3400 in RWD config

[nathan_acree]

Hello all,

I am currently working on swapping a 3.4L from a 95 Camaro into an Opel GT, but I would really like to use one of the later 3400 engines (say from a Grand Am etc)

How feasable is it to use one of the later motors in a RWD configuration?

Anyone convert one of these motors to use a 5speed tranny (say a T-5 from an S-10)

Any information would be appreciated.

Nathan Acree

[sharkey]

you would need to build custom mounts for it for sure. the starter on the fwd is on the oposite side of the rwd, so you would have to redrill the starter holes and use a rwd starter.

im not farmiliar with the opel gt. what motor is in it stock??? i know its australian, so what is it equivilent to in north american gm???

what you could always do is make a 3.4l/3400 hybrid. basicly use the 3.4l block with the 3400 rods and pistons, and use the 3400 top end. it pretty well would be like using the 3400 motor, but you can use any aftermarket cam, and you dont have starter issues and possibly would solve mounting issues.

the 2.8l were backed with a t5 tranny in the early s series trucks, so you will be able to use the tranny, bellhousing, clutch and flywheel. be advised though, any pre 88 60 degree v6 is externaly balanced, and anything 88+ is internaly balanced, so makse sure you get a flywheel that will work with your motor.

afterthought: the camaro came with a t5 behind the 3.4l, so you could just use all that stuff from a camaro.

[SappySE107]

There are some bellhousings with both start locations built in. Not sure on the space you will have in your opel, nor do I know exactly what trans they are. Its came up before and I know rebelgt knows what to look for as he is doing a RWD 3.4 DOHC setup.

[Quintin66]

The 3400 doesn't have enough stock on the farside of the block to just re-drill the starter holes, not on my 99 3400 anyway. You'd have to weld in a bunch of metal, then shape, then drill your holes. The 94-95 s10 with the 2.2l has the bellhousing for the correct starter location, but it requires a ford bolt pattern t5. Be prepared to do a lot of fabbin'. And see www.killerbv6.com for some tips and tricks.........Quintin

[sharkey]

well, a ford t5 or t56 wouldnt be hard to come by, likely easyer than a camaro t5.

[Greg55_99]

Yep, the 94-95 S10 2.2L bellhousing will work well. Starter opening is on the drivers side. Be advised however. S10 flywheels are thinner than Camaro/Firebird flywheels. Also, Ford V8 and V6 transmissions have input shafts of different lengths. You may have to mix and match to get it right. Of course, if you use a 94-95 Camaro/Firebird T5 (which also has the Ford pattern), it should be right to begin with.

S10 bell on the left:


Camaro flywheel thickness:




Greg

http://www.jeeps-offroad.com/showthread.php?t=4740

[Brian McKie]

I am currently installing a 2003 Impala FWD 3400 into an MGB. I have matched this to a 91 Camaro 3.1, T5 transmission. I have installed the Camaro flywheel and everything bolts nicely. The bell housing for that engine has starter pockets on both sides and I just found a used 03 starter that I will mount on the driver side. The starter is significantly smaller that the 91 and it needs a shim installed. I don't see much modification if any required for this, but can keep you posted.


BTW - does anyone know the thickness of that shim?

The Chevy T5's are mounted 17 degrees off vertical, not a problem for my conversion, but it appears the bellhousing could be redrilled to get vertical if required. I will likely install a hydraulic throwout bearing, but want to look at using the Camaro Slave - if I have room.

[nathan_acree]

im not farmiliar with the opel gt. what motor is in it stock??? i know its australian, so what is it equivilent to in north american gm???

The Opel brand is actually German. Opels are sold in Australia as Holdens and as Vauxhalls in the U.K. but GM is actually the parent company and the Opel GT was styled by an american.

what you could always do is make a 3.4l/3400 hybrid. basicly use the 3.4l block with the 3400 rods and pistons, and use the 3400 top end. it pretty well would be like using the 3400 motor, but you can use any aftermarket cam, and you dont have starter issues and possibly would solve mounting issues.

