Just like the title saids,I've have my 2.8 out and was going to get a 3.4 but I started to think what if I rebuild the 2.8 and make it a 3.1 or 3.4, has anyone done this ? And if u did , did it work good or did u regret not getting a real 3.4 .
I've done both. First, I put a stroker kit in my old 2.8 to turn it into a 3.1. Then after that engine died, I bought a 3.4 crate engine. I wish I would have gotten the 3.4 to begin with.
I would recommend the 3.4 over the stroker conversion. But honestly, I'd recommend the 3x00 series engines over the 3.4 V6. They weigh less than the 3.4 V6 (aluminum heads weigh less than iron heads), deliver more performance, and are plentiful in the salvage yards. I'm referring to the 3100 / 3400 / 3500 SFI V6 engines used in a lot of GM FWD vehicles.
Actually, the only reason I still have the 3.4 V6 is because I got a deal on this nifty uber-rare racing intake. If it weren't for that, my Fiero would have a 3400 in it right now.
Originally posted by AL: So it would be better to go with a 3.4 to start.
Yes, and more specifically, start with either the 3.4L crate engine, or the 3.4L engine found within all `93 through `95 V6-equipped Camaros or Firebirds --- and NOT attempting (because of often-thin cylinder walls) to bore and stroke your 2.8L Fiero engine into a 3.4L engine.
As previously stated, go straight for a 3.4 engine and rebuild that to your liking. Do not waste you money, like so many including myself, on the 2.8 block.
Ok then, 3.4 it will be,I found a crate engine from sdcp for 1,865.95 brand new. Hopefully order it buy this weekend, unless u guys know where I can get one cheaper, thanks guys for your input.AL
Originally posted by AL: Ok then, 3.4 it will be,I found a crate engine from sdcp for 1,865.95 brand new. Hopefully order it buy this weekend, unless u guys know where I can get one cheaper, thanks guys for your input.AL
The $1,866 price you located seems a reasonable one to me.
Originally posted by AL: Ok then, 3.4 it will be,I found a crate engine from sdcp for 1,865.95 brand new. Hopefully order it buy this weekend, unless u guys know where I can get one cheaper, thanks guys for your input.AL
You can also buy a used 3400 motor and rebuild that into a 3.4 motor and end up with a better oil pan and cam upgrade. There is a much higher cost but I don't regret one penny.
So many options ,but I think the 3.4 sounds good to me, hopefully I can finish this build and get my baby back on the road again,thanks AL.
For your 3.4L engine swap, and as I've mentioned to several others, I suggest employing this concise write-up by fellow PFF member, crazyd, which is titled, "Fiero 3.4L F-Body Engine Conversion ( http://fiero34swap.eleventenths.org ). The current version of this article indexes its subject matter into 22 well-labeled sections:
Getting Started
3.4 Engine Choices
Gaskets
Mounting the 3.4 Engine On Its Stand
Oil Filter Adapter
Mounting the Flywheel/Flexplate
Relocating the Starter: Drilling the Holes
Tapping the Starter Holes and Mounting the Starter Holes and Mounting the Starter
Exhaust Manifolds
Bellhousing
Block Chop
Oil Pan
Timing Cover
Cleaning Gasket Surfaces
Water Pump
Harmonic Balancer
Accessory Transfer
Oil Pressure Sender and A/C Compressor
Clutch
Mounts
Installing the Engine Back On the Cradle
Setting the Ignition Timing
Even in its updated, slightly expanded version, that 3.4L engine swap write-up still amounts to only around 10 pages of hard copy, as opposed to the hundreds you may see elsewhere. However, I think you'll find that reading those 10 pages and keeping them handy with you will represent a very time-efficient way to answer many or all of the key questions you may have regarding the installation of a 3.4L engine swap into your Fiero.
As I've mentioned to other forum members before, I relied on an earlier version of that write-up for my own 3.4L engine swap, successfully completed in around three days, on New Year's Eve, 2006, just before I joined this forum.
Good luck to you on your 3.4L engine swap project!
Most of the same stuff applies to a 3400 block except:
You'll have to switch pistons or your compression ratio will be 7.3:1 ... not a problem if you are rebuilding the used motor like I always do. You'll need to shave the oil pan to make the front engine mount work with a pre-88 or make a new mount for the 88 cradle. Plug a drain hole as described on page 1 or 2 of my thread. Clip the inner lip of the roller lifter guides that are bolted to the block. Dent or remove the heat shield on the lower intake. Get 5.85" pushrods. Get 17# injectors should require no ECM programming or 19# injectors if you plan to add mods later.
I went to the added trouble of rocker arm stud adapters and used 1.6 full aluminum roller rockers.
The benefits of a 3400 block over a 3.4 block is you get a better oil pan and a windage tray so you won't lose oil pressure on sharp left turns. Higher flow oil pump stock. Free [roller] cam upgrade as the stock 3400 cam is superior to the H260 that is quite popular among 3.4 swappers... AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRILL STARTER HOLES SINCE THEY ARE ALREADY THERE ON THE 3400 BLOCK!
You can re-use your distributor or add the DIS that came with the 3400 with some minor reprogramming of the stock Fiero ECM.
You need to do the DAWG intake neck mod in order to let this cam breathe past 4200 rpm properly. Most 3.4 swaps with inferior cams to the stock 3400 cam don't peak past 4500 rpm as it is without that mod.
[This message has been edited by lou_dias (edited 09-25-2013).]
If I didn't live in Cali I would go more in hp,but what's the point in building a great motor and then u have to fight the government so they can let u drive it,u guys r very helpful thanks again,AL.