I'm researching putting a modern motor in an MGB, and the simplest swap appears to be the Generation I GM 3.4L L34 60° V6 from a '93-95 V6 Camaro due in no small part to the existence of a kit that takes care of most fabrication.

I'm finding it difficult to source one, much less one that is turn-key ready to go. They're all 20+ year-old motors at this point, and I'm trying to see if there is a drop-in replacement.

Are there any modern motors that bolt in place of the L34? The goal is to get a more modern powerplant with as little increase in effort as possible.

 

sorry but no, bolt patterns are close to a small block chev v8, no kits for the 3.8?

 

The 3.4 in the 4 gen Camaro was actually the end of the life cycle for the 2.8 that started in the early 80's. The 2.8, 2.8 HO , 2.8 MPFI, 3.1 MPFI then the 3.4. The early version were very weak but the 3.4 is an all forged bottom end. This whole family of engines have been very difficult to improve because of a fundamental design issue in the heads. You can't call it a design flaw since they work good in their stock configuration. Since this family is a 60 deg V6 it has less width then 90 degree 3.8 or the V8. Somewhere around 1986 the FWD versions and the RWD versions split. Most of the development that went into the FWD version never made it into the RWD versions. So when you call the 3.4 from the Camaro a generation 1 I think you are confusing it with the 3.4 from the FWD.

The only 60 degree V6 rear wheel drive car I can think of is the Pontiac G8 base model. This is a Holden / Australian 3.6 built 13 year after the last Camaro 3.4 so I kind of doubt they have anything in common but you may want to look into it.

IMO making motor mounts is not difficult, You just need someone that can weld and you need to know how to setup up drive line angle. I am sure youtube can teach to do the angles. All you need is a 4 inch grinder with a cut off wheel some scape metal, get a cheap welder and tack the motor mount together. Tacking requires no skill or practice and you can lean that on youtube. Then just take the mounts Pro welder. I got luck on one car I did, I got the junk yard to cut the frame mounts off the frame of a donor car with some extra metal, then I just bolted them in the swap car. Later I just used body shims to get the angle spot on.

The 3800 would be an awesome motor if you can get it to fit. While on paper the 3800 is only 15 more HP then the 3.4 the reality is that the 3800 make a much strong torque curve at the lower RPMs. Something that would feel very fast in a light car. The 3800 outside dimension was unchanged all the way to 2009 and yes unlike the 3.4 the 3800 FWD and RWD are the same engine and mounting point on the block.

 

2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5 and 3.9 share the same bellhousing bolt pattern. So in essence, you should be able to bolt up a 240 h.p. 3.9 like from a Pontiac G6 or Chevy Impala/Malibu/Monte Carlo. As far as transmission compatibility beyond the bellhousing pattern itself, you'll have to research that.

 

The 3800 Also

The FWD 60 deg block have no way to bolt motor mounts on the sides. The mounts of the FWD are on the Trans, the head and the under the timing chain cover.

 

<br /><br />I was sticking with the 60 degree blocks, a 90 degree 3.8 might be a bit of a tight squeeze in there. Then he might as well cram in a V-8, looks like there's enough forward space! <br />As far as mounts, there may be a creative way to fab a front of engine to frame rail mount bracket.

 

Here is the details on the V8 swap,
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...72-mgb-gt.html

Seems like a lot of work. I can see his point. I also assume since he is asking that he is looking for a quick bolt in low budget build not a in depth project. Cheapest fastest way to do it may be a remanufactured 3.4. He could buy a running 3.4 and get the swap done then later swap in the remanufactured 3.4.
https://www.powertrainproducts.net/C...GINE-p/936.htm

Anyone know of any other GM 60 deg V6 RWD? I assume a low miles engine /trans. PCM and harness would be pricey out of a G8.

I have a friend who races these cars, I think he runs a CZ 4 cylinder (which I know nothing about) he says they output a little over 300 hp to the wheels. They are crazy fast. He has been looking at the LS1 since they are only about 50 lbs more then the 4 cylinder he runs and way cheaper. His cars are track only.

 

Sure would be a lot of fun with an LS though. I have a friend who has a little Pontiac Solstice with an LS7 swapped in, crazy fast car he uses for autocross.