Ok Here we go, I have an 86 firebird 2.8L,5 speed manual, i want more HP, I believe the 3.4 would be easier to swap, but i don't want to wish later that i had gone with the 5.7 TPI.I haven't checked into the 3.4 yet, but i have a friend, that buys on occassion from salvage auctions, thirdgen f.bods, with low miles, and will get me a 5.7 TPI W/ Tranny ( auto, i'm tired of changing gears ), wiring harness ,computer for 800.00. as i stated, i believe the 3.4 would be easier, but as i am completely refurbing this Bird, inside and out,( now sports a formula hood, and hatch )I feel i should probably go with the 5.7...Any feed back would be appreciated, especially from you who have made these swaps, as i am an engine swap virgin....Thanks, Birdoffire

 

Depends what you want to achieve.

The 3.4 V6 isn't really any gain over your 2.8. Without absolutely knowing, I suspect the wiring harness and computer system is different too. I think the 3.4 is a speed density system while the 2.8 is mass airflow. If you just want something to cruise and you don't care about power, then just put in a new 2.8 with a nice sounding exhaust system.

If you're after stock level 350 TPI power, then swap in the 350 TPI setup with tranny and put a locker or posi in your rearend with about 3.30 gears and you'll be pretty happy. You'll also have to upgrade your fuel system. The smarter thing to do is to sell your car and purchase a Formula 350. Having a car that works is a lot better than having a project that may or may not work without pushing through lots of problems.

If you're after higher power levels I'm afraid you just entered a whole new world that requires lots of money. It doesn't really matter what you start with becuase basically everything will need to be replaced or upgraded on the car. The stock manual tranny won't hold up (a built auto will), the rearend won't hold up, the suspension will need to be upgraded to prevent wheel hop and put power to the ground, the chassis will need to reinforced, the exhaust will need to upgraded front to back, fuel system will need to be upgraded.... basically, if it's mechanical you'll need to upgrade or replace it. Once again, there is an advantage of purchasing a Formula 350 because at least you will have the engine and tranny and not have to hunt one down. Plus, if you don't push the Borg Warner 9-bolt rearend too hard it will hold up to about 350 Hp.

 

Thanks,.. my 2.8L still runs very well,although i no longer like the 5 speed trans.I know it would be much easier to buy a formula, but i lose the fun and education of doing this engine swap. i kinda want this to be a project that when i am finished, i can step back and say, uumm, now thats what i like!( interior,,paint,,engine )Now that it sports the Formula hood and hatch, i really hate to fake it with a 2.8...
Thanks a bunch......

 

If you just put in the 3.4 "longblock", i.e. without the injection system or other accessories, and just put your 2.8 pieces on, the 3.4 will be fine.

For an engine swap "virgin", as you call yourself, that would be a much more sane project than a 5.7 TPI would be.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/LB9 block, ZZ3 cam and intake, WP 305 heads ported & polished, Hooker headers & y-pipe, hi-flow cat).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. 0.030 over 396, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" headers, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & shift kit, 3.08 10-bolt, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Best 15.1 @ 5800' Bandimere. Daily driver while Camaro was being put together.

 

yeah, the more i think about it, the 3.4 would probably be the more reasonable choice for me, What about headers for the 3.4, are they available, or have to be custom made, i don't see them in jegs, or summit catalogs...Thanks Guys.......

 

Have you already started the refurbing? If not, HOLD UP!!!!!!!!!!

I am doing something similar to you. l bought an 87 T/A that l dropped a 350 into, removed computer stuff and made carbed. The car was an ugly dog. Got it for $500. It already looks 200 times better than when l got it. But thats not the end. Gimme a couple more years and l'll have it absolutely beautiful. Refurbed in all ways.

In case youre not catching my drift, what lm suggesting is look around for a beater. A torn up, beat up V8 that needs some major TLC. Believe me. The "I brought it back from the dead" feeling is incredible. Besides, since it usually has to be refurbed in most cases, it gives you the excuse to do it right.

Just my thoughts
Clayton

 

That is the reason i bought this one, it wasn't in the best of shape, knew that i would'nt keep the 2.8, and that when someday finished, would look, and run better than when it was born..I'm not looking to get incredible Hp into it, just better than the 2.8 that it has at present..I have had people i work with tell me to get rid of the computer and go with a carberated engine, and also to go with the 5.7 TPI, keeping with a computer, and also the 3.4 ( 93- 94 ), needless to say my mind is swimming...and lucky for me , i have mechanic friends, who have done engine swaps who can assist me in my endevers....Great Thanks for your input...

 

birdoffire,

I see what you want to do and I agree with not making a fake with the 2.8 . I don't want to discourage you from doing something you'd really like to do but I do want to make sure that you're completely aware of the reality of all this. If you take on this project you will eventually end up with a $15K-20K Firebird that isn't worth a penny over $5K at best! Believe me, there is very little satisfaction in that. It seems cool at first, but you'll hate yourself later on for wasting so much money OR you won't be able to finish the project because it's getting too spendy. Look into other options: (1) Start with a car that will cost less to achieve what you want. (2) Use a car that will be worth more in the end so you can get your money back when you want to sell. These are lessons I've learned the hard way and I would encourage you reconsider your current plan. Either way, good luck and I hope it turns out well .

 

Yeah, but if he doesn't want to sell it (which I wouldn't), then you can't place a price tag on the satisfaction and the knowledge he will gain from his project. But 89 has a point...make sure you remember what he said about it not being worth much to anyone else when you finish. If its final value and the cost to do it don't matter to you, go with the 5.7 since the 3.4 may not pull a sick ***** off a **** pot!