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| V6 Engine Rebuild? (Page 1/2) |
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jumpmonkey
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JUL 26, 04:56 PM
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After much diagnosis for a no-start condition on my '85GT, I finally managed to get it running and driving. I replaced the Fuel Pump, Sending Unit, Fuel Filter, Fuel Pressure Regulator, and Injectors. The car runs pretty well but I believe there are a few vacuum, oil, and exhaust leaks. I'd like the forum's opinion on how to proceed.
I have the time and funding to do a rebuild, although not an extensive rebuild. I want to do more of a refresh. I'd like to replace all the gaskets, seals, and vacuum lines. My plan would be to drop the engine and clean everything, then build it back up.
I know a lot of people say that if you're gonna drop the engine, you might as well do a swap. I don't think I'm prepared for a swap yet and I'd like to keep the car stock for now.
If I do drop the engine(I'd like y'alls opinions first of if I should), are there certain sensors or parts that typically wear out and should be replaced with the rebuild?
I'd just like genuine thoughts on this from everyone. I've never done a rebuild and I'd like to start with something simple and fun. Thanks!
(And a special thanks to all the people who helped diagnose my no-start condition in my other threads) ------------------
Jumpmonkey
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Additivewalnut
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JUL 26, 05:13 PM
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Just to get it out of the way; if you're gonna drop the engine you might as well do a swap 
BUT, if that's not what you wanna do, I'm of the mind that you should smoke test it first, figure out your leaks and see if it even *needs* to come out. You can just about every gasket except for the lower intake manifold and heads (maybe I just couldn't) with the engine in the car, but the only reason you'd need to replace those is if they're actually leaking or you're burning coolant. Don't fix what ain't broke! As far as sensors, I'm gonna say the same thing. New parts are worse than what came stock on that car 90% of the time so if they're still working, let em be. I'd say change out your water pump for sanity's sake, if it hasn't let go already it probably will soon given age. That's about it though.
All of that goes clean out the window if you're wanting to actually rebuild the whole engine with a new cam and bearings and whatnot.
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Patrick
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JUL 26, 05:14 PM
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Let me be the first one to say... if you're going to drop the 2.8 for a "refresh", why not refresh a 3.4 from a Camaro instead? Everything on your 2.8 would bolt up to it. The only thing that would need to be done is the starter mounting holes would need to be drilled, but it's a simple process. You'd get a bit more grunt out of this engine with very little extra effort/expense.
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jumpmonkey
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JUL 26, 07:13 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
Let me be the first one to say... if you're going to drop the 2.8 for a "refresh", why not refresh a 3.4 from a Camaro instead? Everything on your 2.8 would bolt up to it. The only thing that would need to be done is the starter mounting holes would need to be drilled, but it's a simple process. You'd get a bit more grunt out of this engine with very little extra effort/expense. |
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Could you go into more detail on this one or reference threads about a basic 3.4 swap? I don't know much about the 3.4 but I would assume you might have to change out the ECM along with other things rather than just the starter mounting holes. It's not truly that easy, is it?
What generation camaro is it from? My GT is an automatic so would that create any issues?
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Patrick
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JUL 26, 08:21 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by jumpmonkey:
Could you go into more detail on this one or reference threads about a basic 3.4 swap?
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There are dozens and dozens of threads to be found Here covering this topic. If someone doesn't mention one specifically, they'd be easy enough to find.
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Additivewalnut
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JUL 26, 10:43 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
There are dozens and dozens of threads to be found Here covering this topic. If someone doesn't mention one specifically, they'd be easy enough to find. |
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Only problem is that those engines are becoming not easy to find. At least not in my area, I was going to swap a 3.4 into my 88 S10 but couldn't find a single 3.4 in any yard for 250 miles. It was ridiculous.
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Patrick
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JUL 27, 12:49 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Additivewalnut:
Only problem is that those engines are becoming not easy to find.
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I'll wager they're a lot easier to find than Fieros. 
The first "local" wrecking yard I checked...
 | | CLICK FOR FULL SIZE |
I just happened to come across this interesting discussion on the 3.4 at another forum. Some insight on the 3.4L OHV RWD Motor...[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-27-2024).]
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Vintage-Nut
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JUL 27, 10:33 AM
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| quote | jumpmonkey:
I'd like to replace all the gaskets, seals, and vacuum lines. / I'd like to keep the car stock for now. |
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As a stock/factory fan; an engine swap is the last thing I will suggest. If you really like to keep the car stock for now - don't swap the engine!
But IF the original V6 is 'worn out" AND the engine must be dropped, the majority of Fiero engine swaps is for the members which they wanted more power/torque than a stock rebuild.
To Me - you can "refresh" your engine and address the vacuum, oil, and exhaust leaks without dropping it.
So, my advice: make a 'problem' list and tackle them one-by-one as I'm doing the same on my '88 GT.
One Tip: Avoid 'cheap' aftermarket parts and as far as sensors; I replaced the majority of them with Genuine GM / AC Delco parts.
| quote | | Could you go into more detail on this one or reference threads about a basic 3.4 swap? |
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Read this thread as it has ALOT information including many links about the 3.4L engine:
To engine swap or not to engine swap by Nasta
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/147475.html
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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles[This message has been edited by Vintage-Nut (edited 07-27-2024).]
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82-T/A [At Work]
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JUL 27, 08:16 PM
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Kinda just going to echo what others have said... the Fiero is a great platform to put a lot of different engines in... but if you like the stock look, a 3.4 V6/60 swap is pretty much the limit for getting more power and keeping it stock looking.
I read through the link that Patrick posted... it's actually a really good threat from the original poster. Bottom line is that, just like intake that came with his car (93-95 Camaro / Firebird), the intake sucks above 4,500 rpms. That's basically the same on our engines. Someone will have to correct me, but with the smaller displacement (2.8), the engine can't really produce power above 5,000 because it's choked off. There's the whole DAWG mod that you'd need to do to the intake plenum... which really wakes up the motor (even a stock motor).
Lots of things you can do to make more power.
But like the poster talked about in that other thread... the 3400 motors just produce so much more usable power. You could drop an entire 3400 from a Grand Am GT into there, and it would be night and day a different car. But then it's not stock looking anymore... so it's really whatever you want.
I'm going the 3.4 V6/6 route. I already bought a crate 3.4 rebuild, I have professionally ported heads, headers, a new cam, etc. And when I put it all back together, it'll look 95% stock except for the fact it'll have shorty headers... which more or less look like really expensive exhaust manifolds. I'm expecting about ~210hp with everything that I'll be doing. The only parts I haven't worked out is the DAWG mod... but I have three plenums, so I'll eventually get it done. I'll be really happy with that outcome. It'll be a low/mid 14 second car, sound like a stock Fiero, if not a little bit more throaty, and that's all I'll want from it.
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NW-Fiero
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JUL 31, 01:42 PM
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