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Thanks for reading, looking for comments on my plan. I've been studying the options for months, and FWIW I have done a short block rebuild several times on a 2.8 S10 I used to have, so I'm not a total rookie.
I am planning on restoring my '84 Firebird 2.8 Auto. First as a daily driver for my 16 yo daughter, then as a cruise night car. At this time, I have decided against a GM small block conversion due to suspension and drive train mods.
So I have pretty much settled on moving to a 3.4. The $2000 HT crate is an option, but I am leaning more towards finding a $500 '92-'95 donor. The '84 is carb'd. I am leaning towards going the quick and easy route by staying NA.
I'm looking for feedback on the following:
- There should be no issues with downgrading a donor 3.4 block from EFI to carb, right?
- I would probably do a top end upgrade, go with an Edelbrock manifold and a moderate cam, and some headers/exhaust. I am guessing I could get around 170 - 180 hp?
- I would hang on to the 3.4 Intake/EFI/electronics for a future re-install.
- I want to get it done relatively quickly, so that's why I am shying away from the EFI. I am an electrical engineer very comfortable with troubleshooting and wiring. But I have NO experience in swapping automotive EFI systems. Since it will be my daughter driving it, I want it to be reliable and not have goofy/nagging/unexpected problems every few weeks. Am I being overly cautious?
Any other comments are welcome!!
I am planning on restoring my '84 Firebird 2.8 Auto. First as a daily driver for my 16 yo daughter, then as a cruise night car. At this time, I have decided against a GM small block conversion due to suspension and drive train mods.
So I have pretty much settled on moving to a 3.4. The $2000 HT crate is an option, but I am leaning more towards finding a $500 '92-'95 donor. The '84 is carb'd. I am leaning towards going the quick and easy route by staying NA.
I'm looking for feedback on the following:
- There should be no issues with downgrading a donor 3.4 block from EFI to carb, right?
- I would probably do a top end upgrade, go with an Edelbrock manifold and a moderate cam, and some headers/exhaust. I am guessing I could get around 170 - 180 hp?
- I would hang on to the 3.4 Intake/EFI/electronics for a future re-install.
- I want to get it done relatively quickly, so that's why I am shying away from the EFI. I am an electrical engineer very comfortable with troubleshooting and wiring. But I have NO experience in swapping automotive EFI systems. Since it will be my daughter driving it, I want it to be reliable and not have goofy/nagging/unexpected problems every few weeks. Am I being overly cautious?
Any other comments are welcome!!