3.4 push rod swap parts question. (Page 1/1)
redromo MAY 11, 02:47 PM
Been researching and could use a quick confirmation from the experts on transferred parts from the 2.8 to the 3.4.

3.4L Push rod engine. Install the heads, intake manifolds, distributor, and timing cover with accessories from my 2.8 and drill the holes to move the starter to the stock Fiero side. Are there any other parts that I need to swap from the V6? What oil pan is used?

Anyone have any experience with the summit engine?

[This message has been edited by redromo (edited 05-11-2021).]

BillS MAY 11, 02:59 PM
That is an alloy head engine that comes with lower intake. Those heads will flow as much as a full race porting job would get you on an iron head, so you might want to consider retaining the alloy heads. Otherwise, you'll be paying a lot for an engine that you'll be tossing half the value on away. Better to get a 3.4 cast iron head engine and just have it rebuilt locally.

I used Firebird 3.4 (1994 with iron heads) with coil packs instead of distributor and it was dead easy. (It was an in line installation, so some ancillaries differ).
redromo MAY 11, 04:30 PM
I didn't even notice that was aluminum. I'd rather not have to source an engine and go through all the headache with our local shops if I could buy a short block.

[This message has been edited by redromo (edited 05-11-2021).]

fierofool MAY 11, 04:57 PM
redromo, check the engine to see if it's a 3400 with aluminum heads or a 3.4 with iron heads. If it's a 3.4 iron head engine, everything transferred as you stated. You will need a neutral balanced flywheel. 91 Beretta 3.1 flywheel from Rock Auto is readily available. The oil pan used will be dependent upon the engine you obtain your timing chain cover from. 85 and 86 are different from the 87 and 88. The 2 later years are identical to the 3.4 pan and it's best to use the 3.4 pan in that case for oil pump clearance. In all cases you must use the Fiero timing cover.
redromo MAY 11, 07:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by fierofool:

redromo, check the engine to see if it's a 3400 with aluminum heads or a 3.4 with iron heads. If it's a 3.4 iron head engine, everything transferred as you stated. You will need a neutral balanced flywheel. 91 Beretta 3.1 flywheel from Rock Auto is readily available. The oil pan used will be dependent upon the engine you obtain your timing chain cover from. 85 and 86 are different from the 87 and 88. The 2 later years are identical to the 3.4 pan and it's best to use the 3.4 pan in that case for oil pump clearance. In all cases you must use the Fiero timing cover.



Would it be best to try and get a timing chain cover from an 87-88? Are there any issues created by using the 87-88? My car is an 85 V6.
fierofool MAY 12, 08:28 AM
I believe that if you use any of the Fiero oil pans you must notch the baffles in the pan to clear the pickup. Also, many say that the corner of the 3.4 pan nearest the right rear tail light must be lightly persuaded inward in order to clear the front motor mount. I didn't have that problem.

The 87-88 and 3.4 pans have a better seal at the front. All rubber as opposed to a cork gasket at the timing cover.
redromo MAY 12, 01:10 PM

quote
Originally posted by fierofool:

I believe that if you use any of the Fiero oil pans you must notch the baffles in the pan to clear the pickup. Also, many say that the corner of the 3.4 pan nearest the right rear tail light must be lightly persuaded inward in order to clear the front motor mount. I didn't have that problem.

The 87-88 and 3.4 pans have a better seal at the front. All rubber as opposed to a cork gasket at the timing cover.



So, if I'm understanding correctly, it's best to use the timing cover from a 87-88 along with the oil pan from the 3.4.

Is there a good source to find a rebuilt 3.4 long block

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by redromo (edited 05-12-2021).]

fierofool MAY 12, 09:14 PM
I just reread the omment about a Summit engine and aluminum heads. Alloy head engines have pistons that won't work with iron heads.

I couldn't find the correct engine on Summit but I found one used engine on ebay motors. A complete dropout without starter, AC compressor or alternator. 1 year warranty. Contact www.shortysautoparts.com