swapping in a 3.8L questions

[tomahawk]

Okay so heres the deal. Those of us that had to settle with the 3.4 liter POS engine in our firebirds know that it sux big time. Stock that is...dont wanna piss anyone off that has a SERIOUSLY modded 3.4, even though that is what you need to do to make it move. Anyway, im swapping in a 3.8L cause at least those have a little pep in them and heres my question. is the engine stricktly plug and play into the fuse box or did the quality engineers down at the GM plant decide to change the fuse box a little? I dont have a lot of time to be splicing wires or to be re-wiring my entire car. So if all I have to do is put the new engine in and plug it in, Im golden. Otherwise I may have some problems. ANYBODY that has done this swap or anybody that has the right information for me please let me know. If its an eadsy swap I dont want to miss the opportunity to get this engine. And for you V8 guys out there....I dont have the money for an LT1, since i know that im going to get a lot of "just swap in a V8". thanks

[Mr. Luos]

I'm sorry, I can't see that being a worthwhile swap. A lot of work for not much payoff.
Save up, go LT1.

Either that....turbo the 3.4 or something.

Mind me asking what you are getting the 3.8 for pricewise?

[tomahawk]

150 from a freind that put in a LT1. Its a great deal and im probly gettring rid of the car soon. problem is the engine in my car is shot.

[Mr. Luos]

Well...I guess that cheap makes it a little different.


How many miles on the 3.8?

[tomahawk]

70k. versus the 160k on my 3.4. that and my 3.4 is all messed up. at like 4k rpm's it flatlines and wont rev anymore and wont accelerate either. after a second or two it shifts and then its fine again until 4k rpm's. quite anoyying and worse is i think its something i did when i replaced the lifters. i dont know what though because i was very percise when doing the job. i talked to a couple mechs and they said that since 3 of the lifters were collapsed, i could have worn valve springs, but im not ripping the engine apart again.

[Mr. Luos]

Well...if it bolts up, for $150, not a bad idea.

I was thinking it was going to cost more. Sure the tranny is in good shape?

[tomahawk]

ya im gettingt hat from him too. the car ran great before he pulled the engine out.

[Mr. Luos]

Hell....for $150, go for it.

[blindeyed]

Originally Posted by tomahawk

Okay so heres the deal. Those of us that had to settle with the 3.4 liter POS engine in our firebirds know that it sux big time. Stock that is...dont wanna piss anyone off that has a SERIOUSLY modded 3.4, even though that is what you need to do to make it move. Anyway, im swapping in a 3.8L cause at least those have a little pep in them and heres my question. is the engine stricktly plug and play into the fuse box or did the quality engineers down at the GM plant decide to change the fuse box a little? I dont have a lot of time to be splicing wires or to be re-wiring my entire car. So if all I have to do is put the new engine in and plug it in, Im golden. Otherwise I may have some problems. ANYBODY that has done this swap or anybody that has the right information for me please let me know. If its an eadsy swap I dont want to miss the opportunity to get this engine. And for you V8 guys out there....I dont have the money for an LT1, since i know that im going to get a lot of "just swap in a V8". thanks

Well.. first off... I have a 3.4L. It's currently stock (Borla exhaust, pacesetter headers, aluminum driveshaft are all on the way), and has almost 100K miles on her. Personally, I don't think it sucks. I like my little 3.4. I take care of it, and it takes care of me. As for your swap.. if your friend only want's $150 for the engine and tranny... then as Mr. Luos suggested, go for it. Just be sure to get the ECM and wiring harness as well. As the one with the 3.4 is completely different from the 3.8's.

[tomahawk]

ya i figured that the wiring was different, i am just hoping that it plugs into my fuse box with no problems. but i guess if it doesnt i can change that out too...it just takes a little more time.