Making up my mind for my build.

[Crazy83519]

I need to make up my mind on what path to put my build on. My goals are to run a mid/low 13, and be DD.

I've though abut N/A, turbo, and just need to figure out where I want to go.

I like the idea of going N/A because it seems the parts are readily available, and that I feel I have the most knowledge on that. And maybe adding a wet shot to be there if I want it.

I also know that a turbo build would get me to my goals easier, but I have no way of making the manifolds(unless paying for fab work). And with so many variables in picking the right turbo, I get lost.

I feel as if I want to get this decided soon, as my next set of engine mods would start to send me down a path. I'm looking at going with heads and intake manifolds, but I know going with 3400 heads are better for boost that 3500 heads.

If I went N/A I was hoping to do a full 3500 top end swap, and would like to know everything that I would need to make it happen. The little parts that I'd need, and even if any hose lines ad routing would have to be changed.

Thanks.

[robertisaar]

mid-low 13s n/a will be much harder than going the turbo route. that and a n/a 13 second car will be less streetable than a 13 second turbo car.

[SappySE107]

3400 heads are not better for boost unless you have them ported by me for boost/race. The cost of this is not cheap and unless you are trying for an all out setup, its not worth the money IMO. I know you aren't going turbo, but it seems that since I have posted about the 3400 heads having more flow potential, everyone is posting all around the internets that 3400 > 3500 for boost. Its just not that simple.

If you use a 3400 upper, the 3500 heads and lower are a piece of cake. You need 8mm rocker arms, and the lower intake drilled and tapped for the coolant sensor. Otherwise you have to use the 3500 sensor and extend the wires.

[Crazy83519]

3400 heads are not better for boost unless you have them ported by me for boost/race. The cost of this is not cheap and unless you are trying for an all out setup, its not worth the money IMO. I know you aren't going turbo, but it seems that since I have posted about the 3400 heads having more flow potential, everyone is posting all around the internets that 3400 > 3500 for boost. Its just not that simple.

If you use a 3400 upper, the 3500 heads and lower are a piece of cake. You need 8mm rocker arms, and the lower intake drilled and tapped for the coolant sensor. Otherwise you have to use the 3500 sensor and extend the wires.

Would I want 3400 heads or 3500 heads?
What are the advantages of the 3400vs.3500 heads and vise versa?

For ease of installation should I go with all 3400 parts?

My options are as follows (I think)
P&P 3400 top end
P&P 3500 heads/lower 3400 upper
P&P 3500 upper

My top end is looking to be the next thing I dump cash as far as mods go and would like to learn my option and the pros/cons of them.

[SappySE107]

3500 heads. There are enough threads on why that you can find the info with a search. For ease of installation, use the 3400 upper.

[Crazy83519]

Sorry for drilling your mind to get this info.

So I'm looking at 3500 heads/lower, and 3400 upper.

Sounds like I need a 3500 Coolant Temp Sensor.

Opening up a little flow on the top end, and hopefully not long after opening up the exhaust as well.

[Crazy83519]

I read that the 3500 lower would be ported to the 3400 paper gaskets, for the 3400 upper.

I understand the 3500 heads/3500 LIM would use a "stock" 3500 gasket. Would I have to worry about a LIM leak?

[robertisaar]

i think the revised version of the LIM gaskets already came out before the 3500 was released.

[SappySE107]

No, the felpro 3500 lower intake gasket set came out recently. I have only had them a couple weeks.

[Crazy83519]

So, I could use the felpro 3500 LIM gaskets? I don't see why I wouldn't but, just making sure.

[robertisaar]

No, the felpro 3500 lower intake gasket set came out recently. I have only had them a couple weeks.

you've only had them for a few weeks, but what about other sources? i didn't think GM would keep making the shitty gaskets at that point for a new motor if they knew it was a problem.

[SappySE107]

They were available maybe 3 weeks before I got them.

[robertisaar]

They were available maybe 3 weeks before I got them.

you got to be kidding me:
GM knew about this problem since the 90s yet they refused to fix them? an aftermarket company has to come up with stuff that actually lasts...

[stewartfn18]

If you use 3500 heads then you have to use the 3500 lim gasket set. The 3400 set won't work. And also I think I read that if you go comp porting on the 3400 uim, you. Can't use the 3400 upper gasket either. There an Faq here that outlines everything to having a 34/3500 hybrid.

[SappySE107]

no, i am not finished with the store but I have sportsman and competition porting for both gasket types. Its such a pain in the ass to keep it all simple. The felpro set uses the larger gasket size in paper form, so I can't even say paper gaskets now.

GM considers the metal tabs on the plastic gasket to be sufficient. Midnightrider argues to the death that the felpro are junk and the metal tab gaskets are the best (GM Tech). So yes, an aftermarket company is needed to make things right for the rest of us non GM techs.