engine swap survey (Page 1/1)
86fierorestoproject MAY 08, 08:23 PM
okay, so i figured out the my 2.8 in my fiero had a spun rod bearing, so we are gonna swap the engine. i need a second opinion on this. 3.4 ohv, 3.4 dohc, or 3.8 SC? our mechanic is doing the swap for us, so i just need to know what engine i should get.
fishsticks MAY 08, 08:29 PM
You really need to think about what you want from the car. There's no one size fits all answer to your question, even among the options you listed.

If you're farming out the work, the 3,4 OHV will cost you the least in labor, as it's essentially a direct fit.
Mike in Sydney MAY 08, 09:37 PM
Rebuilt crate 3.4 OHV. More hp, more torque, easy swap.

[This message has been edited by Mike in Sydney (edited 05-09-2021).]

Dennis LaGrua MAY 09, 10:18 AM
Agree that there is no one size fits all needs engine swap. The 3.4TDC is a bolt in but rewiring and connections to the fuel, water, trans lines (auto)and rewiring must be made. You also must consider the cable connections to the transmission and throttle body. The 3.4L P/R is as close to a bolt in as you will find but the 160HP just gives you a bit more power. The 3800 is more work as new mounts, brackets and a new wiring harness is needed plus all of the stuff mentioned above. The venerable 4.9L Cadillac V8 may be the lowest cost swap and the LFX engine is a more modern choice and gives the most in terms of weight and power but it is a difficult swap.
Not to confuse you any further, before choosing a swap you first need to define what you desire in driveabilty/performance, mileage and budget.

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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 "

skywurz MAY 09, 11:35 AM
I guess it depends on the skill of your mechanic. A lot of mechanics are just part swappers. Anything beyond the 3.4 ohv longblock swap would be beyond that type of mechanic.
Blacktree MAY 09, 01:37 PM
If it were me, I'd go straight for the High Feature V6. But that will require engine wiring and PCM swap. On the average, they make around 275-300 HP (depending on year and model).

The 3.4 TDC is a boat anchor, and the 3800 was superseded by the High Feature engine (which makes more power N/A than a 3800 with a supercharger). At this point, I wouldn't even consider a Gen3 engine (3100 / 3400), because the High Feature engine makes half again more power and fits in the same footprint.

But that's just me.
MikesFirstFiero MAY 09, 05:26 PM
I'm working on a LFX with 6T70 swap. I'll write about it eventually. Bought a wrecked 2018 Impala so I have everything needed to make the engine go.
Notorio MAY 10, 12:10 AM

quote
Originally posted by fishsticks:

You really need to think about what you want from the car. There's no one size fits all answer to your question, even among the options you listed.

If you're farming out the work, the 3,4 OHV will cost you the least in labor, as it's essentially a direct fit.



Fishsticks is right, you need to decide what your goals are as far as performance goes ... and I'll add, what Budget you are willing to spend. I'd also suggest asking your mechanic for a reference for a job of comparable complexity. You want to know what quality work they will do, how long it will take, how well they communicate.