I'm thinking of picking up a 1989 firebird with a 2.8 v6, but only if i can replace the engine with something with more power, a larger v6, 3.8 or 4.2 maybe, or good solid V8. Can someone provide me with a basic overview of what will need to be done? Not looking for step by step instructions, i'd just like to know what i'm going to be getting into. Obviously i'll need a new engine, will i need to replace the transmission, ECU, etc. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

I pulled my 2.8 and had it rebuilt but went with 3.1 crank and pistons after boring it over a lil. That way you know everything works the same. I don't know which will be easier for you to buy another engine or what but its working out fine for me so far. No complaints and I can notice the power difference.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/t...apboogie.shtml

 

Any conversions to get it above 200 horse? My grand am has 150hp and is pretty quick, i'd like the firebird to really surpass that in a way i can feel it. So the power really comes through. The 3.4 looks like it only provides about 170 horse?

 

I've heard of at least one person here that put a 3800 Series II in their ride. 200hp 225 tq. Even seen\med to clean up their engine bay some. Had some issues & couldn't get the programmer (now available) for fuel enable signal.

 

If you're going to do all that, might aswell do a V8 swap.

 

I'd had rather kept the v6

 

swapping to a 3.4 will get you a noticable power gain. if you do mods to it before it goes in the car, youre really gonna notice a gain. bang for the buck, id go for the 3.4 swap w/ some mods. may not be 200hp, but youll be happy you did it.

 

what all cars did the 3.4 come in just the 93-97 F-bodys or.....i wanna find a good core to start to play with

 

93-95 f-bods have the 3.4 you're looking for. Chebby bow tie block 2.8 is an aluminum on w/the better oil flow chracteristics of the gen ii/iii fwd blocks but cost around $3k

 

The grand am's were also available with the 3.4 V6.

 

That's a gen III, which is closer to what I built for my truck, which is not a direct drop in in place the gen I 2.8L.