So i have read a lot of different things on the internet on this swap. Every thing from people saying its just as hard as a SBC swap (cant understand that) to guys saying its strait forward and basically a bolt in?

So what is the truth about this swap for the 3rd gen.
What i know so far
If your using it on a FI engine you will need a custom chip but not sure who would make one.
The front timing cover will have to be changed over to run the water pump.
You can use the 2.8 heads and for some reason increase power (not sure of the advantage)

Can you use the 2.8/3.1 ECU?
Can you use the manifold/header from the 2.8/3.1?


So why am i looking at a 3.4 swap. Well it might be going into my moms old 89 firebird that i am trying to clean up with 230000 on the stock 2.8L. I have considered just swaping a LT1 into it but to me it just doesn't need that much power and i am focusing more on restoring the body and inside. I also like the fact i can keep the V6 transmission and from what i am reading most if not all of the factory wiring.

Any info would be great since i am not very knowledgeable about this swap and want to get a good idea of what i am getting into.

 

The 3.4 is a stroked version of the 2.8, and should fit right in as long as it came from a rear drive application. The ECM will also work, but the Memcal chip will have to be replaced with the one for a 3.4. Check the injector rate, if the 3.4 uses a higher rate injectors, you should change them out. Don't use a front drive version as those blocks do not have provisions for motor mounts.

 

Thanks for the info and clarification on that.

So do you have to brake open the ECU and replace memcal chip or just replace the ECU its self.

I would expect the 3.4 to have bigger injectors due to the bigger displacement but i will have to do some research.

I am assuming the 2.8 heads are preferred over the 3.4s do to smaller chambers up top so you get a little more compression?

 

Just open the small door on the ECU and replace the chip. I am not sure if the heads may or may not have different size chambers, but factories usually adjust compression by using the proper piston, which is cheaper than producing different heads.