Iwas wondering about swapping my 2.8 for the 3.4L. My question is will I be happy with the performance. I can't decide whether or not to use the fuel injection or go with edelbrocks performer upgrade kit, new intake, cam, 500cfm carb. i also want to through in a 5speed while i have everything out. Any advise is helpful!

 

Do you have the 82-84 F Body?
https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/001462.html
That will be $.05 please!

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

 

All the v6 3rd gen guys seem to like thiers although I am very disapointed with the soposedly HO 3.4 crate engine that resides in my s10 blazer.
BTW do you have a link to that performer upgrade kit? Im very interested!
SSC

[This message has been edited by SSC (edited July 11, 2001).]

 

So that's what ya got!
I'm gonna do a 3.4 under my Blazer, too.
Have you rebuilt the distributor & carb yet?
Get a spare intake and modify it for a Holley 2-bbl (500CFM). That's what I'm gonna do.
You running headers?
These 3.4's really SING with Fuel Injection set ups.
The performance up grade is what ya already have.
It consists of the headers (I aksed earlier) and the intake (it's a 2 piece). The factory 2.8 Carb intake is the same thing.
The 3.4 cam is way better than the edelb. stuff.
You need ignition and exhaust & air intake set up.
You running a K & N, have the hose at the radiator support?
You need more air into the engine. Drill lots of holes for that extra air. That'll take care of lots of troubles.
How is your distributor? Rebuild it for more help and get a 140008 Accel coil and new plug wires for more spark.
You should be one happy person!

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

 

Yep 3.4 blazer, 2; 3rd gens a nice 76 chevy show truck and a 56 buick .
The blazer is TBI with a stage 2 Jet chip free flowing exhaust also just recently did the ultimate TBI fuel pressure mod distributor is set to 8deg. Im not very happy with the 2000$ 3.4 other than the fact that It can haul the 4 wheeler around alot easyer than the 2.8 but other than that no real power. Ahh one day I'll get it poping wheelies
SSC

 

You slipped that under a TBI set up?
And it does not perform that well?
In what way?

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

 

Well Im my case there is no real performance increase compared to a very well mantanied 2.8. My friends father owns the same year blazer and only has 36000 miles on it and it runs stronger. I dunno what the deal is at the end of the month im going to pull it down and recheck everthing out to see why it lacks Ballz. Every one else seems to love the crap out of the 3.4 the s10 board is buzzing about the increase of power. I dunno maybe im just spoiled by driving V8s too much and expected v8 like performance out of the 3.4.
SSC

 

That's what my friend said with my swap.
Why would anyone want a V-8?
How is your ignition?
Was that rebuilt?

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

 

Well my father was one of the first "for real" to swap a SB 400 into an s10 blazer 2 months after they introduced the s10 blazer he stuffed a 400 in one and even kept the ac working. But then I dident want to tackle that job and I sure dident want to pay $$$$$$ to have my dad do it, But it would have rocked to do it to mine!
The ignition is stock but recently replaced according to the "how to" sheet that GM "hence en mexico" the ignition dident need to be replaced with a HO unit for the swap just the pan timing cover and valve covers and I would be ready to rumble. Im really thinking the no cat and turbo tube split to duals could be robbing the 6 of power, but then again there guys over at the s10 board who run this same type of exhaust with no problems at all. So Im really thinking I should have checked the timing mark on the chain It feels like it could be off a couple teeth, hence ther might be a timing or ignition problem.
But anyway Ked what would you suggest for ignition? I would like to think its somthing dumb like that, It would save an afternoon of teardown.

Little E, sorry for using you post for topic non related to yours please forgive and understand.
SSC

 

Kinda doubt if the timing chain is off a tooth IF YA GOT THE ENGINE FROM GM.
AND, I once had timing chain installed off a tooth and it wouldn't start.
Ignition.
I use Accel 8mm wires
Really any GOOD wires work fine.
I used an Accel 140008 coil. It had over 100,000 miles & I need it for my Firebird as it had complete ignition failure. So, on my Blazer, I resorted to using the original coil on the passenger side (I originally left is there, over 10 years ago, when I got the Accel coil for it, back then).
BUT, HERE'S WHAT YA DO!
Go get a distrb. spring advance kit from anyone.
Use the springs, not the weights.
I threw in the heavy springs, kept the weights opened all the time.
I RECENTLY JUST REBUILT MY Distb.
I discovered my advance was history. It's the same advance as a Small Block Chevy (really! I matched it up to a HEI unit on sales floor of Kragen with V-8 distb). I pulled distb. apart, got a new internal coil unit on the shaft, used old modular, cleaned, lubed, put it back together. It's ready to go in.
NOW the carb.
I am rebuilding/having it rebuilt.
My carb is 211,500 miles. New bushing for the primary throttle shaft. Everythign else, cleaned up. I saw/found so much dirt, etc, I couldn't believe this damn truck ran & PASSED CA SMOG! My choke pots are shot, but, I'm not replacing them now (It's $80 for both, not in my budget!). That's what I'm doing to mine.
Your distb needs an over haul, your plug wires sound like they need to be replaced and you could have a very weak exhaust system.
I am using a 2 1/2" in-n-out cat convertor & a two chamber (I can't stand it anymore-get a three chamber!) flowmater, exiting to two two inch pipes (for a V-8 exhaust look).
THAT EXHAUST REALLY PERKED UP THE 2.8 WHEN I GOT IT GOING (back in the 80's/90's).
I think your package needs help with spark, air coming in (carb/air cleaner set up, you have a K & N in there?) and clogged/worn exhaust.
Let us know or me off line & I"ll clue ya in, what's & wheres.
Once had a cop pull me over from "speeding" from a traffic light.
He wanted to know how I went from 0-50 SO FAST! He owned a Blazer like mine & his was a DOG!). I explained, he was stunned, still gave me a tickert, but, oh well! I impressed a cop, I was proud!

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

 

Anyone know what other cars had the 3.4/RWD setup?
My 2.8 is running rough (lots of KM's) & I'm just getting fed up with it... time for a 3.4 swap!
I know the early 4th gens used the 3.4 but what about Monte's (Regals, Cutlass' etc)?

[This message has been edited by CanadianCamaro (edited July 13, 2001).]

 

Dont bother looking at the Regals and Cutlass's for a swap engine, those were the worthles Buick 3.8's. Unless you can find a wrecked Buick T-type (turbo).

I've heard good things about upgrading to the 3.4. But those I've heard about so far have been used in Jeep Cherokees that came with the 2.8. Better torque seems to be the best feature, which is half the battle to get the vehicle moving.

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Ya can't have too many fast Chevys!

[This message has been edited by CHVYPWR (edited July 13, 2001).]

 

The ones you want are from 1993-1995 model years. In 1995 model, they switched to the 3.8 V-6, 1/2 way thru.
I got a 1995 engine with 40,000 miles. LOVE IT! Killed my tranny!
Wish I was wrapping up another 3.4 swap right now.
I just set valves on my 211,500 mile 2.8 1985 S-10 Blazer with the swapped MPFI heads.
Highest compression reading I got was close to 100. Rest were 70-80. I know, but, it'll move right now, that all I care about.

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