I know that this has probably been covered already and I'm pretty sure that it doesn't really matter which one I use as long as I use the appropriate dipstick. My question is simply which is prefered by those who have made the 3.4L swap? I did notice that using the 2.8 oil pan and dipstick combo there is a lot of slop around the block entry for the dipstick. Not sure how to remedy this since on the 2.8 there is an O-ring on the ds tube and on the 3.4 the tube is flared at the mating point. I am almost convinced on using the 3.4 set up however, there have been issues with the pan itself with regard to motor mounts. Is that applicable with aftermarket poly mounts? I appreciate any inputs.
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Peace!!

B2
86GT Project

[This message has been edited by BAM-BAM (edited 09-29-2010).]

It's reported that the 3.4 pan has some issue and won't work. I'm sure others will give you the details.

I think the 3.4 pan will interfere with the 88 U mount. I have the 2.8 pan on my 88 3.4 swap and it works fine.

It's recommended for 87-88s, optional on 85-86s. http://fiero34swap.eleventenths.org/#oilpan

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- Electron Blue '88 GT ZZ430 RPFI V8 5-speed (430hp) {Construction Zone}
- Silver '88 GT 5-speed w/cammed 3.4 (160hp)
- LS1 6-speed C5 Corvette Roadster (475hp) - LT4 6-speed C4 Corvette Roadster (350hp)
- '92 Grand Prix GTP 3.4 DOHC 284 5-speed (215hp) - '08 Baja Reaction 150 CVT (10hp)
Keeper of the 3.4 swap pages {OHV} {DOHC}

Is this for the '86GT in your sig?

Ok, here's the skinny from a person who has made all these mistakes so do as I say, not as I did.

Use the '86 timing cover and oil pan together, they are a set. The '85-'86 timing cover will NOT fit the 3.4L oil pan. Yes I have tried it to my detriment of dumping oil on my garage floor. Do NOT use the 3.4L timing cover. It's made for a reverse flow water pump, not the Fiero version. (Overheating, yes I found out)

The '87-'88 timing cover CAN be used with the 3.4L pan, however, the question is WHY? The 3.4L pan has an oil level sensor stuck into the pan which is simply a leak waiting to happen. Just keep your life simple and use the Fiero timing cover, oil pan, water pump, and HB off the original 2.8L. Swap over the dip stick and you are done.

Forgot to mention: The 3.4L dipstick is hard to get to when installed in the Fiero. (I did this too)

[This message has been edited by Hudini (edited 09-29-2010).]

Yup, same car that is in my signature. I have arranged an 88 timing cover and pan from another member here on the forum. that should do the trick....right? I appreciate al of the feedback.

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Peace!!

B2
86GT Project

The 85-86 pan slopes down at the pulley end where the 87-88 and 3.4 are flat. Changing out the timing cover to the 87-88 cover will allow use of the 3.4 pan on your car so you won't have to notch the baffle of the 85-86 pan. My 87 with the 3.4 is using the 3.4 pan without issues, as were two previous 86's. Only on the 88 is there a little interference of the pan and motor mount. Some have given the pan a few love taps with a hammer to resolve the issue.

You can use the 2.8 dipstick and tube. Just be aware that it will register a higher level when it's full. If you fill it only to the indicated full mark, you won't have enough oil in the engine.

I forget who, but one of the Fiero vendors offers a spacer that slides up onto the Fiero dipstick, causing the dipstick to indicate correctly. Or you can do what I did. I put in 5 quarts of oil, and when it was cold, I checked the level and scribed a corresponding mark on the backside of the dipstick to indicate my new corrected oil level.

Ok, I am confused now. So I can use my 3.4 oil pan with the correct timing cover and there will be no issues with my 86GT motor mounts? Here is what I have. 1ea 3.4L oil pan, 1ea 2.8L oilpan (86) and timing cover and on it's way I have 1ea 88 2.8L oil pan and timing cover. So I guess I didn't need to buy the 88 oil pan? I am going

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Peace!!

B2
86GT Project

You can use the '88 2.8L pan or the 3.4L pan with the '88 timing cover. I notched the front L bracket on the motor mount to clear the 3.4L pan on my '86 (before I changed it back to original pan). fierofool says he did not have to notch his bracket at all. The link above has the poster putting a small dent in the 3.4L pan instead of cutting the bracket. Your choice.

I did forget that I cut the baffle a bit on my '86 pan. This is because the pickup tube is shaped different on the 3.4L oil pump. You can always use the 2.8L pickup tube. Tack welding the tube at the proper height is always a good idea.

quote Originally posted by Hudini: I did forget that I cut the baffle a bit on my '86 pan. This is because the pickup tube is shaped different on the 3.4L oil pump. You can always use the 2.8L pickup tube. Tack welding the tube at the proper height is always a good idea.

Just so you know, the 2.8 pickup tube will not work with the 3.4 oilpump (which is better anyway), the diameter of the tube is smaller by about 1/8"

Lol, I probably made that mistake too! Ha

Yes, the 3.4L pump goes with the 3.4L pickup tube and the 2.8L pump goes with the 2.8L pickup tube. You can swap the pumps around though so be careful which one you use.

[This message has been edited by Hudini (edited 09-30-2010).]

Ok, I'm puting it all back together and Ihave a concern regarding the 3.4L oil pump. The pick up tube on the 3.4 is shorter, however, I believe that is the same depth. Is there any issues that I need to be aware of before I button up the oil pan? I don't believe that shorter pick up tube is going to be an issue but I may be wrong. TIA

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Peace!!

B2
86GT 3.4LProject