3400 Porsche conversion

[rocketeman]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the site, Looks like a lot of good information, Thank!

I am doing a conversion putting a new 3400 LA1 in a 88 944 Porsche. This is the 185 HP motor used in front wheel drive applications.

http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/engines/gmpow/la1_truck.htm

I have a couple questions that hopefully someone has answers to:
1) Does anyone have a part # for a rear wheel drive style bellhousing?
2) what tools are out there to reprogram the ECM?
3)I talked with an engineer from Crane cams about switching from 1.5 to 1.6 Rockerarms, he claim's a 15 HP and torque gain. Has anyone done this?


Thanks for the help,

Tim

[SappySE107]

The stock 3400 has 1.6:1 rockers. The ECM if you are using the 3400 computer is OBD2 and requires a tech2 to program it. Its about 2500 for the hardware and the software license for 1 year to do this yourself. No clue on the part number, but the camaro 2.8/3.1/3.4 would be what you want to look up for it.

[RidgeRunner]

Actually, wouldn't one of the 4cyl S10 or the KillerBv6 bellhousings be appropriate, since he's trying to use a FWD engine in RWD configuration?

[SappySE107]

beats me, I thought the starter location was the real issue with it.

[rocketeman]

Thanks, this gives me a place to start, I'll keep you informed.

Ben, is the tech2 and software a dealer device or better offered aftermarket?

[SappySE107]

there are only a few aftermarket parts. Best to do a search for tech2 obd2 on google.

[RidgeRunner]

beats me, I thought the starter location was the real issue with it.

Yeah, but how many of the V6 Camaros had the starter pocket on the opposite side?

[GPXSS]

You can't swap the starter location on a 3400, but you can on a 2.8/3.4 RWD block. Doesnt really matter anyway since this is going in a rear or mid engine application, no steering shaft to get in the way.

Please post pictures if and when you have them!

[rocketeman]

OOPS! looks like another challenge. the engine I have is a FWD and the starter mounting is on the bottom Left side, Possibly right where the stearing box is on the 944 (the 944 is a front engine car, with the trans mounted in the rear). I just got the old porsche engine out the other day, Looks like I will need to do a few mods. For 1 the cast aluminum oil pan is too deep at the sump end and interfears with the integral cross member that ties together the front suspension, stearing, and motor mounts. I'm thinking of cutting and rewelding it and running a dry sump

No pictures yet but I will post when I take some

[RebelGT]

theres a lil kit you can buy to flip the starter to the other side, someone may have the link, they sell them for people who use this engine in the MG's, I think its like Killer B or something like that.