3400/3500 top end swap on a 2.8

[3100 MPFI]

Nope. The heads are pretty much the same, just an updated design. Timing will not get messed up unless you do something with the CAM, or CRANK.

I do recommend replacing the cam with a sportier one, but the timing is still done the same.

[Tonglebeak]

Is replacing the camshaft something that should be within my ability as well? Keep in mind that pulling the engine isn't an option and I've never done engine work before

[El_Diablo]

you cant replace the cam without pulling the engine.....

[19Cutlass94]

Or drilling a hole in the body

[3100 MPFI]

I don't necessarily agree with those 2 guys. I do NOT know about doing it in a Cutlass CIERA, but I HAVE pulled and swapped out the camshaft in my 1988 Cutlass Supreme without pulling the engine.

PM SENT.

[El_Diablo]

subframe drop? thats always a fun project

[3100 MPFI]

Nope. Didn't touch the subframe. And like I said. I have done it in a SUPREME. It might not be possible in the Ciera.

[Tonglebeak]

3100, I'll get you the pics when I get a chance. Got a question: is this something I can do one part at a time? (Like heads one day, then manifolds the next)? This is my only car and I need to keep downtime from being too long at a time.

[3100 MPFI]

In a way you can, but not the way you think. In order to do the heads, you have to pull the intake. In order to do the cam, you have to pull the intake.

You are best off doing it all in just 1 shot since you basically have to do it all anyways.

You do not have to pull the heads to do the camshaft, but if you want to do the camshaft, you have to pull the intake. Since you have to pull the intake to do the camshaft, you might as well do the heads since that is just 16 more bolts.

[Tonglebeak]

Ok, makes sense. So I can put things like the exhaust manifold on hold and drive with just heads/cam without any problems, and swap more parts as I go along?

Thanks for being very patient with me, I don't mean to appear stupid but I want to be sure about everything. Like I said this is my daily driver and i don't want to screw it up.

[El_Diablo]

yes, that'll be fine

[Tonglebeak]

Ok cool.

Looks like I can get the exhaust manifolds+xover pipe off ebay for <$100 after shipping. I might start off with those. As long as everything will bolt up, it's a start.

[3100 MPFI]

You can do a little at a time BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want to swap to the newer intakes, then you HAVE to do the heads. You can't get the 3100 lower intake to bolt up to the 2.8 heads.

What I recommend doing is getting all of the parts first, then looking at the books to make sure you have a good idea of what you are doing.

If you plan it all out good enough, you can EASILY get it done in 2 days. I could do it in a day, but that is still pushing it. Keep in mind that doing something like this will take a LOT of planning on your part to be sure that you don't overlook anything.

If need be, you will have to go out there, and compare things, 1 by 1, to be sure you don't forget anything.

Example would be, if you do the 3100 intake, then how will you bolt up your ALTERNATOR? Will your stock power steering pump bolt up and clear the intake? Yes, and no to that one. The pump will, but you will have to get the resevoir.

See what I mean?

As long as you keep asking questions, you will get answers. The only stupid question is the one you DIDN't ask. Everybody has to start somewhere.

[Tonglebeak]

Ok, I didn't know that about the intakes bolting up to the heads. As you'll seein the buy/sell trade forum, I'm already trying to get the heads

Will the 3400 exhaust manifolds at least bolt up to the 2.8 without replacing anything else?

[3100 MPFI]

yes and no. They are designed differently. Your 2.8 will have ROUND PORT, and the 3400 will have D ports. You will also have to use the 3400 crossover, and install the 3100 Ciera DOWNPIPE.

Bolting them up, I think, will work just fine, but they might not flow that good because of the shape of the ports.