Considering I've got a 2.8, known to be the most solid motor in the known universe, and that everything imagineable will swap over to the 3.4 I'll get someday, Why shouldn't I build up the 2.8 until it dies a natural death, and then just move all the parts over?

Assuming a natural death will involve bearings going, lack of oil and seizing, or massive overheating and blowing every gasket imaginable, which parts will be busted up?

Will my roller rockers transfer over? Will it damage the fuel system at all? Thanks for any info.

-Reno

 

Really depends on how it dies on what will be transferable. I have seen engines blow out the side, put pistons thru the top, just seize and stop to a flywheel come thru the floorboards and out the top ---- didn't happen to me thank god.... Most of the time you can count on the top on the engine to be ok... Heads are a 50/50, Most to all the covers i.e valve covers, timing chain cover ect ect will be ok, 25% of the time the moving parts will be reconditional like pistons, rods and crank, altho if yer going to a 3.4 then don't worry bout it. If i where you i would get a block and put it on a stand in the closet and build it over the course of a year. Has worked great for me and fun to do




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91 Firebird
3.1 w/ K&N filter, 160 stat, No TB heat, Direct Cold air, DynoMax CatBack, B&M MegaShifter, Performance Shift Kit, gasket matched upper and lowered intake manifold, race underDrive pullies, Splitfire plugs, 8.5mm "stock" wires, Jensen CD330X Head unit, Jensen 120watt rear speakers
Stock front speakers,

0-30mph 4.15 Best 3.98
0-60mph 9.11 Best 8.91

Now on the workbench:

Preped 3.1L bored 1mm over, forged rods, Ported and polished GM iron heads, Crane 1.6:1 rockers, PAW Cam 280/290, .443/.465, Holley Commander series fuel management system.

Slowly but surely seeking a 14.2 in the 1/4 mile N/A OR 13.5 running max 9psi boost.

 

Mine?
I had a HUGE hole in the number 1 piston!
I did the 2.8-3.4 swap.
Worth every curse word & cut & scrape!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Mine didn't actually blow up but a crank bearing "froze" onto the crank and that was at around 120,000 give or take.

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"5 out of 4 people have a problem with fractions"

My Camaro: http://home.earthlink.net/~singleton052095

 

CC, what did that do? I assume the crank bearing just spun in the journal/cap? Did that trash the block? Just curious..

Also, what the heck does it mean when someone says "it threw a rod"? Do they mean pushrod or connecting rod?


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Hi Tom,
FROM MY RECOLLECTION (Hey, I'm from the 60's),
Throwing a rod is usually out the side of the block, or out the oil pan.
VERY COOL, except for the owner of said vehicle!

Picture this--

It's like,
I need a 4 bolt main small block 350.
Why?
Well....
When was the last tiime you were driving and saw someone's crankshft lying on the street?

Throwing a rod is same thing, lot's of effort.

Usually happens drag racing or happens to an idiot (like me, driving without bottom radiator hose attached! It blew off because it wan't tightened enough).

But, the hole in my old engine piston is way cool .
I kept that as a reminder, don't be stpid with all I do. Check it twice. I assumed.

And we ALL know what assume means.

------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

"CC, what did that do? I assume the crank bearing just spun in the journal/cap? Did that trash the block? Just curious.."

Tom,
The block was fine, but the bearing cut a nice groove into the crank.

------------------
"5 out of 4 people have a problem with fractions"

My Camaro: http://home.earthlink.net/~singleton052095