G.T. Fieros

Now that the Karmann Ghia project is nearing completion, it's time to take a good hard look at Blu's future. Not a worry as NO we are not parting ways. I figure I'll be working on updates for both as the years go by so why not drive one and work on the other from year to year.

#1 issue and rather at hand is looking for advice on an engine swap. Quite happy with the 2.8 as sounds quite snarly with the Zorro exhaust, it will burn out if I coax it a bit, all the while making me feel like I'm potentially gonna lose my licence until I look down an realize I am doing the speed limit. It's a 5-speed Getrag.

A 2000 Alero with a 3.4 has essentially dropped in my lap. Methinks Blu's 2.8 has been rebuilt at some point in its life, it may already be a pushrod 3.4 as there are a couple of engine mount "signs" that things are not 100% stock. I'm going to crawl underneath next weekend and see if I can grab a serial number. As such I haven't a clue as to Km's. Blu's got 250kms on the plate. Lets though assume both engines have roughly 150kms. Blu is starting to give me a "puff" when I start her on a humid day.

Questions:
Is it worth the swap?
What parts would I need from the Alero?
Are there additional parts I would need for the conversion?
Should I just do a tender-bits electrical update and be done with it?

I'm really looking for a update in technology with years of support rather than an increase in performance. I was contemplating an ecotec swap for a neater looking engine bay but concerns of no snarl or lowering torque have steered me away.

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Brian
88 GT - 'Ol Blu

It's an '80s car, ya gotta have the 'snarl factor'!

I'm all for the 3400 engine but do you know the history of it? how many km's on the motor? Has the intake gasket ever been changed? Have to pull a valve cover off to see what colour is underneath it. I know how to install them too Next time my motor comes out, going OBD II. Fellow Fiero owner has acquired the programming for the computer. I can PM you a list later on what's involved with the swap. Just a little exhausted right now to get into details.

Do you have A/C? and are you auto or manual?

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Forum Admin
87 GT 3400 Green
88T-top: WIP

I'm a 5-speed getrag now, but the Alero is a 4-speed auto. I'll be keeping with the 5-speed. A/C on both but this time round will be omitting all my lines & simplifying my control panel. Don't use the car for any commuting role.

I know the history of the car & motor for the past 5 years. Not sure about any work being done on it prior to that, but for the past 80kms of its 150kms life it has been performing without a hiccup. Before installing though I'd probably do the rings & valves and grab a gasket kit.

And ya, ODB2 would be nice.

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Brian
88 GT - 'Ol Blu

If I remember correctly 2004 (3400) models and later had the GM Factory installed FELPRO type gasket upgrade to rectify the lower intake manifold leaking problem. any earlier model year is suspect{ ie: a 2000}