Why is the Camaro/firebird 3.4 the preferred 3.4 upgrade engine? Will others work? (Page 1/2)
phils88GT NOV 19, 07:56 PM
I have read where the 94-97 Camaro 3.4 is the preferred swap engine. Why is this? What makes it more difficult or expensive or whatever to use any other GM FWD 3.4, like from a Buick or Pontiac, etc?

Thanks all!
pmbrunelle NOV 19, 08:01 PM
The F-body 3.4 uses the same cylinder heads as the Fiero 2.8, therefore the F-body 3.4 is nearly a bolt-on swap into a V6 Fiero. Hence, it is commonly preferred.

Other engines (with different cylinder heads) of the GM 60°V6 family can be made to work, but they are less bolt-on.

It is the 93-95 F-body 3.4, not 94-97.

[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 11-19-2024).]

Dennis LaGrua NOV 19, 09:01 PM
Another reason that many Fiero owners like the 3.4L P/R engine is because it is an easy bolt in swap but when installed the appearance is identical to the 2.8L. In states like California you won't pass inspections with a swap of different engine. The 3.4L looks stock and with a CAT it passes through. For other engine swaps you need to go though a process of getting your swap approved and it must be certified to meet CARB standards that isn't easy. .

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1985 Fiero GT NOV 20, 07:56 AM
A direct swap of a 3400sfi (the 3rd Gen 60* v6 3.4 found in many gm cars) is more complicated than the Firebird 3.4, for stock looks, you can reuse your old Fiero heads (bolt on), but unless you want to drive with 7-or-so:1 compression, pistons will also need to be swapped, as for the block itself, it requires a little clearanceing on the oil pan to make it work, similar work to the Firebird as that requires starter holes drilled, people choose the Firebird engine as it looks completely stock, and only needs one "modification" to work (starter holes). If you want low compression for a turbo or supercharger, and stock looks, the 3400 is stronger, and equally easy of a swap, but if you want normal compression, Firebird motor already has the right pistons. If you want higher compression, the pistons from the 3.4tdc (dohc engine) will work in any of the 3.4s, so you might as well start with the stronger 3400 if you have to change pistons anyhow.
82-T/A [At Work] NOV 20, 08:26 AM
To add to what everyone has said... it's mostly for getting more horsepower, while maintaining identical appearance.

It's not the BEST option though if you want more power. Personally, the 3400 series motors are awesome... and the cyl head technology is vastly improved.


The 3400 in the minivan produced 185 hp at 5200 rpm and 210 lb⋅ft of torque at 4000 rpm
The 3.4L in the 93-95 F-body produced 160 hp at 4,600 rpm and 200 lb⋅ft at 3,600 rpm


Basic engine upgrades will get you 190hp with the 3.4 cast iron engine... port-matching, better exhaust manifolds, and a new camshaft... but you will be limited by the Fiero's intake unless you modify the throttle body neck (constricts air).

All those same upgrades to the 3400 motor though, from what I've read of others on here, allows you to get more power with less effort.
I'm in the process of building a 3.4 V6/60 ... well, I have all the parts, I just haven't assembled any of it yet. But I'm going with higher compression 9.7:1 pistons, a hotter cam, and a bunch of other stuff. My goal is ~200hp. I just want a Fiero that runs mid-14s all day long without too much effort... so I can relive my teenage years, while not getting destroyed by electric Amazon delivery trucks.


EDIT: Are you having a hard time finding one? Just curious... I'm interested to know the background for your question. Are you considering an engine swap and just looking for options? There are a bunch of people here who have done a few different types of V6 engine swaps... they can probably tell you why they made the decision they did, versus something else.

[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 11-20-2024).]

phils88GT NOV 20, 09:28 AM
To be honest, how the engine looks compared to the original I really couldn’t care less about. I want more power as the 2.8 is so anemic. I would like to actually build a 3.4 that is capable of handling some boost, nothing really crazy, maybe 12-15 pounds or so. Is this achievable with the 3.4? Is there an aftermarket out there for the 3.4?
Thanks
sleek fiero NOV 20, 10:39 AM
Google WOT Tech . Wide open throttle tech have a lot of 60 degree parts and info. sleek
1985 Fiero GT NOV 20, 12:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by phils88GT:

To be honest, how the engine looks compared to the original I really couldn’t care less about. I want more power as the 2.8 is so anemic. I would like to actually build a 3.4 that is capable of handling some boost, nothing really crazy, maybe 12-15 pounds or so. Is this achievable with the 3.4? Is there an aftermarket out there for the 3.4?
Thanks



If you don't care how the engine looks, do the 3400sfi, heads intake and all, instant 40ish hp gain with no mods. It will be hard to lower the compression for much boost, so you might be limited on that end, I'm no expert on compression ratio to safe boost. The 3400sfi had a stronger bottom end, roller valve train, and a much better head/intake design for more power potential over the 3.4 Firebird or the Fiero 2.8.
Raydar NOV 21, 10:09 AM
I lust after a 3900. (LZ9, LGD, or similar). Same basic architecture as the 2.8, but with 25 years of evolution. Will nearly bolt straight in. 240 HP right out of the box.
(The Fiero heads and intake will not bolt on, but that's not an issue to me.)
Probably will do away with the VVT, and install the equivalent of a Crane 272 cam. Or maybe a bit larger.
I'm told (you know how that goes) that something like that ought to be worth ~280, without boost. I'm guessing more than that, but that guess is being pulled out of a "dark place".
It was recommended to try to find a "non-emissions" cam that would work with the VVT, but I'm pretty sure that doesn't exist, in today's world.

Anyway... I'm babbling. Please carry on.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 11-21-2024).]

phils88GT NOV 21, 12:40 PM
What cars did the 3900 come in?

What cars did the 3400 SFI come in?