I am pulling the cradle/engine assembly on my 2.8 '88GT because the cradle needs to be repaired or replaced. I am tempted to install a more powerful engine, but time and money precludes an Archie kit, 4.9 Caddy, or a 3800Sc at this time. However, I have read on the Forum that a 3.4 conversion is the easiest, cheapest and most straightforward swap of them all. (Also the least power gain, alas...) I know there are threads about this, but my skill with the Search function is not so good. So, could some of you please point me to the right thread(s), or answer these questions:
(1) Confirm that the 3.4 (pushrod, 170BHP) will bolt up to my 5-speed Getrag
(2) I understand that the starter has to be relocated to the other side, right?
(3) Will the exhaust manifold and muffler system from the 2.8 fit the 3.4?
(4) Most 3.4 engines will come from automatic transmission vehicles. Can I install the flywheel and clutch from the 2.8 onto the 3.4 crankshaft?
(5) What about the wiring harness?
(6) Your comments on what else is involved would be appreciated.
Thanks,
...Rickker

I have installed a 3.4 in my 86 with both an 86 and then an 88 cradle. From research I did before I think I can answer some of your questions.

(1) Confirm that the 3.4 (pushrod, 170BHP) will bolt up to my 5-speed Getrag
>>Yes engine is externally almost exactly the same as 2.8

(2) I understand that the starter has to be relocated to the other side, right?
>>Yes, Ed parks did this on the engine I bought from him.

(3) Will the exhaust manifold and muffler system from the 2.8 fit the 3.4?
>> Yes. all exausht form the 2.8 is reused

(4) Most 3.4 engines will come from automatic transmission vehicles. Can I install the flywheel and clutch from the 2.8 onto the 3.4 crankshaft?
>>The 3.4 is internally balanced just like the 2.8 I think you can reuse the 88 flywheel and clutch. the flywheel from a 3.4 TDC engine will also work.

(5) What about the wiring harness?
>> reuse the 2.8 wiring completly. no changes are required.

(6) Your comments on what else is involved would be appreciated.
>> I think you will need a small bracket to fit the AC compressor, but I think Ed Parks will supply that if you buy the engine from him.

Hope this helps. You can see pics of mine at http://www.mindspring.com/~martinwhite/fiero

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Martin D. White
86.5 GT 3.4 pushrod on 88 cradle (2.5" coilovers), gt-40 style hood vent, recessed lights, GA brakes on held drop spindles

The 3.4 is a direct bolt up to our trannies. It does require that the starter motor be moved to the other side because one of the drive axles is in the way. You can use the starter motor as a template to drill and tap new mounting holes for it. The intake manifold and exhaust will directly bolt up to it. You will need the flywheel from an 88 because the 3.4 motor is internally balanced so you need a neutrally balanced flywheel. As I understand it also you can use most of the mods from the 2.8 on the 3.4 suck as cams and heads. Hope this helps. If you want a new 3.4 with a warranty try www.paceparts.com

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Pop out the plug where the distributor needs to be and use the 2.8 distributor. The 3.4 engine you get has to be one that either has or had IRON heads. Aluminum headed engines won't do, several reasons. The iron heads on a 3.4 are exactly the same heads as the Fiero 2.8. Use the injectors from the 3.4 in the Fiero system. One bracket next to the engine, by the air compressor pump has three bolts and the 3.4 has only two threaded holes. You will only be able to attach with two bolts, obviously. However, this bracket has another piece that goes to it that needs all three bolts. Simply weld a nut to the underside of this bracket so the bolt goes into the nut instead of into the block. There may be differences in the oil pressure sending unit fitting, minor deal.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the confirmations and suggestions. Didn't know some of the 3.4s had aluminum heads. I am looking around for a suitable 3.4 now.
....Rickker

I now have steel brackets allowing the 88's to retain all the 88 A/C parts for use on the 3.4. You previously had to use the 85-87 V-6 A/C parts and weld in a bolt to the cast iron bracket. My new bracket allows you to use the 88 A/C parts.

Thanks Rodney (and the rest of you who replied to this thread), but I am now having second thoughts about putting in a 3.4. It turns out that these engines are much more expensive than I thought, here in Eastern Canada. I am getting quotes for $1000 to $1500 (Canadian) for a used 3.4 from a salvage yard. I had hoped to pick up a 3.4 for around $700 and sell my 2.8 for about $500. It turns out there is little demand for 2.8s and the 3.4s are overpriced, IMO.

So, I would rather bide my time and put this kind of money towards an Archie kit or a 3800SC.

Sorry for the wild goose chase...
...Rickker

I sent you a PM Rick.

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