3400/3500 top end on a 3100

[garylau]

I have a '97 Lumina 3100 with bad heads. If I use 3400 heads and lower intake manifold I can use a 3500 upper manifold, correct? Are there certain years of parts I need to use to make sure everything fits properly? If so, what are they? Also are there any additional parts or modifications I will need to make this work? If I decided to replace only the heads for now do I have to use the 3400 intake for it to fit right? I apologize for all the questions I've been asking, I'm still learning. Thanks.

[IsaacHayes]

http://60degreev6.com/showthread.php?t=33133

That should help you out some. Basically all the info you need is there, minus maybe needing a 3 wire CTS and the plug for it since the 3400 heads don't have a single wire dash temp sender there, they use the 3 wire one. Easy to splice on and use the 3 wire though. I suggest using the FelPro problem solver metal lower intake gasket so you don't have to worry about coolant leaks again. Why are your heads junk?

[garylau]

Thanks for the info. I thought it was simpler than that. Okay, so that's not really that complicated, but with my available time and funds I was hoping it was a little more direct. I noticed that was a '94 in the thread. Is it any easier with a '97 like mine? As far as my current heads, the car overheated. The heads are possibly warped and the valves and lifters sound terrible (I haven't actually pulled the heads yet to inspect the damage).

[SappySE107]

97 will have the roller rockers so anything regarding them can be ignored.

[garylau]

Thanks guys. I think I've decided to keep it stock for now and start collecting parts to do this down the road unless I decide to just do a complete 3400 swap. Looking forward to it, though. Or maybe I'll wait to do something like that when I find the Z24 I'm hoping to aquire before long.