3.1 build

[2.8RS]

If I get custom pistons then that is another $575 from that company.

[ForcedFirebird]

Shaving the heads/mani will be MUCH cheaper. Lemme see what I can do.

[2.8RS]

Shaving the heads/mani will be MUCH cheaper. Lemme see what I can do.

That is true. There is probably a local machine shop that can do it for a good price. I would just need to know how much to get shaved off when I got to take the heads in to be rebuilt.

[Joseph Upson]

For a daily driver that must be dependable, do not shave the heads. The 60 degree angle makes the flush mounting of the intake manifold much more sensitive to mismatch and can result in manifold gasket leaking which has been mentioned in a few books discussing the 2.8 platform.

Since the Firebird came with a 3.1 option and the wiring harness is possibly the same or very close to that found in the 2.8L, you should check to see if your engine management option is as simple as a memcal or ECM and memcal change.

It would probably be better if you went with a compucam grind specifically for the engine and go with add-ons like the springs already mentioned, and other upgrades to take advantage of the cam.

I would also use 3.1 fuel injectors and maybe bump the fuel pressure up about 5 psi by taking the regulator cover off and placing shims (dime) on top of the regulator to reach a higher pressure or find an adjustable regulator cover. I believe that would be much more effective than fiddling with the fueling data in the chip without actually connecting equipment to the car to monitor after effects. I would take this route first and then move to the injector swap if necessary in which case I would recommend those used on the 3.4L or the chip reprogram.

[Joseph Upson]

p.s.

With the kind of upgrades you are considering, it would probably be much cheaper to install the F-body 3.4L which will accept all of the parts from your current engine and drop right in, including the distributor. After you finish paying for the mods you are considering you will probably have payed as much and may end up with no more power than what the stock 3.4L produces. Think about it.

[2.8RS]

I am getting a good deal on the 3.1. If shaving the heads will cause problems the the compression is going to remain stock then. I have no problem running the 252 instead of the 260 if it would be much easier to run just on the stock tune.

[2.8RS]

More then likely I will have stock compression with the 260, what do I need to upgrade on the octane. like to 89 from 87?

[ForcedFirebird]

Not with stock compression.

[82SROD!]

If your heads look that good, you can get a cheap valve spring compressor and hand lap the valve seals, clean the valves, and install the springs of choice. I haven't got one yet, but wonder how easy the LSX spring swap is on an iron head?

I believe there are a few 4thgen 3.4's using a stock tune and the 262, but the 272 was too big.

I belive the cam supplier will answer your question about the rods, but I'm pretty sure the stock length will be fine with the iron heads.

I'm doing the ls6 springs with comp 795 retainers and 614 locks, that should do well for any of us.

[2.8RS]

I am getting some ported heads to go along with the setup and will also be gasket-matching the intake and getting a ported TB, probably somewhere around 60MM when its done. How much of a difference would a crank scraper from the store make, is it even worth it especially on a DD. I'll be getting a UD pulley also.

Now I need a way to tune the stock computer. I know that I have to get an ALDL cable:http://www.moates.net/product_info.p...roducts_id=127
And also I have to download some program correct, which one? Also any tips on tuning would help. I'll probably drop the motor in over Christmas break so I will have plenty of time.

[ForcedFirebird]

I'm doing the ls6 springs with comp 795 retainers and 614 locks, that should do well for any of us.

On what heads?

[82SROD!]

iron fuelie heads like the 3.4 Camaro had

[2.8RS]

bump