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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Any new developments on the 3.4 DOHC/TDC?

I came across such an engine for sale at a good price, but being aware than no-one seems to have undertaken this transplant (just checked the archives again) I thought I'd ask again in case someone has a dirty little secret.

Derek Nicholson

Derek, not sure which engine you mean. The GM 3.4 60 degree with the DOHC heads or another?
Bill Young

They used that engine in the mini van by chevy. I do not know if it was ever used in a rear drive car.
I also do not know what the bellhousing bolt pattern is.
It did run strong in the van though.

Steve
Steve

Yes, Bill, that's the one. Seems to be a quite common swap into the Fiero, so I'm guessing the tranny interface is the same as the 2.8 60 degree V6. Used in the Pontiac GTP amongst others. 210-215hp and spins to 7000rpm.

Derek Nicholson

I have some information, but don't know of any swaps planned or in progress. The block is the same as the pushrod 60 degree V6. There are no motor mount boses cast into the sides of the block for RWD mounting, but you can exchange a 3.4 RWD block to get these if you want. Special pistons due to the crown configuration, rods and crank the same as the pushrod 3.4. I don't know of any other intake manifolds for this engine, so the factory MPFI would have to be used or a custom manifold made. I believe that the cam bearing oil journals are plugged instead of running a blank cam. The block still has the clearance hole for a distributor. Don't know how you would get cam drive for both a blank cam for a distributor as well as the DOHC's if you wanted to get away from the electronic engine controls. Water pump and cooling system designed for FWD installation, a bit of plumbing involved to route the hoses for RWD. I've been doing some research, might update the 2.8 in my midget someday.
Bill Young

I assume you mean the units that were used from about 1990-1996. 210-215 BHP and 230 Ft Tq in Stock configuration without doing anything! Add a few tricks and get all kinds of power.. Did you know its said that GM initially built these as a 275 BHP motor and had to back them off because the front drive automatics would not hold up to the power? I have also been told that installing a set of exhuast cams in place of teh intake cams gives all kinds of power, but have never researched that.

These were never used in the Minivans but they were used in certain sedans.

The motor mount bosses are the same as the FWD motor mounts so you can mount them but not with the mounts that we sell, but maybe Dann's mounts may work.

AFAIK, the blocks are different from the OHV blocks in that the deck of the block is different and the heads from a TDOHC cannot be installed. These motors must be used as a package.

The bellhousing and flywheel can be used from standard systems- the flywheel from teh same year FWD cars and the bellhousing from any RWD car will work fine.

I purchased a few that came along but figured that there would be a very limited market for these and as such diecided to never build kits for them. It would make a Great conversion but does not pay the bills.. Sorry to say, I have to pay bills first.

If tucked in a little lower then the other FWD/RWD motors, it may be possible to install without a bonnet bulge. They are taller, but not the huge amount that some people claim.

All that said, I have this 3.4L GM LQ1 TDOHC MPFI NOS motor (did you understand all those initials) that is at a very good price as well. I have not tried to actively market it but will probably eventually place it on our website soon.

If your interested in an new unit, email me.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

Yes, Brian, that's the one. As used in the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. It's advertised at $100, which was just too cheap to ignore without asking a few questions first. I've yet to contact the seller to discuss condition, completeness, wire includes, ECU, etc.

Derek Nicholson

Derek,

What did you ever decide about that $100 motor? Are you going for it?

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

Not going to go with it. the power would be nice, but the Twin Cam doesn't even look that nice, being somewhat asymmetrical for FWD application. I'll just keep trolling for a deal on a complete 3.1 or 3.4 Camaro with 5speed to try and keep things simple.

Derek Nicholson

In order to make it look half way decent, the valve covers would need to be painted or polished to look the same. Also, the manifold also goes off to one side giving a certain appearance that some might consider FWD in appearance.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

That's exactly what I meant. Plus, as far as I've read, there's no other manifold available.
Derek Nicholson

This thread was discussed between 10/01/2007 and 23/01/2007

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