuses all of the the original Fiero exhaust and intake system. In adding over 40 cubic inches you are making demands of systems and components that were designed to support a 2.8L. IMO the exhaust system is very inadequate and the intake system, plenum manifold and throttle body size are marginal for maximizing the power potential of the 3.4L. Of course you could just bolt in a 3.4L and have a bit more power but remove the restrictions and you'll really feel the horsepower difference. Go one step further and add a turbo and you'll have "neck snapping" acceleration. My Fiero is certainly not the fastest one around but a consistant 0-60 in the low 5's makes me happy. My total investment for my engine and modified race automatic tranny was around $4500.

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87GT 3.4 Turbo Best 0-60 5.2 seconds
http://turbofiero.fierojoe.com/turbo.htm

I think the 3.4 swap is the easiest non stock (2.8 or 3.1) swap anyone can do. But be careful on the cost. If you start adding a lot of go-fast parts and mods you will end up spending too much for not that much performance increase compared to a SBC or 4.9. I spent near $4K in mine. With that money I could have installed a nice SBC. But at that time I was scare of getting into a complicated swap so I decided to do a nice, reliable and easy 3.4. Just plug and play. Now I would better do a 4.9 or SBC with anything costing $1700 or more. After driving a 4.9 I'm not impressed with the 3.4. Just my experience

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Alex4mulas :-)
N2O! 3.4!

Does this motor come in only the 1993-199? Camaro/Firebird?

Is there much of a difference with this motor and the 3.4 DOHC? (swap-wise)

Nitrous.

Biggest bang for your buck. Although may end up with big bang for your buck, but then your motor swap question is solved (you will do one). You will also have a better idea what motor you really want by then.

Engine swaps end up in the thousands of dollars quick.