rebuilding 2.8 wana go for performence

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Apr 4, 2003 | 05:27 PM
  #1  
i cant do a whole new engine or anything like that but i can pull mine and freshen it up. I dont wana just put in a another 2.8 kit and end up with the same hp, i was woundering if i can put in the 3.1 or 3.4 kit directly into this motor with only having to bore the cylinders a bit to add oversized pistons, would this change anything and mke my computer all scrwey and the readings its getting , also i have a site in mind for getting the kit , http://www.greenbaypartsworld.com/enginedeal.htm
can any one tell me wich kit would work best thanks , i plan on using a crane cam and rockers and as much stuff like that as i can , also would it be able to bolt on a 3.1 or 3.4 heads and still be able to put all the 2.8 stock stuff onto them, like valve covers and exhaust manifolds? thanks
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Apr 4, 2003 | 09:14 PM
  #2  
I think that the 2.8 is the original block, the 3.1 is just a stroked 2.8, and the 3.4 is a bored and stroked 2.8. So i think you'll be able to bore the cylinders out and use a new crank, rods and pistons and be able to run ok. You will have to get a new chip/ECU. Don't know the extent of it though. I think KED85 is the king of 3.4 swaps, talk to him, he can help you out more. Man, it seems like I've been talkin' a lot about him lately. He just seems to be the man of the week i guess.
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Apr 4, 2003 | 09:46 PM
  #3  
Yeah, KED85 is quite knowledgable and should be able to help you out.
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Apr 5, 2003 | 09:03 AM
  #4  
I'll help real short.
FOR THE MONEY YA SPEND ON THE KIT PLUS MACHINING & ETC.
the 3.4, complete, intact, from a low milage running vehicle (RWD ONLY 3.4 powered are 1993-95 (3.8 came std in MID YEAR 1995) will work like a dream.
Lower milage, better the swapped engine longevity before rebuild time, too.
I pay $800 & 900, complete. others as low as $210, avg. seesm to be $500-ish. Some even Ebay it for purchase!
What pic ya want, carb'd or MPFI version? See below.
I've done them both. I can't wait to finish my S-10 Blazer truck. I took it for a quick drive & boy the torque increase (200 FOOT POUND) is evident!
Fixing other house for fun & profitprevents final tweeks for passing CA SMOG inpection.
I do ONLY CA smog legal versions & I don't play. I just install with the old stuff. All my old stuff is rebuilt. Carb, distributor, tranny, soon to bea rear end swap, too!
You retain previous engine intake, induction, ignition system & the old style T. chain & pulley set up.
IT's a very simple very detailed swap that works like a dream come true for minimal effort & max value for dollar.
OF ALL SWAPPERS (about 30+ now) NO COMPLAINTS.
PS YOU GOTTA LOVE YOUR RIDE, as this swap is not a task for the "faint of heart, I'm overwhelmed".

I will only pass time to discuss a complete engine swap 3.4 power upgrade. You can do a search on my feelings on those "kits".
Your effort, your dollar, your time to research before you even lift a wrench, use the phone to order a 3.4 mill from a local yard.
Read my tech thread, I give 99% of all swapping details. Everything works, fits great, runs strong.
My Firebird 3.4 is approaching over 10,000 reliable miles & it keeps on going & going. I got for CA smog again in a few more weeks, too!
Best investments I've ever done is this complete low milage running 3.4 upgrade power swap. And the tranny rebuilds after I install the engine. Too much power for the old tranny to take, all swappers report following few weeks tranny loss.
MY FIREBIRD PULLS LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN!
Good luck with your decision. By reading my answer, I believe you know how I feel about those "kits".
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Apr 5, 2003 | 04:16 PM
  #5  
i def want to keep it carbed , ive just been told by someone they can get me 300 hp from this car by doing my reare end over and removing the computer and stuff like that ,
is this possible ? hes def an good mechanic but i dont no how acurate this is?
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Apr 5, 2003 | 05:23 PM
  #6  


...find a new mechanic who's not looking at your wallet (and playing with your head for that matter)
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Apr 6, 2003 | 06:52 PM
  #7  


Had to raise the BS flag on that one too. I don't think there is anyway that these motors an pump out that much power without A LOT of work and money. FI is going to be the way to go if you want to get more power though. MUCH more precise in getting the timing and a/f ratio correct. That' why the Corvettes gt FI before the Camaros got it, because it makes more power while getting better milage. You have to deal with a lot of computer junk, but gains are worth it IMO.

Here's what to do if you have the money and time to do it:

Cat-back Exhaust
TPI intake w/K&N filters
good ignition components
custom PROM or mass produced chip(JET, etc...)
Port and polish intake & heads
Custom headers/y pipe(HAS to be custom, no one mass produces for us - will be costly)
1.52 Roller rockers and everything involved there
Bigger cam

That'll get you off to a good start, and probably best to do it in that order. Good luck man. i think if you were to do all of this, you would be pushing a lot closer to 200 hp than anywhere near 300.

Just so you know, our cars run about 135hp stock.
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