'01 'Bu, 3400 swap + 4T65E swap?

[Naga1337]

Hi,

I am new to these forums, as you can tell, so if I make any mistakes, please point them out to me. Thank you.

I have a 2001 Malibu LS with the 3.1L V6 in it. It also has the stock 4 speed auto transmission, I believe it is the 4T40E, according to Wikipedia.

For several reasons, I can't buy a more powerful car, so I'm going to, as Warren Zevon said IIRC, "take this thing up and see just how fast it'll go."

What I want to do is swap in a 3400 engine. I am pretty sure the stock transmission will handle it fairly well, but eventually I would like to turbo it, so a better transmission is in order. I believe that the 4T65E would be the best choice from what I've read (or would the 4T65E-HD, or something else, be the better choice? And if it is, would this make installation procedure any different?)

So, that being said, I think the easiest thing to do would be to rip the 3400 and the 4T65E out of the same car as one, and dump it into my car. (And is there a car that came with the 3400 and the 4T65E-HD?)

Doing this, logically shouldn't I just follow the standard 3400 swap procedure (outlined at www.3400swap.com) but instead of reinstalling the stock tranny, put in the one the 3400 came with? And I also believe I will need a new axle/brakes or something like that. Can someone enlighten me?

And for anyone who helps me, thanks much. I know that's a lot of questions, but I can't seem to find any definitive information at this site relating to all this.

Also, as a (sort of) unrelated question, I think a freer flowing muffler will be in ordrer, but I want this to be a sleeper. Can someone recommend me a muffler that flows freer than the stock one, but doesn't have that ricer sound to it? Basically I want a muffler that's quiet during daily driving, but if I see some ricer barreling down the road, I don't want my engine to choke up while I try to beat him, if you know what I mean.

Regards,
Matt

[gectek]

well there are a bunch of probs with trying to install the 4t6x trans in the N body, at least the 98 and newer ones, due to making your own mounts, trying to find a hybrid match of the computers/sensors and programs. also the half shafts are a little troublesome and a few other things. one guy is trying it right now and finding where the problems are. why are you really looking for the 4t6x transmission anyway.

plus the 4t65hd trans has a 2.93 ratio, terrible for anything unless you plan on going above 6k RPM, or salt flat racing. with the correct diff and chain drive you can gain up to 3.91 gears in the 4t45 trans. i have a build sheet on here for the 4t45 trans anyway, not that i am trying to plug my own service, but i believe that the 4t4x trans can hold impressive power. there is more of an aftermarket and potential than most people think

it would be easiest to build your stock(4t4x) trans and then put the engine and trans in together. that way you dont have any wire splices or have hacked anything up too bad. minimal fab time and more time for other things.

[Naga1337]

Thank you for the information. Seeing as I have the 4T40E, is there some sort of aftermarket parts for it so I could bring it up to be able to stand, say, 200, maybe 210 HP tops? What about torque? And like I said, I would like to turbo this thing (long story why, don't ask) and I highly doubt the 4T40E can take what a turbo on even a mild boost setting can dish out. Is there a transmission I could swap in with more aftermarket parts available? And after a quick search for aftermarket 4T40E parts, I came up with nothing. Can you name me some manufacturers/websites that carry more durable components?

Basically what I am asking now is "What can I do to strengthen the stock transmission?" And you said 4T4x transmissions. Is there a better transmission that wouldn't be so complex to swap in (if you can call any tranny swap not complex...), like maybe the 4T45E?

Sorry for all these questions. These cars aren't my area of expertise, but for the time being I have one, so I might as well have fun with it.

[gectek]

4t40 is basically the 4t45 with a different stock final drive ratio. almost everything else is the same. also the trans with just a set of clutches and a good tune from either HPT or DHP will handle 200 HP no prob. i offer ALOT of upgrades to this trans, and there is only 1 company right now that makes any performance products for it. Raybestos and they are just the clutch packs, but i have done a years worth of research and found alot of other parts VIA GM and a few other places i know of that have more higher perf parts than stock to make the trans alot more able to handle higher power. right now i am building one for a guy who is going to run it behind a turbo with some wicked boost, and the entire build with an LSD and everything is right at 2K total, so i dont think that is too bad. if you want to take a look at my sheet let me know and ill send it to you, i just need ur email

[Naga1337]

Gectek, check your PMs.