3.4 front wheel drive engine work in rear wheel

[dboerst]

I got a great deal on a 3.4 front wheel drive engine and want to install in a 1966 Datsun roadster. I have a t-5 5 speed tranny and was wondering is it possible to use this engine for rear wheel drive? On the deal I got a 454 but I don't think that will fit......This is my first post. Any info will be greatly appreciated!

[caffeine]

Yes it's possible. The most common method is to use a RWD 2.8/3.1/3.4 timing cover/water pump/balancer and flip the lower/upper intakes 180*. Some minor mods to the timing cover are necessary. It can be run with an OBD1 or OBD2 PCM.

[caffeine]

The most ideal T5 to use IMO is a mustang T5 with a 94-95 S10/Sonoma bellhousing. Another option is the F-body 3.8 bellhousing/trans.

If you use an earlier bellhousing/trans you will need to cut some material away to clear the FWD starter location. A friend did this on his truck and it was fine.

[dboerst]

The most ideal T5 to use IMO is a mustang T5 with a 94-95 S10/Sonoma bellhousing. Another option is the F-body 3.8 bellhousing/trans.

If you use an earlier bellhousing/trans you will need to cut some material away to clear the FWD starter location. A friend did this on his truck and it was fine.

Thanks for the information. Do you know if it is possible to get a real 250 to 300 hp out of a 3.4? I know zero about V6 engines. Small block guy but with todays' gas prices, 2 cylinders less seems possibly the way to go.

[caffeine]

Yes but how far are you wanting to go with building it?

[dboerst]

Yes but how far are you wanting to go with building it?

Engine is going into a Datsun 1600 roadster body. Size of a MGB. Are there factory hi-po heads? I figure equal length headers, after market intake, forged pistons-if available. Was there a turbo ever produced for a 2.8-3.4 V6? I have a shortened 9in ford rear end with 4:11 gears. Any ideas on a somewhat of a budget?

[caffeine]

A turbo will easily get you to 300 hp and more. Best flowing heads/intakes from the factory are from the 3500. There are forged pistons available but unless you're going for high compression you don't need them for 300hp.

[dboerst]

Thanks for the info do you know the casting #s of the 3500 heads you are talking about? What car would I be looking for to find the engine you have mentioned? I really appreciate your input!

[caffeine]

04-06 Malibu, 05-06 G6, 05-06 Uplander/Montana/Relay, and some others

[Guest]

Always great to see more Datsuns.

Have any pictures?

Here's mine:



Currently has a turbo L28 (N/A version, running GM EFI, including DIS), I do have a 3500 that will be going in it eventually.

[BMC]

Sounds like a neat project. There are tons of 3.4L RWD engines in MGBs and a few of the 3400 engines as well. I am a frequent poster on another website for MGs that has plenty of discussion about said engine swaps. The car will be VERY fast even with just a stock V6. The 1600 and the MGB are both very light cars and it doesn't take much to make them very quick.

-BMC.