My 1995 3.4l camaro's engine is gone. So i was thinking of putting in the L36for a little extra power instead of another 3.4. Would it be an easy swap or would it not be worth the effort and money?

 

You will need a new PCM and engine wiringharness, engine, not sure if tranny is same bolt pattern or not, I know the fans are different (3.4 = one fan; 3.8 = 2 fans), maybe new motor mounts, new exhaust manifold, and maybe new y-pipe. To keep PCM and Service engine soon light happy you will need O2 sensors to monitor the cat. I have never driven a 3.4, so I cannot tell you whether it would be worth the time and effort. From what I understand though, the 3.4 is a significant amount slower than the 3.8. I can't think of anymore on the list, but I am sure I missed something.

 

The 3.8 is a more potent engine, but not so much so that it would be worth all the time, money, and difficulty of work in my opinion. For ease of work, I would get another 3.4, do a basic rebuild on it (gaskets and such) and put the proper engine back in. But the 3.8 can be swapped in, just be prepared to open your wallet (as is the case with most engine swaps).

 

'95s had both 3.4 & 3.8 engines, so the swap can't be all THAT bad in retrospect, I had my 3.4 replaced with another of the same under an extended warranty, and if I could have backtracked, I would have absolutely have switched to the 3.8. My recommendation is if this is your daily driver than goto the 3.8, you will be happy you did I would go with a reman engine to save on costs just make sure the oil pan is not pitting from sitting with oil in it in a yard...

On another note, I would HIGHLY recommend getting an Extended Warranty for your Camaro (usually you can only get them if you are below 100k mi., but sometimes more) mine have more than paid for themselves over their life! Check out http://www.mrclaims.net for one

 

Also, when you say your engine is "gone", have you uncovered just why it is bad? It may be an easier fix than you think... Have you had it analyzed by a shop w/proper diagnostic equipment?

 

95 also had an LT1, so whats your point?

 

I would say if he wants and LT1, just get a different car, as the differences from 3.4 to 3.8 Camaros are less than 3.4 to LT1, AFAIK.

 

Screw it i didn't want to because it's to much trouble but i'll work on the engine myself I am getting time off from school anways and am finishing off the hardest class i have Microbiology so i should have free time once the holidays come in. I can probably save it and probably mod it for the hell of it with the money i saved.

 

Choose your own adventure, but what engine problems are you having?

 

this seems like a waste of time and money, you might as well drop in a lt1.Or just get another 3.4 to drop in easier