(There’s no time like the present to RWD swap every FWD machine! -ed.)
I never thought the Chevrolet Lumina looked bad as a two-door, especially as the Z34. Sloping, aero-ish nose? Spoiler and body kit? The red striping that indicated that this was a Chevrolet product with sporting intentions? Check, check and check. But they had one major foul, one problem that just couldn’t be overlooked, no matter how much I liked the shape: It was a front-driver with a V6. And not even the plenty sporting 3,8L supercharged mill…that was still a few years out. No, the Z34 was packing the LQ1, a 210-horsepower DOHC 3.4L V6 that has a well-earned reputation for pissing off mechanics, both professional and shadetree. I don’t care if you did get one of the rare five-speed cars, it was still a front-drive V6 car that was really just a sporting appearance for an otherwise bland family midsizer.
Part of the reason why the FWD layout kills the car for me is due to what the car replaced: the G-body Monte Carlo SS as the performance coupe in the lineup. Seeing the G-body go away for the likes of the Lumina left a bad taste in the mouths of many gearheads. But GM didn’t mind as many a 3.4L powered Lumina drove on past, making the same flatulent noise all GM V6s make. There was no more soul, there was only rudimentary performance, and not even NASCAR could keep me from despising what the car stood for. But at least it looked good.
Then there’s this beauty. Unlike most Luminas, this car has a full frame, straight from a 1988 Monte Carlo SS. It’s also got a 406ci small-block, a 700R4 automatic, a Ford 9-inch on a four-link setup with 4.11 gears, a cage, and a Dakota Digital dash. There are two exhaust systems, “loud” and “much louder”, and we can even forgive the small cowl-induction scooped hood, because it’s probably necessary to tuck the engine completely underneath. And with that, you have the answer to the question that GM got wrong in the first place back in the late 1980s. The shape of the W-body coupe didn’t need to be changed, really. The chassis just needed to be modular. And it needed the V8 kick that the NASCAR rides promised.
eBay Link: 1993 Chevrolet Lumina Z34
Let’s all give credit where credit is due: the seller noted in the description that he ‘spent’ $40k on the conversion to rear wheel drive, rather than ‘invested’.
Such a breath of fresh air.
I wish there were some pictures of the undercarriage.
Here’s link to a video with a more common remedy for a front drive Lumina:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9R3zaMzI0M
I had a 91 Lumina, that was fast as hell, never broke down, and lasted 146,000 mi. with mods. 3.1 ltr. with 3.4 throttle body, coils. Headers with real dual exhaust. K&N cold filter kit. Black, with a dark gray interior. Great car, no matter what you think.
You win all of the internets today, sir.
Yes, the ad lack photos badly. But it looks good from the outside and could be good value, depending on what else it needs (interior as is – the ad states).
I just like old GM front drivers converted. My dream build someday: Park Avenue Ultra, tube frame, big block sleeper…
Come on sweepstake ticket!
That would be a sleeper alright! I’d like to do an early 2000s eldorado. Maybe use bits from a c5, c6, or c7 chassis under it.
I really like the last Buick Riviera body style. A RWD conversion with a donor full chassis or a Roadstershop frame, LSA crate engine, independent rear setup. The interior design was one of my favorites of the era so just an upgrade in materials would be the only mod there.
i would love to talk to this guy because i have a 1991 chevrolet lumina z34 that i am doing the same thing it would be great if i can find this guy