Building a motor is an option, but there is a lot of appeal in using a stock motor; foremost being known reliabilty, low cost, and ease of replacement.


the 2.8l were backed with a t5 tranny in the early s series trucks, so you will be able to use the tranny, bellhousing, clutch and flywheel. be advised though, any pre 88 60 degree v6 is externaly balanced, and anything 88+ is internaly balanced, so makse sure you get a flywheel that will work with your motor.

afterthought: the camaro came with a t5 behind the 3.4l, so you could just use all that stuff from a camaro.

I have to use an S-10 T-5 as the shifter location in the middle of the trans is ideal, an F-Body trans would have the shifter at my elbow.

Thanks for the info, lots to think about.

[Scott_68B]

I'm using a Gen II motor in my MGB with a T5 out of an 86 Firebird. The bell housing from this car has starter pockets on both sides. I'm using a FWD flywheel and starter & had to do some minor grinding to clear the starter but the bell housing fits real well. Brian, I was under the impression that the RWD flywheel would not work because of size differences and starter alignment. Good to hear that you have that worked out. I'm using a HTOB on mine.

On my Gen II I had to reverse both the upper and lower intake manifolds to point toward the front of the car with the motor in a RWD position and was unable to use the FWD timing cover. Brian, was it necessary to do this with your 3400? I used the timing cover/water pump from a RWD motor so it wasn't a problem.

The quick answer to Nathan's question is yes, it is very feasible.

-- Scott

[nathan_acree]

Yep, the 94-95 S10 2.2L bellhousing will work well. Starter opening is on the drivers side. Be advised however. S10 flywheels are thinner than Camaro/Firebird flywheels. Also, Ford V8 and V6 transmissions have input shafts of different lengths. You may have to mix and match to get it right. Of course, if you use a 94-95 Camaro/Firebird T5 (which also has the Ford pattern), it should be right to begin with.

S10 bell on the left:


Camaro flywheel thickness:




Greg

http://www.jeeps-offroad.com/showthread.php?t=4740

Cool,

Thanks for the info- exactly what I needed to know. My only issue now is that I have to use a T-5 from an S-10 due to the shifter location, an F-Body or Mustang trans would have the shifter waaaay to far back.

One more quick question, what trans choices were available with the 2.2L S-10 that the bell housing in the picture came from. If there was a 5-Speed available with that engine (and the shifter is in the middle) then I am set.

The flywheel thickness issue is something I'll have to look into some more.

Again thanks for the info

[geoffinbc]

Get a T5 from a 2.8L, Iron Duke or 2.2L S-10. They all had the shifter near the middle of the tranny. Try and hunt down a World Class T5 as they are much stronger. My 93 and 614's 92 S-10 both have WC trannies so I know tons are out there.

[mfewtrail]

Get a T5 from a 2.8L, Iron Duke or 2.2L S-10. They all had the shifter near the middle of the tranny. Try and hunt down a World Class T5 as they are much stronger. My 93 and 614's 92 S-10 both have WC trannies so I know tons are out there.

Are the WC T5's you guys are using out of V8 Fords? I need to start researching this a bit more myself as I have a RWD 3.4 DOHC project on the backburner.


EDIT: BTW, for those of you using T5's originally out of V6 powered cars, what type of power can they hold up to?

[Greg55_99]

Nathan,
The 2.2L S10 T5 has the shifter location where you want it. However, the gear ratio's may not be suitable for what you want. You CAN swap the S10 tail housing onto a Mustang or Camaro T5. Also, the 94-95 S10 2.2L bellhousing has the Ford pattern. 93 and earlier bellhouings had the GM pattern.

http://garage-scene.home.att.net/t5_install_identifying.htm

http://www.inliners.org/Jack/T5tech.html

S10 T5



Greg