quote Originally posted by redwhiteandnew: Not that the 3.4 is bad at all--in fact I'm driving a 95 Firebird with that and I love it, but my modding ability is more limited with that engine than it's latter 3.8.

The 3.4 in your firebird is the pushrod engine. The 3.4 which is being discussed in this thread is the DOHC (or TDC) out of early to mid 90s Grand Prix, Lumina, Cutlass and Monte Carlo. Way different engine.

------------------

86GT3.4DOHC You said you've sone both? What's your opinion on the performance between the two?

------------------
hfxfieroboy

Although there were extenuating circumstances (even before the turbo) Ive never felt the 3.4DOHC to be the most reliable engine in the world, the 3.8SC on the other hand I have no resevations about pounding on whenever I want.

Also, I get about 23-24 MPG around town, and not babying it, even taking it down the track a couple of times. I dont know what MPG could be if I was easy on it. The 3.4 best I got was 27 MPG solid long range highway, city usualy teetered around 15-18.

Though I do miss being able to fly into a corner, drop it into 2nd at 6k RPM, rip through the corner, then nail it on the other side.

The 3.8SC with its factory auto launches like a stick, and upshifts about as good. Getting it to shift into the right gear when you punch it is a slow process, and it rarely drops back to first when it should, but all in all im happy with the tranny.

Ive never been much of a complainer about maintance, but the 3.8 is a lot more accessible, but its not that hard to get to the plugs in the DOHC when you get down to it.

There is pretty much no aftermarket for the DOHC, where as you will have trouble deciding which mods to go with for the 3.8SC.

Basicaly I wouldnt be suprised if the engines ran side by side on the track, though my 3.8 is running 13.60s, and Ive heard the 3.4 DOHC should run ~14.0. (of course mine has a turbo now so it should be considerably faster)