3400 SFI Transmission Choises

[OddRod]

So I am working on a RatRod (60's van) project, and I have an extremely low mile (15K) 3400 SFI out of an Aztec. And I like the idea of the 60 degree v6, it is a narrower motor and I think it will actually fit without modifying the doghouse. So my question is.... Are there any rear wheel drive transmissions that will bolt on without too much trouble?

[Superdave]

the V6 700R4 bolts right up, but you have to use a flexplate for a 95 2.2L S10.

If you are close to Eastern Iowa i'll have one for sale soon. Has a shift kit and corvette servo.


You can also use either the V6 S10 or V6 Fbody T5. You'll have to grab a dual pocket bellhousing because the FWD engine has the starter on the opposite side as the RWD engines.

[OddRod]

While your transmission would be awesome, I live in Idaho. And while most people I know back east don't know the difference between Idaho and Iowa, that's just too far for me to want to drive to pick up.... What would be the best vehicle to find the 700R4 from? 90's Camaro? Also, will I need a computer to run the transmission? I dont' have the computer from the Aztec, and I want to strip off as much computer stuff as I can on this motor while keeping the FI. Is there a particular Computer I should be looking for? Also, Is there an intake that I can use from another motor to put the FI in the front of the motor rather than the rear?

[robertisaar]

i'd grab as late of a 60V6 700R4/4L60 as possible if you want to keep away from computer controlled trans.... 93 3.4 F-body would be ideal.

the only trans related electronics on it are the TCC control, VSS, the PRNDL switches.... that's about it.



if you really wanted to, you could grab the PCM and it's associated wiring from a 93 3.4 F-body too, it will run a 3400 with some tweaking of the calibration.

[Superdave]

^ Agreed

Mine is from a '93 3.4L Firebird. That is the last year of the non computer controlled, Technically a 4L60 but still a 700R4. I have it in a '89 Camaro with a '04 3500 V6.

The only connections on mine are the TCC solenoid, the 4th gear switch and the VSS.

Just remember, with a 700R4 the TV cable setup is critical. It's got to be right or you will cook the trans.

[OddRod]

So I just came across a 96 camaro with blown head gaskets on its 3.8 for $600. Could I use the computer transmission and accessories to run my 3400 SFI, or would i be better off to try and fix the motor and use it as a complete unit in my rat rod?

[caffeine]

For controlling the motor and trans (3400) you're probably better off with a computer from a 94-95 3.4 car. I don't know what it would take to run a 3400 on a 3800 PCM but I know at least the ignition is different.

[robertisaar]

i imagine the calibration could be changed enough to run, but likely not enough to make it run even as well as the stock PCM would. there are just way too many undefined areas of the OBD2 units.

[OddRod]

well, I decided to scrap the idea of the 95 Camaro. I did find a computer and accessories from an 02 Venture. I'll go looking for a transmission tomorrow.

[OddRod]

well here I am again.... I just found a 94 s-10 blazer with a knocking motor..... So I basically have two questions..... How much of the accessories will fit on my 3.4 SFi? Also, it is a 4x4. How hard is it to remove the transfer case from the transmission and put on a standard tail housing?

[caffeine]

You can make accessories fit by fabricating brackets for them. Besides that I don't think any will swap over.

If the transmission is a T5 then a tailhousing swap is pretty easy. If it's an NV3500 or something like that then you probably won't be able to bolt it to a 3.4 without an adapter plate. You can easily tell the difference because the T5 has a removeable bellhousing and the NV3500 does not.