I've read all your posts regarding the 3.4 long block swap with interest. The way I understand it, you kept all the 2.8 top stuff in order to slip it past emissions checks w/o undue hassles.

I don't have to deal with emissions checks. Also no state inspections of any kind (mixed blessing - there's stuff on the road down here with the doors nearly falling off). So, my ? is, what would be involved in swapping the full 3.4 into a 3rd gen? I'm assuming you'd need the ECM and wiring harness, but what about compatibility with the existing auto tranny? Would an engine/tranny combo make more sense and if so how would this affect tranny mounts, driveshaft, etc?

On a separate subject, what can you tell me about the 4.3 6's in early 90's S10 Blazer's? www.rodster.com has a pretty cool rebody that I'm considering so I'm shopping for a donor vehicle.

Thanks!

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Maroon '92 RS 3.1L AT PW PDL CC Tilt

 

Hey, 25thRS
here goes..
Involved in swapping.
Really nothing.
It will bolt in there.

BUT, how well will they work together?
That's a whole 'nother question.
Anything can be done with time and money.
These are old sayings but really true.
I kept it simple and it was done, closed the hood, hit go pedal, smiles!
The wiring would be a nightmare.
Why?
You have to rewire the dash, to accomplish what you want to do.
Why?
Dash gauges are integrated into the computer. Don't forget the "Service Engine Soon system", too, or what ever is used in the model year your computer system came from. Unless, you design this engine/computer wiring systems from scratch, you're chasing your tail.

I really do not see much difficulty in the intake and throttle body. They can be adapted, I'm sure.

My Buddy Sgt. Panther, kept the 95 3.4 oil pan and required timing chain cover, to fit in his 1989 car. One extra hole was made, to adapt his accessory bracketry.
Tranny?
I'm sure that's a slam dunk! Far as I can figure that out, slip it in there, hook up shifter cable and go. Oh, maybe weld a bracket, but, big deal. That's nothing compared to re-wiring a modern computerized car.

Some one wiser, educate us, please.

About the 4.3's
What can I throw your way of an answer?
It's the 6 of the Chevy 350, it's only a throttle body. Speed parts are common for these.
TWO deviations.....
1. Syclone/Typhon. How I WISH I had one! Turbocharged 4.3, intercooled. YES! One Typhoon, I'll be very happy
2. Bravada.
They are central port injection 4.3's making 200 HP.
I can't wait to buy a new Bravada.

4.3-They started 4.3 in I believe 1988 S-10 series models. It was an option in the passenger car line, already, and also standard engine in the Astro Vans, w/early ones, 4 bbl carbs. Was an option and eventually became standard, for many of the S-10 series models.

Does that give ya a start?

I'll pass this number for ya, give him a call and ask how much he would charge to integrate wires and computers?
800-292-1940 Ron Francis Wire Works.
One of several that may be able to give ya the real skinny on this mission you have in mind.
NOT SAYING you cannot do this.
Just, go this way, get the same result. You can always change the intakes/electrics later.

One way is a sure thing.
Ask several whom have done this swap-boogie.


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

 

What about the 4.3 that came in the Monte's? I know they were there as early as '85. I know cause my brother had one. And we know it wasn't a swap cause the first owner was a frienf who bought it new.

 

4.3-They started 4.3 in I believe 1988 S-10 series models.

It was an option in the passenger car line, already,

and also standard engine in the Astro Vans, w/early ones, 4 bbl carbs. Was an option and standard, for many of the S-10 series models.

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

 

Thanks for the feedback, KED.

 

Glad to pass it along.
I do not really know what else to suggest.
I CANNOT BLAME YA, for wanting to install the whole thing.
IF ya had a fresh pallet (a street rod, built from ground up), I'd highly endorse the idea.
BUT, the complications involved in "creating the new wiring" could really put a damp rag on your whole idea of an easy swap plan.
That's why I was happy to re-create, exactly what I started with, the "2.8" under the hood of my 1985 Firebird. The plus is, it runs like a freight train, lots of strong power and will probably pass smog, without a single question. And the damn thing starts up every day, without any weird codes, that needs a electrical engineer from GM to solve. I can problem solve, easily, as I have the 1985 computer platform to work forward from, to solve any code problems.
I really do love the look of that 3.4 intake, tho. It does look "right".
I wish I could have kept the 3.4 FI stuff and installed that on my 1985 S-10 Blazer, when I install a 3.4 in there. But, needed the bucks, so it was sold. The buyer got such a deal.
To really make your idea work, you need aplatform like I suggested, my S-10 Blazer (no computer, I have a FEDERAL VERSION-they are different than CA version) or an empty shell, like a street rod.
My plan is to junk my Blazer & get a 1973 Vega wagon & install your purchased 3.4 drivetrain. That would be such a slam dunk, slam hood mission.

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