I did a search but not finding a straight forward answer. I can get my hands on a 2004 Grand Am with a 3.4L V6 really cheap. To make a long story short I am wondering what is involved in transplanting that into my 88 GT.

Before you answer, I have a 2.8L in the car now with a 5-speed, and it has a Edelbrock carb intake on it with a Holley 390 carb and Sprinter headers. No ECM and minimal wiring for gauges. I want to keep the carb setup, I just wanna see if this is an opportunity worth taking advantage of.

I would appreciate no criticism of the carb conversion or posts telling me to get a 3.8 or V8. Someone out there must have experience with this application.

I don't know for sure , but the 2004 engine had a lot of changes that may not work with the Fiero top end.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 01-13-2018).]

quote Originally posted by Gall757: I don't know for sure , but the 2004 engine had a lot of changes that may not work with the Fiero top end.

OP's manifold will bolt to Fiero heads, but not 3400 heads.

Two possible avenues:

1. Modify the 3400 manifold to work with carburetion.

2. Use Fiero heads on the 3400 shortblock. Typically, you would want to replace the pistons with ones having a smaller dish volume to better complement the Fiero heads' combustion chamber volume vs. that of the 3400 heads.

If you use the 3400 block, you can keep the roller cam. If you bolt iron heads to it, you'll end up with 7:1 compression. Swap in iron head 3.4 pistons to bring this back up to the 9's.

So what I am understanding is that the block can be used. But I would have to gut it and put in new pistons and then bolt on the heads and intake system I already have to that block. Basically adding displacement. Questions:

1. Would the front of motor be the same (water pump and timing cover, alternator etc)
2. Is there any problems with using the same ignition system I am on the 2.8L?
3. Engine mounts the same?
4. Use the stock cam then in the 3.4L or what? (I have the performance cam from Edelbrock in my 2.8 L now)
5. Bolts on to the transmission correct?
6. I assume these new pistons would be for a 3.4L from a Camaro
7. Anyone know the starter location?

Any other issues you can alert me of would be appreciated. Just looking for a little more displacement at a very low price.

[This message has been edited by fierocarb (edited 01-14-2018).]

quote Originally posted by fierocarb: So what I am understanding is that the block can be used. But I would have to gut it and put in new pistons and then bolt on the heads and intake system I already have to that block. Basically adding displacement. Questions: 1. Would the front of motor be the same (water pump and timing cover, alternator etc) 2. Is there any problems with using the same ignition system I am on the 2.8L? 3. Engine mounts the same? 4. Use the stock cam then in the 3.4L or what? (I have the performance cam from Edelbrock in my 2.8 L now) 5. Bolts on to the transmission correct? 6. I assume these new pistons would be for a 3.4L from a Camaro 7. Anyone know the starter location? Any other issues you can alert me of would be appreciated. Just looking for a little more displacement at a very low price.

1. Yes.
2. Other than the fact that distributors suck and modules spontaneously fail, no.
3. Yes.
4. The 3400's have factory roller cams. There are aftermarket cams available, but you can not use the flat tappet cam you currently have.
5. Yes.
6. Yes. Edit: Actually you could use the 3.4 TDC pistons from an early '90's Lumina for a little higher compression.
7. Same as Fiero since the 3400 is a FWD engine. Only the Camaro 3.4 requires starter relocation.

[This message has been edited by Will (edited 01-14-2018).]

A few observations. The stock 3400 aluminum heads will probably flow better than even "worked" iron heads. (One person I know will argue this with me. Most others will likely agree.)
I've never seen a "carb" intake manifold made for the 3400 heads. If you want to retain them, you will have to modify the 3400 lower intake in order to accommodate the carb.
The distributor may not fit, due to the structure of the 3400 lower intake. Or it may. I'm not sure. If you're already going to mod the intake, you could probably make accommodations to the intake.

get a 3.8 or V8.