3400 heads

[Shane]

Just wondering I have a 95 beretta with the 3100 sfi and I wanted to swap the 3400 heads from a 03 Montana into my car what all should I get from the van? Also what is a good set of headers that I could get, and where can I get them? Thanks a bunch.

[bszopi]

Welcome to the site!

If you get the heads, get the entire top end as well. Or, just swap out the entire engine, and really get some gains. As far as headers go, this is about your only choice... http://wot-tech.com/shop/all/beretta.../prod_251.html

[Shane]

But should I grab the ECM or anything like that? Or any other components that I might need?

[bszopi]

Nope. Have you decided what route you plan to go? That will define what parts you need.

[Shane]

Prolly just the heads. If I could find a 3.5 then I'll grab those heads but prolly just the 3400.

[bszopi]

If you are just going to do the heads, then the only thing I can think of would be the coolant temp sensor. In early 3x00s, there was one mounted in the read head. In later engines, this was done away with and they went with a 3-wire sensor near the thermostat. It is a relatively easy upgrade.

If you decide to do the intakes (or even if not, still a good read), check out the following swap guide: http://www.3x00swap.com/index.php?ma...t01returnid=53 . It is for swapping a complete engine, but covers all of the differences between the engines, which would also be applicable with just a top end swap.

[mickaz]

3500head on a 3100 is a no-go

[bszopi]

3500head on a 3100 is a no-go

Missed the 3500 in that last part, but yeah, the combustion chambers of a 3500 head overlap the 3100's bore, so you can not use them.

[Shane]

Ok cool sounds good I'll just do the top end from the 3400. What else could I do to get more power after I do the swap? Any ideas?

[mickaz]

before doing something over another one,You have to be sure on what your getting into.

a 3100 with 3400 heads will give you around 170HP

a 3400 will give you around 180- 200 HP

a 3400 with 3500 head around 190 - 210HP

a 3500 ( what i suggest) 210 +

this is on the great side of things, meaning your engine is in good shape or is low mileage.
for what you have to do ( Ive done em all) and Money wise, the 3500 will be the strongest in the long run
And it is the cheaper ( no rod bolts, gaskets, and top end to buy separate.)
the 3500 need a crank trigger and ( recommended) a 65mm throttle body

And you have a 95 and its an OBD1.5 you have to check your options for tuning: downgrade to OBD1 ( to get a chip) or upgrade to OBD2 ( get a programmer)

[Shane]

What all would I need to do the 3500 swap. Is there a how to for that engine like there is for the 3400? Cuz yea it does seem like that would be the better one to do.

[mickaz]

since you have a 95 all your mounts and sensors will bolt up to a 3500.
it needs a crank trigger and the CTS will need to be relocated to the head with an fitting, or modified.
the rear bracket for the Trans to the engine will need to have one hole modified ( the upper trans one) and the other hole (botom hole to oil pan) wont line up(I left it up).
If you use the 3400 Upper manifold it will bolt up to all your sensors and vac lines. 3500 manifolds needs some works to work correctly( nothing a a average guy cant do).
Keep your logs manifolds for easiness of swap (convert to headers later)

The rest is all work and swap between Both engines(3100 stuff will all bolt up to the 3500)

[Shane]

Ok sweet but is there a how to for it? Also where would be the best place to get a 3500? Scrapyard or web site or .... ?

[bszopi]

About the closest we have to a writeup for it would be this thread: http://60degreev6.com/forum/showthre...swap-questions

There is a lot to read (460 posts), but there is also a lot of information. Between that, the standard 3400 swap guide, and asking questions here as you go, I'd think it would go pretty smooth. Just do as much research as you can, and get all your ducks in a row before you start.

As far as finding a 3500, check out car-parts.com and see if you can find a yard close to you that has one.

[mickaz]

maybe we should do a real 3500 swap guide. I can help out if interrested.