Okay Fiero family, help a brother out. There are several possibilities. I am mostly focused on max streetable power can reliably get out of each. Important info includes differences between block design. Different generation aluminum heads and iron heads. Performance parts available for each. EFI type (PMI, bank fire, SFI). PCM/ECM upgrades necessary for each. Mix matching parts from between each.(ie Fiero topend on 3.4 RWD or GM crate block, 3400 block with Fiero top end, 3400 complete, 3400 with 3500 heads - still in the beta bug stage.) Benefit of the Camaro 93-95 block is DIS (ECM ?) and can use 7730 ECM upgrade (relatively easy)
I would be willing to set up a web page that would keep this information easily to find. I think that this is the easiest upgrade to do for the Fiero. I could be wrong. But I am looking for best bang for the buck on that a weekend mechanic can do in his/her garage. From what I understand the 3800 is a not for the faint of heart or wallet. Plus I do not know what the extent of the performance or race parts are available for OEM source engine.
Chevy 4.3 is for another thread.

3.4L RWD from the camaro is alot the same as the Fiero 2.8 they have the same heads and most all of the same mounting points. But a stronger block and better oiling. You do not need to change any wireing for the 3.4RWD as it uses the 2.8 distributor and the same 2.8 ECM, just about as easy a swap as replacing a 2.8 with a 2.8. As for the 3400 The swap would take ALOT more work.

I have the 3.4RWD swap info here with pics.
3.4L pushrod Swap (lots of pics)

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"DRIVE IT LIKE A FIERO"
'84 Fiero, engine to be determined
'87Blue GT 3.4L Swap Completed!!!!!!!!
Las Vegas Fiero Club
Fiero Road Club Of Northern Nevada

ditto...been there done that....and im loving it!

I also have a 3.4 from a Camarobird.
It works quite well when a Trueleo intake is added, along with some normal hotrodding techniques. (Ported heads and intake, big cam, headers, etc.) Tuned correctly, it could probably make 200 HP in its present form. (I don't know that it is, yet.)

Having said all that... For what I have invested in the swap and buildup, I could probably have done a 3400, 3500, or even a 3800.
The 3400 with a 7730 ECM cobbled together to run it (from what I've read, it appears to be do-able and reasonable) would probably provide just as much bang for the buck.

I've got a 4.9 in my other car. It's okay for what it is, but it needs some shorter gears (I'm thinking at least 3.33s.)
It's also a PITA to tune (i.e. I can't do it myself. )
My next swap will likely be a 3800SC or a 3400.

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Raydar
88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe................................................

Read Nealz Nuze! Praise the Lowered!

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 01-13-2007).]

Thanks guys. Raydar, the 7730 and 3400 with a turbo later is exactly what I am thinking about. Just awaiting some info on if the 7749 would be better and if so are their harness connectors basically the same. The schematics look identical as far as the resolution the link http://www.cruzers.com/~ludis/1227749schematic.... shows. I am curious because the site http://www.cruzers.com/~ludis/p4xref.html#1227730 pulls up the same schematic for the 7727, 7730 and 7749. Curious huh.

the 95 3.4PR has dramatically better oiling in the lower end compared to the others 60* V6's from GM if you are after one that is the one you want. I also highly suggest dropping another $100.00 on getting your hands on a copy of How to rebuild your GM V-6 60* engine by tom currao. This is the absolute Bible on these engines 2.8,3.1,3.4 models covered.

the 3400 with aluminum heads have some known issues with how they are designed, most cars with them have had problems, iron heads works fine and do well. If you are rebuilding the engine anyways, then it does not matter what you get. The truelo is only useable on the 3.4pr the 3400 would need you to design and build your own.

What issues? I am looking for the strongest V6 for boosted power 400+. A V8 more low end torque than I think I can put down in a high hp engine.

Many 3400's with aluminum heads come from the factory with bad head gaskets at least up until 2002. Also those engines were typical to have bad intake gaskets as well. So if you were hoping to get one and plop it in a fiero without performing any work on it, avoid the 3400 with aluminum heads. If you are going to rebuild the engine or tear it apart to look it over so you know the internal condition, you would be replacing those parts anyways and it becomes a non issue.

Honestly, if you are looking at doing a 3400 swap, I suggest you spend a tiny bit more money and get a 3800, the work to install it is 100% the same plus you get a far better engine.

If you want easy, then the only choice is the 3.4PR from 1995, just move the starter and you are pretty much done after you swap in the intake and distributor from the 2.8

[This message has been edited by timgray (edited 01-14-2007).]

The 3400 is not a bad engine to start off with. The head gakets are fine on them, but the lower intake gaskets are known to go. My motor is amost at 80000km's (known to go) so I've pulled it out this winter to change it before something really bad happens. Only concren is GM had to re-design 3 times before they got it right and the intake kit up here goes for $121 CDN (upper & lower) .

Now if you want to boost the motor, that will take more work. In stock forum, 60degreeV6 forum guys say it can handle 5psi (7 most) without issue of blowing things up internally anymore and you have to do internal changes. If you want a performance cam, you have to send your's out to have a regrind done. There have been talks about one company possibly making cams for the 3x00 series motors now. If you really want to boost the motor, get a 3.1L block and stick the 3400 top end on it, this will bring your compression ratio down between 8 - 8.5:1 roughly, this will take more boost. I've been wanting to boost my motor but lack of funds right now and reaserching what others have done.

Reading the other post, you want roughly 400HP. I'll be happy with 300 myself. Even the 4T60E would need to be rebuilt to handle that kind of power. I'm also with a Grand Prix Club (wife drive an 02 GTP) and these guys that turbo thier motors break the tranny. Once the tranny doesn't break anymore, stock up on axels! I think 300HP will get me low 13's which is good enough for me, currently doing 14.2's. If you want 400, I'd recommend going with the 3800S/C, use OBDII computer so you can get your 4T60E tranny and there's HP Tuners for software programming.

Also, the motor with the red intake and valve covers are powder coated. The 3400 SFI was sanded off, then put into a sandblaster with heavey blasting beads to give that rough look again, then out for powder coating. I plan on taking the 3400SFI off my motor this year too, as for colour, not too sure yet.

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