Hey guys, im new here and gotta couple of questions.

1)Ive heard people talking about swapping LS1's and so forth. What exactly are they? and how much is this swap?

2)http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=64963
This guy claims that GM restricted the 3.4l to keep the v8's as hp king. He also says you could 'unleash' the potential in these engines by changing the cylinder heads and P&P them. How much does porting and polishing cost? and what kind of gains could someone expect?

3) Also. Is the 3.8l that much faster than the 3.4l? And if the 3.4l motor dies, can you just drop in a 3.8l? (mine is 158k+ now)

Thanks!

 

1. An LS1 is the 5.7L V8 used in the 1998-2002 Z28 and SS Camaros. To buy a crate LS1 and install it would cost more than it would to just buy a newer Camaro. (and a V6 Camaro with a V8 dropped in would NOT perform as well as a car that had a V8 to begin with)

If you can find a used one it might be a better deal- but you'd still have issues and it'd probably be wiser to just look for something that started with a V8.

2. Gonna let someone else tackle this- I'm not big on modding myself.

3. It is faster by quite a bit, a second or two in the quarter at least, although I would just say if the 3.4 dies, you should be looking at another car.

Others might have different thoughts but that's my 2 cents.

Welcome aboard~

 

The 3.8 would not be a direct drop in. Like Ebony said, you'd be better off getting a new car, or a new 3.4 should yours decided to no longer reder it's services. I didn't read where he got heads P&P, just that he said the head he had gotten flowed more than some that had been P&P. He mentioned gains in the article.

 

any idea how much that P&P would cost?

 

Wouldn't be cheap. If you are looking to build a fast, inexpensive and reliable car the 3.4L wasn't necessarily the best choice, especially with higher mileage. Musicman has a 3.4 i believe and he has spent some good money on his or atleast plans to.

 

His is a '96- it's the 3.8.

 

oh I thought he had a 3.4... well never mind then.

 

I have a 3.4 with almost 180xxx and a buddy of mine has a 3.4 with 240xxx. If you take care of it, you wont need to worry about having to swap or buy a new car. The 3800 does make more power and is not a direct drop in replacement of the 3.4. Wiring is different and the mounts are different if I'm not mistaken. IF your 3.4 does die, you'd be best off getting a new car.

 

These cars are engine specific and there is no easy swap. If you are going to put ANY engine other than the one the factory put in you will need a doner car that still has EVERYTHING, wiring, dash, fuel lines, brake lines etc. I have been involved in a 96 3.8L to 2000 LS1 swap and the V6 car performes exactly the same as the 2000 did before it got wrecked. The swap took a couple of weeks, alot of hours and if it was not for the totaled doner car it would never have worked out. Even the heater box is different and not interchangable.

Having heads P&P you would need to call your local machine shop or speed shop and ask them. It it a very time consuming process and the labor is pretty high in most cases. If you have the skills and a die grinder you may be able to save some money but if you dont get them all ported the same the flow will be off and your engine will not run smooth. 3.4L engines are basicly a punched out 2.8L, they are not that great but if maintained properly will give you a long service life. The V6 Camaros are more of a cruiser than a racer. If you want a racecar then get a LS1 or LT1 camaro and start big.

Massey

 

the 3.4 is not as gloriful as who ever this guy is made it sound.... with a port and polish you can release alot of power from anything,,, but the only thing yous be doing is pushing yourself ahead of the 3.8 instead of behind it, youd still be far off from the 5.7
~ Dont try swapping, no offense but i can tell youre not experienced enough

~ 3.8 is quite a bit faster, i think my 3.4 had a little more torque just from sqrewing around with friends back in the day, but nope cant swap a 3.8 right in.... keep youre 3.4 until you can afford an Lt1 or Ls1 Thats what i did