Looking for peoples input on a possiable swap

[Sh3aNz0r]

Before the flaming starts, i would like to say i am just getting ideas at the time being.

At the end of the summer, i purchased a 1992 Grand Prix GTP 5 speed 3.4DOHC.
I got the car cheap because the motor is shot and the pistons are slapping the head.

the car is fairly clean inside and out for a 92, and i would like to make a light sleeper of it. the problem i am having is i don't know what motor to put into it. everyone i talk to says the gen1 DOCH motors are crap and not worth rebuilding/replacing. so im left with a decision to make.

now for the sake of cost, and the desire to just get the car mobile for now, i was going to swap a 3800 N/A into the car, from a 1994 Buick Regal that i own, but im now thinking that probably wont even bolt up due to being a 90* motor.

at this time i am just looking for some guidance before i dive head first into this thing, tear my Buick apart, and find out its not possible. also, i know the GTP is equipped with a Getrag 284 HD transmission, and the tranny is good because i have driven the car with the pistons slapping and it still moves fine.

clutch, flywheel, throwout bearing and fork were replaced before i got the car, also gear linkage cables have all been replaced.

im just looking into what my options are for engines, and wondering if the 90 would fit as well, i know this is not a 90* site, but i know one of you has the answer to my question, and since the car may go 60* again anyways, i would like everyones input and ideas on the best way to go and if someone can advise if the 3800 would work with that tranny or not, without flaming or complaining i would appreciate it.

Thanx
Brandon

1992 Grand Prix GTP 5-Speed 284
1994 Grand Prix SE B4U
1996 Grand Prix SE B4U
1994 Flat Black Buick Regal
2006 Cobalt SS S/C

[RedBird]

i would find a nice DOHC motor and put it in there, just for the fact that foctory 5 speed DOHC cars are really rare.... dont need to go fudging that up with a junk 90* motor

but to answer your question, yes, the 284 would bolt up to the 3800, i dunno if you'd need to do anything with the flywheel and stuff, i know with a 282 you need a custom machined camaro flywheel to put it on a 3800......

[Sh3aNz0r]

all i know is i want the car to eventually run low 13's, which is very possible, i know expensive, but thats what i want.

im just looking for a decent motor to start with, everything i have heard though says the 3.4 DOHC's are all crap. what are the major flaws of the 3.4?

[3100 MPFI]

The only real flaws with the 3.4 is it is hard to work on, and it is heavier than the pushrods, but just so you know, the 3800 weighs MORE than the 3.4 DOHC.

I recently bought a 1995 Cutlass Supreme with the 3.4 DOHC for only $300 because it had a knocking engine. I want to fix it, and drive it like it is (the interior and exterior are actually in REALLY good shape). My problem is that I don't have an engine lift right now, and you kinda need one to get the engine out. I know a lot of people drove the whole cradle to get the engine out, but that is not an option for me. Once the engine is out, I still need to be able to move the car around.

In all honesty, and in my opinion, the 3800 has more flaws than the 3.4

About a year ago, I did some number crunching, and if you are going n/a to n/a engines, the 3.4 DOHC is really the most effecient engine that GM offered in these cars. It weighs less than the 3800, but makes

1994 BUICK REGAL 3800: 170 HP, and 225 TQ

1992 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX: 210 HP and 215 TQ

The 3.4 will give you more horsepower, but only a little less grunt than the 3800 has.

I don't care for the 3.4 DOHC myself, but that is because I like the ease of working on my 3100. In all honesty, if I was going to replace my 3.4 DOHC (which I am NOT), I would look for a 3400, or 3500. I decided that since I tend to trash the 3.4 DOHC so much, I might as well own one for a while, and see what people find so enthralling about them (so far, I am NOT enthralled with it, but maybe after it runs that will change).

[Sh3aNz0r]

my plans arn't to keep it a 3800 n/a though, i was thinking SC, but for now to get her mobile and prove to my self its possiable, before i go and drop 2+ grand on a motor and parts, i was going to do it the cheaper way first since i already own all the parts to do it. i am having a hell of a time finding any 60* DOHC 1gen motors that are running let alone well.

[montess408]

if i we you i would put a good reliable 3400 or 3400/3500 hybrid and then you have reliabilty with all kinds of power and less weight!!

[RedBird]

as said, the only real flaws i know of are the fact that it's a decent sized motor, so working on them is difficult, and you'll want to change the timing belt every 60k or so. beside that i havent heard much bad. never driven one but i'd liek to, i think it'd be a fun motor

[3100 MPFI]

doing the 3800 swap is not impossibe. There is a site for it. If you are more interested in that engine, then you need to go to l67swap.com. They do the buick engine thing over there.

[Superdave]

If youre willing to boost a 3800.. why not boost the DOHC?

Some taller cams and a little porting would go a long ways on a 3.4...

[TazMan]

Where do you live? I know there was someone on this forum near me in Staten Island selling a 3.4 DOHC crate motor with 10,000 K on it for cheap not too long ago.

[ForcedFirebird]

3500 is more powerful/lighter then the 3800. Do you think we are partial here to the 60*'s?

[Superdave]

3500 is more powerful/lighter then the 3800. Do you think we are partial here to the 60*'s?

Now, if there was only a way to build a 3500/DOHC hybrid


screw all that, just grab a 3.6 DOHC.. IIRC there is a stock turbo kit that bolts to it from a european version of the engine which should make some crazy power.

[ForcedFirebird]

Now, if there was only a way to build a 3500/DOHC hybrid


screw all that, just grab a 3.6 DOHC.. IIRC there is a stock turbo kit that bolts to it from a european version of the engine which should make some crazy power.

I agree, but simplicity and price, the 3500 is a good option.