questions on 2.8 to 3.4 conversion (Page 2/3)
eti engineer DEC 16, 08:19 PM
OK, I went back on my paperwork. It is a 1999, 3.4 liter Chevrolet engine. So where does that put me now? Don't worry about it looking like a Fiero engine. All I want to know is if I can use it? I don't see why I can't.. Anyone agree? Disagree?
Gall757 DEC 16, 09:35 PM
It is most likely a LA1 engine according to this website:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...s_60%C2%B0_V6_engine

The LA1 or 3400 ("E-code") was a larger-bore version of the L82. It was first used on the 1996 U-platform minivans.[citation needed] It displaces 3,350 cc (3.4 L; 204.4 cu in) and has 92 mm × 84 mm (3.62 in × 3.31 in) bore and stroke with a 9.5:1 compression ratio.[9] Emissions are controlled via a catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation; however, the Pontiac Aztek and Buick Rendezvous do not use the latter.[9] Fuel shut-off is at 6000 rpm. Starting around 2000, most vehicles are equipped with GM's Engine Oil Life Monitor.[9] This engine was assembled at both Tonawanda engine and the Mexican Ramos Arizpe engine plant.[9]

The Fiero ECM will not run this engine, so there will be a lot more work to make it go. The Camaro/Firebird block that is recommended is the L32.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 12-16-2020).]

fierofool DEC 16, 09:51 PM
See if you can identify your engine by using the listing in our newsletter.

http://gafieroclub.org/pics...sletters/May2020.pdf
Gall757 DEC 16, 10:29 PM
Is that a 90 degree V6?
Blacktree DEC 17, 01:10 AM
It's a 60-degree V6. So the listings in the newsletter won't be helpful.

If the info from the seller is correct, then it's a 3400 V6. If you asked for an F-Body 3.4 and they gave you that instead, then they gave you the wrong engine. I'd ask them to exchange it for the correct one.

Trying to use it in a Fiero will have some challenges. For example, it doesn't use a distributer. And I don't think you can retrofit one, because it'll interfere with the intake manifold. So you'll probably need a different ECM and the electronic ignition system. Also the intake manifold will have "3400" engraved on the top. That'll be a red flag to a vehicle inspector.

The other alternative would be to swap the Fiero heads and intake on it. But then the compression would be really low, because the pistons are dished. To do it right, you would need a set of F-Body 3.4 pistons.

I think wrangling with the seller will be less hassle than trying to make this engine work in your car, and pass inspection.
eti engineer DEC 17, 06:49 AM

quote
Originally posted by Blacktree:

It's a 60-degree V6. So the listings in the newsletter won't be helpful.

If the info from the seller is correct, then it's a 3400 V6. If you asked for an F-Body 3.4 and they gave you that instead, then they gave you the wrong engine. I'd ask them to exchange it for the correct one.

Trying to use it in a Fiero will have some challenges. For example, it doesn't use a distributer. And I don't think you can retrofit one, because it'll interfere with the intake manifold. So you'll probably need a different ECM and the electronic ignition system. Also the intake manifold will have "3400" engraved on the top. That'll be a red flag to a vehicle inspector.

The other alternative would be to swap the Fiero heads and intake on it. But then the compression would be really low, because the pistons are dished. To do it right, you would need a set of F-Body 3.4 pistons.

I think wrangling with the seller will be less hassle than trying to make this engine work in your car, and pass inspection.



I agree with you. I will see if they will take it back and if not, I will try to sell it. It's no big deal. It just delays what I was trying to do. I guess this is a lesson learned for me. Just out of curiosity, was the F-body an earlier version of this engine? I should be looking at 93-95 Camaro engine, then, right? I once put a 280Z engine in a BMW 530i and I think that interfacing the computers and other modifications were easier than trying to make this setup work. I am glad for the knowledge base in here. Thanks to you all. I should have done some more research before I did this, probably. Oh well. Live and learn.

[This message has been edited by eti engineer (edited 12-17-2020).]

Raydar DEC 18, 08:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by eti engineer:
...
Just out of curiosity, was the F-body an earlier version of this engine? I should be looking at 93-95 Camaro engine, then, right?




The Camaro version was not earlier. It was just different, due to the iron heads, and the associated architecture. (GM started with the aluminum head V6 in 90 or 91. The Camaro just didn't come with it.)
But yeah... Exactly what you need is the 93-95 Camaro/Firebird 3.4. Any other 3.4 will not work with your Fiero intake stuff and distributor. No way to make it look "original", for the California smog wardens.
Blacktree DEC 19, 03:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by eti engineer: I should be looking at 93-95 Camaro engine, then, right?


Yes. The F-body 3.4 has the same cylinder heads as the Fiero V6. Literally, the same heads. So you can drop the Fiero intake on it, plug-n-play.
Dennis LaGrua DEC 26, 08:29 AM

quote
Originally posted by Gall757:

The Fiero ECM will not run this engine, so there will be a lot more work to make it go. The Camaro/Firebird block that is recommended is the L32.




The L32 engine is the 3800SC series III engine.
Gall757 DEC 26, 09:29 AM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:


The L32 engine is the 3800SC series III engine.



While what you say is true, it seems that General Motors had another brain freeze and used the same number for 2 different engines.

L32
The power rating of the 3.4 L (3,350 cc) L32 ("S-code") used in the Camaro and Firebird was 160 hp (119 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) torque at 3600 rpm. The F-body cars used the Generation I architecture, with iron heads, and without splayed valves.


This quote is from a Wiki page.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wi...s_60%C2%B0_V6_engine

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 12-26-2020).]