3400 Swap Complete -- Check it out!

[bszopi]

That's right folks, I'm finally doing it. Its not really something I want to do (ok, so that's a lie), but almost something I have to do. So here is the story...

Decided to finally break out the checking pushrod so I could order some custom pushrods to match my regrind. Decided to do #4 cylinder vice #1 just cause it seemed easier. Started with the exhaust side... Figured out the zero lash point, added 0.040" and then checked for preload. Came up with 0.15", which seemed correct (verified with Chris White as well). Oddly, the length came out to 5.7" (stock is 5.68"). Moved on to the intake side. And that is where the problems started. Figured out the size (once again, 6.02" vs 6.00" for stock), then check preload. Nothing... That's right, tightened down the rocker and the pushrod didn't move. Came to 2 conclusions... failed lifter or fucked lobe on the regrind. The lifters were all replaced less than a year ago when I failed a bunch of them by digging into the lower manifold with the rockers. There is a chance that the lifter failed again, but for what reason? #4 cylinder was one of the cylinders that dug into the manifold, so there could easily be more damage there than I found.

Ok, so why swap to a 3400 instead of just fixing this engine? Several reasons... I will probably spend a minimum of $100 fixing this problem cause I would definately check all the lifters. Then with gaskets, blah, blah... Then there is the chance that it may be deeper and that $100 would just be a temporary fix. I can get a 3400 for between $500-750 this week and have at least a dozen to choose from. Those who have seen my car before know it isn't the smoothest running car by far. There is another reason... If I was the only person driving it, it would be one thing. But my soon-to-be wife also has to drive it every now and then, and I personnally just don't trust it all that much. The 3400 is just a logical swap.

Anyway, enough of the rambling. I just wanted everyone to know. I plan on documenting this for everyone. Brian (brian89gp) is coming over this weekend and we'll start on Sat night and hopefully have it running by Sun night. Should be interesting...

[RidgeRunner]

Good luck with the swap man.

[geoffinbc]

Lloyd and I documented our swap aswell. We got a ton of pics, part numbers and notes.

Im going to write a how to on the ERG adapter plate I made for the new upper intakes.

[Rhedalert]

good luck, hope all goes well!

[v6h.o.]

finally your putting one in! congrats. keep us updated brad.

[ikessky]

Can't wait to see what you come up with. You are able to use your regrind in the 3400 correct?

[bszopi]

The 3400 is going to remain stock (for now). About the only things I will do to it before the install is put on the newly updated lower manifold gaskets and the 62mm TB. Otherwise, it will just be a regular 3400. As stated earlier, the regrind MIGHT be part of the problem I am experiencing, so I don't want to put that in there, and I want a more reliable engine than what I have now. The 3100 may become the next project....

[brian89gp]

This is gonna be fun to actually work on a small pushrod for once :P.

[95BlackRoseZ26]

If you don't have your engine yet, I'd suggest checking car-parts.com. I'm just finishing up a swap myself and that's where I got my engine. Search in Minnesota, particularly Albert Lea Auto Salvage or Metro Auto Salvage. I got mine from albert lea with 12k miles on it for $300 and $100 shipping from Minnesota to Michigan. Mine shipped the day after I ordered it and arrived another day after that. Metro Salvage was even cheaper at $250 for the engine and the same for shipping, they just didn't have the lower mileage engine. Just a thought.

[bszopi]

That is where I looked... except in Kansas. There are 3-4 junkyards in the area (60 miles) that each have 4-5 3400s. So I'll just find one I like and go from there. Most of them had ones from $450 to $750, depending on what all they had as far as mileage, compression, etc... As far as the shipping and such, it'd be more for me (probably $250-300) and it would most likely take 2-4 days. So I'd be about in the same price range but without being able to see the engine up close.

[bszopi]

Just got back from picking up the engine... ended up getting a 3400 out of a 2000 GA with 41,000 on it for $500. Not too bad... they had a 2002 with 28k on it, but the guy really didn't want to get rid of it. Anyway, just some food for thought: it's a major PITA to get an engine out of the back of a Suburban without a hoist and pretty much impossible to get it onto an engine stand.





At least I have it in the garage now so I can start taking it apart and getting rid of all the excess stuff I don't plan on using.

[geoffinbc]

After doing this swap already it is a much better idea to find a Car motor than a Van motor. There are a few little differences that make the Car motor an easier swap.

[Erich]

Brad!! Sweetness your finally doing it. I have not been around here...but popping in here and seeing you are doing it.

Moving a 3400 can be interesting. I got a free 3400 from my dealer and hauled it home one night in my 1991 GTZ. I removed it with a block and tackle around a hoist. Of course i did not have anything bolted...it was just block, pan, heads and lower manifold.

There is a side mount EGR adapter for OBDI engines.


Are you doing those lower intake gaskets before you put it in?

[ikessky]

After doing this swap already it is a much better idea to find a Car motor than a Van motor. There are a few little differences that make the Car motor an easier swap.

Such as???

[geoffinbc]

Well if you start with car engine you already have the proper throttle cable bracket. The small coolant line going from the thermostat neck to the resivoir bottle is already there (I cant recall the exact name of it) And I believe the metal coolant lines for the heater core on the car motor is in a more suitable location.

Just little things no big deal really