So, I read lots about swaps from 2.8 to the 3.4. The block is identical and all manifolds, etc just bolt right up? Also, is it really worth the cost? What's the horsepower of the 2.8 compared to that of the 3.4? Does the 3.4 push you into your seat?

Yes everything bolts right up from the 2.8. As far as HP diff go, the factory 3.4 is rated at 160 hp, the 2.8 is rated at 135-140 hp. Torque is the biggest improvement with the 3.4 swap. I really enjoy driving mine, and it is also the cheapest swap around. I plan on getting mine dyno'd this weekend.

Isn't the starter on the wrong side? Larry

quote Originally posted by trotterlg: Isn't the starter on the wrong side? Larry

Yes, but easily fixed with a drill and tap.

So I guess it is not "identical". Larry

quote Originally posted by trotterlg: So I guess it is not "identical". Larry

Yes, of course.... the dreaded "Almost identical"

quote Originally posted by trotterlg: So I guess it is not "identical". Larry

Technically, no two blocks are "identical," even if they are both 2.8s out of Fieros. Slight variations in how the tools interact with the castings during machining, and various tolerance ranges, result in minor differences for every engine block ever produced. If you want to be pedantic about it.

The main differences between the 2.8 Fiero block and the 3.4 Camaro block is that the starter mount holes were machined on the other side, and the bore is larger on the 3.4.

So, you listed the horsepower, but stated the torque was the biggest change. What is the torque rating for both engines? Thanks for everyone's input.

The torque for the L44 2.8 L engine in the Fiero is rated at 170 lb-ft.
The torque for the L32 3.4 L used in the Camaro and Firebird was 200 lb·ft.

When I was breaking in my 3.4, my only real observation was that the 3.4 was the engine that the Fiero should have come with, right out of the box.
That was before I pulled it back out to build it up. (First rule of hotrodding... If "more" is enough, then "too much" is just right.)

What makes it "worth the cost" is if your 2.8 has given up the ghost.
It's not really any more expensive to rebuild and swap in a 3.4 than it is to rebuild a 2.8.
And any mods that will work for a 2.8 will work even better for a 3.4.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 10-05-2013).]