questions on 2.8 to 3.4 conversion (Page 1/3)
eti engineer DEC 16, 05:53 PM
I am getting to the point now where once I get done with the holiday shutdowns I have to be involved with , I can start full time on my engine.

I have noticed there are a few things that are obviously different on the 3.4 than the 2.8, so I just need some input from you all to help me out

1 -- The heads on the 3.4 are taller, so the intake manifold from the old engine will not fit. This, plus the slots in the old intake manifold for the pushrods are in different places than the what the new one requires. So, it looks like I need to get a new manifold for the 3.4.

2 -- That being said, what about the fuel rail and injectors that sit in the "V" of the intake manifold? Is the spacing for the ports different? Do I need to order a different fuel rail?

3 -- What about the piece that goes over the top of all of this (not sure about the name, in this case) that has "FIERO" carved into the metal (the first thing you see when you open the hood)?

4 -- I am sure I will need valve covers too, since the heads are larger.

5 -- The exhaust manifolds look like they will work on the engine, if I slot the holes . Has anyone had to do this before?

This is it for now, but if there are any other pitfalls I need to know about, please let me know so I can be prepared to work around them.

Thanks...
Dennis LaGrua DEC 16, 06:09 PM
What 3.4L engine are you using. If its from the 93-95 Camaro/Firebird it is nearly an exact fit. If its the GM 3400 or 3.4TDC engine then its a different story.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

eti engineer DEC 16, 06:23 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

What 3.4L engine are you using. If its from the 93-95 Camaro/Firebird it is nearly an exact fit. If its the GM 3400 or 3.4TDC engine then its a different story.




It must be a later engine. It wasn't supposed to be, as I had requested it be from a 95 Camaro and have the "E" in the VIN number. I guess the question now is how to make this work. My only other option is to sell this one and rebuild the old 2.8, but I don't really want to go there.
eti engineer DEC 16, 06:26 PM
[img]http://images.fieroforum.com/userimages/eti%2520engineer/12-16-20%20LOOKING%20AT%20THE%20FRONT%20OF%20THE%20NEW%203.4.j pg[/img]
eti engineer DEC 16, 06:29 PM
So, from the photos, this is obviously not the same as the 2.8. The block, the bolt-ups to the tranny, etc. are all the same, The heads are much different and appear to be aluminum. Didn't the earlier engines have cast iron? Bottom line, is, am I screwed or can I make this work if I get the right intake stuff for the engine?
eti engineer DEC 16, 06:32 PM
The pushrods are mounted at an angle on this engine and they are vertical on the 2.8. That was the first thing I noticed that was different. Any way of telling from which engine and year this was created?

Thanks...
Dennis LaGrua DEC 16, 06:49 PM
It doesn't look like a GM 3400 or 3.4L TDC. Does the backside have the GM FWD bolt pattern? This looks like it may be a GM 3500 or 3.5L engine.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

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

Gall757 DEC 16, 06:55 PM
back on this post you said it was an LA1.....and later you said it was not.

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/144598.html

whatever it is, it won't look like a Fiero engine in the car, so it won't pass California inspections.

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

eti engineer DEC 16, 08:05 PM
It was supposed to be an LA1 engine. The builder listed it as a 3.4 LA1 on the BOM. I just recently unpacked it from the plastic, as I had to make room to get it on my engine stand. The rear bolt pattern is correct for both the flexplate and for the transmission hookup. I guess I don't know what I have, but I would like to use it. If worse comes to worst, I will just rebuild the original 2.8, sell this at a discount and chalk it up to experience. The builder was Accurate Engines, but apparently they were not as accurate as requested...

I am going to contact AE tomorrow and see what they say. If they will take it back, fine. If not, I will think about what I am going to do next. Any recommendations from anyone? What would you do given this same situation? Just looking for opinions.

Thanks for your input...
eti engineer DEC 16, 08:07 PM

quote
Originally posted by Gall757:

back on this post you said it was an LA1.....and later you said it was not.

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/144598.html

whatever it is, it won't look like a Fiero engine in the car, so it won't pass California inspections.




You're right, but I am not sure that the guy who inspects my car would know. I am going to look into trying to list it as a classic car and get a waiver in that direction. Who knows??