First post here, sorry but I'm not a chevy guy but my son likes Camaros. He asked for a Camaro for his first car. I founda '94 3.4 v6 with a blown headgasket. At least that is what the seller insisted was wrong with it. so Itore the motor down and in my excitment Itook the heads to a machine shop. Now that I have all the parts and the heads back from the engine shop I go to put it back together and I found asmall crack in the block!! Yeah I know I screwed up but now I need to know what the best direction to go is? 305, 350, 4.3another 3.4? My thoughts are either a 305 or 350 but will the tranny bolt right up to these blocks? And if I go carberated what do I need to do with all the wiring? What is a good web sight? I'm not too worried about my son driving around aV8. ADVICE PLEASE.

 

Bellhousing is different for 3.4 to V8. Easiest way is to find a donor car for swapping to a V8, or just fi nd another V6 to dro p in. Chevrolet used the m in all sorts of cars.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...using_patterns

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_60-Degree_V6_engine

 

If I go with a V8 do I need to change the tranny too or just the bell housing? I will probably look for a 3.4 V6, but if I come across a V8...why not. Is a swap straight forward or is it complicated, that I should have a donor car? I'm a shade tree mechanic thatdoes all of my ownwork on cars but I've never swapped in a different engine in a car what does it take to make the V8 swap in one of these?

 

v6 and v8 automatic trans are the same (460le) im almost positive.

 

The transmission may be the same but the case is not. V6's are a metric bellhousing whe re a small block chevy is not. The bellhousing/case is all one piece. If it's a manual it might work with a different bellhousing not sure on the length of the in put shaft but if it will work the 5 speed won't live long behind a V8, why they didn't us e it.

You will have to install a V8 Transmission. If you plan on running the electronics the n hav ing a donor car is going to be a must, if you plan on just making it run then you can make any SB chevy/transmission work.

 

If you were to do an engine swap your best bet would be to either find a donor car or sell the one you have and buy one with the v8 already in it. Off the top of my head I know you would at least have to change the position of the motor mounts, new radiator, E.C.M., and possibly the K-member. It really depends on how much trouble you want to go through. If you got a new 3.4 block you could still do some upgrades to get more power out of it. Comp Cams makes a cam for this application that is a good upgrade over the stock one (part# 16-115-4). It all just depends how much time, money, and effort you want to put in to the car.

 

If you want to keep a 3.4, I would haveyour block looked at. Cast iron can be repaired, and you may befortunate enoughsince you have a "small" crack.

 

After closer examination I'venarrowed my choicesto put another 3.4 in it or buy another Camaro.(that not so "small" crack has thecylinder wallpushed into cyl #6). A V8 is too much work for the money. I can buy a Camaro with a V8 in it for the effort and time required. I can street polish the heads and port match them and that will help a little but I have to remember although my son is a good driver he is still 16 and he can buy his own V8 Camaro when he is older. Thanks for the replies, I will look into a Comp Cam. Any other little things I can do and should do while the engine is out? It seems like every time I do something major to a car someone sayes "you should have done this" now is your oppurtunity. Thanks ifor the relies and advice.

 

Ended up buying an "89 IROC with a 305. It has some issues but it runs.
Kinda: https://camaroforums.com/m_236922/mp.../tm.htm#236922

I have the '94 up for sale.$600 firm. I can put a 3.4engine in it this winter if it dosen't sell for $600.

 

this case if you swap the engine is not difficult is the same body go for a v8 make sure it comes with the pcm and all the harnesses that come with it should be easy.