RWD 3.4/3400, questions on rebuild.

[baktrak]

I am building a camaro 3.4 with a 3400 top end, I am going to use the 3400 pistons aswell. I have searched for a few days and still not 100% clear on a few things.
1.- Are the connecting rods the same between the 3.4 and 3400?

2.- I am using the 3400 topend, I would like to turn the intake around, but dont know how that will affect cooling. I have searched, but cant exactly find my answer.

3.- Also goes along with #2, which head gaskets, I assume the 3400 head gaskets, as those are the pistons I am using, I did read that the 3.4 and 3400 use different holes in the head gaskets for cooling, so if I use the 3400 hg, could I put the holes in it to make sure the 3.4 rwd block gets the correct cooling pattern?

4.- I am wanting to use s10 accessories and brackets, would the 3.4 timing cover work with slight mods? What would need done to the accessory brackets to bolt up to the heads.



I think thats all for now, if I think of more I will ask later.

[ForcedFirebird]

I am building a camaro 3.4 with a 3400 top end, I am going to use the 3400 pistons aswell. I have searched for a few days and still not 100% clear on a few things.
1.- Are the connecting rods the same between the 3.4 and 3400?

2.- I am using the 3400 topend, I would like to turn the intake around, but dont know how that will affect cooling. I have searched, but cant exactly find my answer.

3.- Also goes along with #2, which head gaskets, I assume the 3400 head gaskets, as those are the pistons I am using, I did read that the 3.4 and 3400 use different holes in the head gaskets for cooling, so if I use the 3400 hg, could I put the holes in it to make sure the 3.4 rwd block gets the correct cooling pattern?

4.- I am wanting to use s10 accessories and brackets, would the 3.4 timing cover work with slight mods? What would need done to the accessory brackets to bolt up to the heads.



I think thats all for now, if I think of more I will ask later.

1. Yes

2. It's fine, just turn it around.

3. Head gaskets are best when matched with pistons due to compression height on the different pistons.

4. Yes, drill some holes out larger.

[geoffinbc]

If you turn the lower intake around then the larger holes at the end of the head gasket need to be at the back in order to force coolant from the back of the head to the front. If not you will get hot spots.

[baktrak]

Its all going into my 94 sonoma currently with a 2.2 5 speed. What are the benefits of going obdI vs. obdII, I have hptuners already for tuning the wifes '04 3400 alero, but also have access to a complete moates apru1 with a few extra chips for dirt cheap. I am going with a camaro t5 5 speed, and already have a diff mounted reluctor ring to drive my stock 2.2 gauages and whatnot and still have the stock camaro vss in the trans. Either way I am going to have to rewire the engine bay.

Also what would be the best route to take if i just decided to keep the stock 3.4 bottom end, instead of swapping in 3400 pistons? I have read you can tune out the compression, but what about a cam, which would be best. I am running ported heads, and intakes. Since the price of a cam is slightly cheaper than rebuilding the bottom end anyway. I am aiming for a modest 250 hp, but if I can get more that would be awesome. This is still a tight budget build, so I will reuse what I can.

[ForcedFirebird]

If you use 3500 heads and stock iron head/piston gasket, then the compression will be right around 12:1 which is fine on these motors, but you will want a better cam than stock, as well as matching valve springs.

Which ECM/PCM is up to you, I suggest going with the one you feel most comfortable with.

We have a couple of cam grinds used on this combination, with good results in the past. Not sure if Ben has any flat tappet cams listed on the store, but we can get you one.