Can I replace the 3.4L in my '95 Firebird with a 3.8L from a '97 Camaro? Is...

  • Thread starter Thread starter PHIL
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PHIL

...this possible? I currently own a 1995 Pontiac Firebird with a 5spd. tranny that has the 3.4L engine with 101K miles. I also have access to a good running low mileage 1997 Chevy Camaro that has the 3.8L engine with an automatic that I can purchase from a friend for only $300 as a parts car. (He owns a bodyshop and used this car as a donor for bodyparts) which is why I can buy it so cheap.

Now, the 3.4L I currently have in there blew a headgasket. Since it is going to cost me for new gaskets and machining I would rather do what I think is less work by just swapping the engines. What I need to know is if I purchase this Camaro with the 3.8L, will it be an easy exchange? Can I just remove the entire engine and everything that goes with it out of the Camaro and directly install it into the Firebird? Are there a lot of mods that need to be done? From the research that I've done over the internet, some people say yes it's easy since they are practically the same car. And of course I hear about others saying that it is not possible. And of course there are the guys that are going to insist that if I am going to swap out engines, I might as well do it with a V-8. The V-8 option is not going to happen, as I do not have the money to do that. The 3.8L is a viable option for me simply because I can get a complete Camaro for only $300!

Please advise ... Thank You - Phil
 
It can be done. It's not going to be easy. You have take the engine and trans out to gather on the cradle dropping it down, raising the car body up. I don't know if the 3.8 will bolt up to your trans. Might have to use the auto. and if that's the case you will need to have the drive shaft out of the Camaro. You will need the computer for the 3.8 with the wiring harnes. That's all I can think of right now.
 
You will need the 3.8 harness and computer. The 95 should be obdI and the 97 is obdII.
 
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