the lc1 2.8 in my '83 finally took a dump (the patch (replaced knocking lifter) didnt last long).. i have another 2.8 (lb8 from 85 camaro) that i could drop in.. is it worth it to do an engine swap now and then again when i get the money for a 3.4? or would it be more cost effective to just rebulid the 2.8 (valvetrain, intake, carb).. all the parts would all transfer over to the 3.4 (would i be smart to transfer used rockers and a cam?)


mike (loomdog)

 

easiest, & probobly most cost effective to go ahead & do the 3.4 swap now. Unless the car is your only transportation, needed now. then,put in the other 2.8 untill you get a chance to upgrade.

Downside is that the other 2.8 might run just fine so why swap it out

 

I would do the rebuild kit to 3.1 liters.. The stroker kit..

 

Sounds like you've got the '85 2.8 for free, and need to buy a 3.4, so why not do the swap to the '85? It won't be that bad. Just move everything over, of course... the intake, carb, distributor, sensors, accessories (alt//p/s/air/etc) and brackets. You can keep the same water pump. Uh oh... hey, wait, is there a provision on the '85 MPFI motors for a mechanical fuel pump? I don't think so. There's no blockoff plate on my '86, but I never stared at an '85 block. It's no big deal, but that means you'll have to buy an electric pump (for carburetion) from SummitRacing.com, 800-230-3030... I think they run $30-$40 for a cheapie. Carb'd systems run at a lower pressure, anyway. You'd also have to change the routing of the fuel feed hose, again, not a biggie. Hey, you could use braided fuel line! Or, you could buy some big tubing, a $20 bender, and go from the "racer" look to the "professional" look.

In fact, you'd probably have this same fuel pump problem (lack of a spot to put a mechanical one) with a 3.4 block.

 

I will look @ my block tomarrow for a fp provision. what did the s-10s have? the 3.4 will absolutely not have a fp provision. period. get one of thoses universal pumps from AZ for like $25 or so, lifetime warranty too.

 

All 2.8 will have a fuel pump area.
My 85 truck has the pump. It's a carb engine design.
1986 trucks then went to TBI, so no fuel pump on block.
Want honest truth.
So far.
Tom swapped in a free 2.8 & it died.
I swapped heads on my 2.8 & it's dead.
UNLESS YOU HEAR THAT FREE 2.8 running & you drive it,
IT REALLY ISN'T WORTH YOUR EFFORT.
WEDS. 5/8/02 I will hear about my 3.4 for my S-10 Blazer.
TRYING TO GET A DEAL on more than one 3.4 just for me.
SO IF YOU HAVE CASH/CREDIT CARD OF $600-$800 range, I can get ya a 3.4, in LA.
THEN you will have many miles of smiles in your future.
AND YES, it will cost more initially.
BUT you won't have to swap ever again for many many years.
It's your call but, I hope to get a better price by getting more than one, right now.
AND I DO MEAN RIGHT NOW.
I am ordering my 3.4 Weds. 5/8/02
AND I'm told, used good 3.4's are getting harder to come by.
They only came in 1992-1995 F-bodies, ya know.
AND THAT'S ALL YA CAN USE!!

No FWD 3.4 dreams.:lala:

 

Did I tell you?? My friend said another guy told him it might've been an exhaust leak causing that noise. Son of a... junked for an exhaust leak.

But yeah if you don't know the condition of the motor, skip it completely, or, tear it down and inspect it. That $100 motor my friend had was sitting in someone's garage for 1 or 2 years, not moving, and not cared for (not stored properly). The page of the swap is http://www.geocities.com/tomp_3rdgen

 

with the right welder, time, materials, & knowhow, you could use a fwd motor. but that's for only when all the rwd 3.4 have bought the big one.

 

When that day comes (the 3.4 supply dries up) I'll stick a V-8 in my S-10 Blazer (I have all the parts & plans now, this 3.4 V-6 is an easier & smog problem free hassle swap) & my Firebird, I'll have 2, 3.4 cores to rebuild from in the future.
Til then....
I'm even keeping the late 85 2.8 block from my S-10 Blazer truck.
That's a great block to hop up for a Vega!

 

ill see about getting the cash together tommorrow (wed 5/8) for getting the 3.4 down in la, but ill defiently call and see whats there..

MARTY!
Southern California Auto Wrecking
323-587-3144
Take 5 South, to 110 south to 10 for Alameda Exit, to 8229 S. Alameda St.

that is the correct place and number?!? (it took me forever to find that in a search)

from what i know about the 85 motor, i got it back in nov/dec (cant remember for sure).. when i got it, i did hear it run, but never in a moving car (car was totaled and had no rear end).. i think it had somewhere in the area of X45,000 miles (im thinking 145k, but it may have been 45k or 245k (stupid 5 digit odometers).. i guess GM didnt expect these cars to be on the road for over 99,999 miles)..


-

 

I'll send ya an email later on.
I was told my price is back up to $800 range.
I HOPE, w/two, it MAY be lower.
WE SHALL SEE.
I'll email ya with response.
IF I CAN GET MORE 3.4's, I'll pass the info along.
Yeah, that's correct info.
You can even stop over to my place & see the finished result (the 95 3.4 in my 85 Firebird).
Don't be surprised when ya see how boring it looks!
It fools the Smog police, too!
That's all I truly cared about.
The benefits were an inexpensive engine "rebuild", great gas milage & great reliable performace for myself & my Wife & 20 month old Son.
This swapped ride is my Wife's daily driver, now.I made it that safe & reliable.

 

to make a very long story short, i didnt get the money i was susposte to get yesturday.. so, no 3.4 swaps in my immediate future.. would it be worth it to drop in the used 2.8 as a FOR NOW work.. i still need to smog the car (reg was due in june and i got it in nov) and register it.. non-op may be the way to go for registration.. i donno..

karl.. u got mail..

... well none of those happing any time soon
-mike (loomdog)