i am contemplating getting the 2.8 to 3.1 stroker kit from ARI that was posted a while ago or getting a crate 3.4. which would u guys do. the stroker says it will give me 160+hp. i would get it bored .40 over and get the crane cam and 1.6 rockers plus my mods should add up to about 170hp. plus that would make my block stronger to mabey run NOS in the future. OR... i can buy a 3.4 crate engine and have 160 hp right on tap.what would u do. how much would it cost for me to get the stroker kit cost to get installed and the engine bored over. the kit only costs 450.00. BTW, my hopes are to run a high 15 with the stroker,cam,bore,rockers,pullies,flows,chip, am i way off by thinking i can do this.

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1987 pontaic firebird
2.8 liter v6,5 speed, hurst shifter,rapid fire plugs,borg warner wires,160 degree thermo,K&N,polished plenum,custom exhaust,modded air box,american racing wheels,3"tach,autogauge gauges,run with no spare tire,grant challenger steering wheel,firebird floor mats

pics at:http://www.gatherround.com/u114277a116822passs.invt
then click on guest view under pic #5.

 

3.4, no question. Bliss is spelled T-O-R-Q-U-E. Remember...there's no substitute for cubic inches.

I learned this again for the first time the first time I opened up the '97

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Jason E

'89 Camaro RS
Medium Grey Metallic
2.8, A4, T-tops, 91k miles

'97 Z28 w/30th Anniversary package
LT1, M6, t-tops
White with orange stripes, killer system, 42k miles

Speed Kills...Wanna live forever? Drive a Ford.
Long Live #3...

 

I would get the KIT and forget the 3.4.... With those MODS 15's would be easy.... I like the 3.4, but something about woprking with waht ya got and matching numbers is what I would do. This is just me, I know the 3.4 is nice, but doing the stroker kit would be more unique...

 

I totally agree with what Brian has said. However, there is also something to be said for a car that has a stroker kit. It may be the original BLOCK, but nothing else is. If you're gonna dump serious $$ into a V6, sometimes it nice to get the max bang for the buck. And in this arena, again, bigger is better in my opinion.

 

well, once i start schooling to become a GM mechanic in September, I am gonna start the build up of a 3.4

so my vote is for a 3.4


this way you can keep your original block stock2

 

Actually, I'd say to ignore the kit, and turn the decision into "rebuild the 2.8 or get a GM 3.4". The 3.1 has a narrower powerband since it's a stroked motor. If you want a 3.1, get a junkyard 3.1 and rebuild it. You'll do it for less than that company wanted for the "stroked 2.8" kit- and you'll probably get better results.


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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!

 

3.4
Cost me $800
Was done witin a month of swapping.
Ruined tranny, so much instant torque.
Rebuild tranny now, then get arunning 3.4 from the yard.
Then sell left over parts for gas money or tires.
Whatever strokes ya.
These cars will not care about numbers matching.
Looking right & running strong for little dough is where it's at.

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

 

KED85 is right about getting a bone yard 3.4. I found one with about 25,000 miles on it from a 95 Camaro for $350. Put it in if your on a budget and then rebuild it when you have the $$ saved. I went the rebuild route so that I can create a motor to my specs. The GMPP 3.4L is ok for a standard replacement, but not worth it when you want to add serious nitrous or a blower.