83 bird 2.8-3.1/3400 hybrid

[Weston19]

So my cousin recently bought a 83 firebird, 2.8 carbed, 4 speed car. The old iron head motor is old andc tired, and he wants some more seat of pants kick while also having half decent gas milage and cheap insurance. I suggested that we drop a 3.1/3400 hybrid into it.

While most will say top simply drop a 350 sbc into it, we were thinking a more unconventional route. A 3.1/3400 hybrid would be a noticable increase in power, gas milage, and reliability. I know i can drop the motor in no problem. I have quite a bit of exp. with 2nd gen cavaliers. The wiring is the troubling part to me.

I guess putting a Jbody computer into it would work, I was wondering if there was any other altrernatives. If i could possibly retrofit the car with the electronics i should be good. So if anybody has any suggestions, feel freee to share them. Thanks!

[sharkey]

the best bang for the buck would be a 93-95 3.4l f-body motor. its still a gen 1 ironhead motor, but it is sfi and it is 160hp. throw in a cam and a set of headers (they still make em for the 2.8l camaro, they will bolt on) and you will be good for 175-ish hp. for computer, grab the wiring harness and computer out of the same car (make sure its a 5 speed car, or you will run into issues with the ecm wanting to see the auto trans). for fuel delivery, find a fuel tank and lines from a newer (but still 3rd gen) f-body with efi, best for it to be a 2.8l car.

if you were wanting to get a little more radical with the motor, start with a 3.4l f-body block (reason i say this is it will bolt in, a fwd block needs a different bellhousing or the starter relocated, and custom motor mounts) 3.1 or 3.4l crank (both the same) 3400 pistons, and a complete 3400 top end. the 3.4l f-body computer will run this combo no problem.

[hondaetr]

a fwd block needs a different bellhousing or the starter relocated, and custom motor mounts) .

Did I read this right : different bellhousing "OR" the starter relocated. I have a built tranny that is the only thing keeping me from running a SBC. With what I got in the tranny I must stay with 60*, but wanted mor than 160-175 hp. I want to use 50 hp X 2 stages of NOS and go 3.4L. Is the TGA a different block (if so u got numbers?) than an 1987 S-15 2.8 with better heads (larger & splayed valves)? I had originally planned to go with the better gen III alum. heads, but am not sure if the 4bbl carb intake will fit it. Using an adapter and TBI with the perimeter NOS was my plan. Any pros / cons??? Do you know of a better header than the Edelbrocks and if it will bolt up to Gen III heads? I can get a set of X-11 citation heads, but they're still on the car and I would have to buy the whole thing. You mentioned the 3400 bottom end. better?