Before I do My 3400/3500 Hybrid

[zofo61]

I found a book title that was interesting but didnt know if the info was too old or not .....any thoughts. Would this book help or hinder as the year it was written was 1994

http://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Degree-Motorbooks-International-Powerpro/dp/0879388412/ref=sr_1_1/104-9031446-7763156?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1192830567&sr=8-1

I plan on using a 2004 3400 bottom with a complete 2005 3500 topend..........boosted with my RSM CSC Kit.

I plan on using the 3500 swap stickey a lot ....but at first i am going to build a bullet proof bottom end and go from there.....any and all input will be greatly appreciated , especially by way of custom piston makers best bang for buck..........cooking a piston cost me my original motor and thats not going to happen this time.

Cheers

Chris

[bszopi]

Yeah, that book is pretty old. It won't touch on any of the newer engines at all, especially since the 3x00 didn't come out until mid-yr 1993. I would say more than half, if not 3/4 would be worthless to you.

[zofo61]

Thanks Brad....figured I would ask before i spent the money..............

[geldartb]

wasnt that the same book that someone posted awhile back that wa like 100 bucks

[IsaacHayes]

Bottom end will be fine other than pistons. But if you had a tune or RRFPR you probably wounldn't have burned a piston anyways...

[zofo61]

Bottom end will be fine other than pistons. But if you had a tune or RRFPR you probably wounldn't have burned a piston anyways...

Oh.....I know that now.....I went 2 years before it cooked....putting of the tune and the FMU.......ignorance is bliss..........this time though I am going to bore out the 3400 block....balance the crank.....get some H Beam Connecting rods and a set of forged pistons and a little hotter cam to start with...........that way I wont have to pull the motor again to do any future tweak mods. This build will be my winter project, hopefully installing in the spring.

The biggest question mark for the bottom end is Pistons(who?) and cam(Stock or Hot). Ben suggested I stay with the stock cam due to the fact I intend on using the 28# injectors from the Trailblazer. If I up the pressure to 65Lbs. I can flow them to 32-33 lb/hr which is fine for the boost I plan on using(8-10lbs).

This build is for a respectable boosted street car..........NOT a track car

I read the ENTIRE stickey on the 3500 swap PCGuy did and it convinced me NOT to drop the whole 3500 in my Monte.........3400 Bottom with 3500 Top will be the build.

I plan on boring the 3400 block to the 3500 head gasket with the 3500 heads..........considering this.....what would be the calculated displacement and compression ratio?. I want to lower the CR from 9.5:1..........due to the boost I am using.

Comments thus far?

[sharkey]

wasnt that the same book that someone posted awhile back that wa like 100 bucks

if you look the cheapest used one is $30, but the only new one was $120.

[IsaacHayes]

I'm not sure what you will gain with boring the block, getting custom rods and all this stuff aside from spending money. There are several people boosting stock 3400 bottom ends and putting out big numbers. I would just do pistons if I were you and not worry about the rest. Custom pistons you can get at a lower compression ratio, but remember that you'll need to run more boost then and I'm not sure how small of a pulley you can put on the S/C kit... 8-10lbs can work on the stock compression with a good tune. But forged pistons is extra insurance.

For cam you could do a cam but the stock cam works well with boost. If you do a cam you'll get a solid one that is reground. Stock is hollow and I've heard of them breaking before but not quite sure the cause.

[johnnymossville]

3500 heads have a larger combustion chamber (32.4cc) than the 3400 heads (26.4cc) resulting in a CR of 8.82:1 (figured on the CR calculator here) when they are used on a 3400 bottom end. As far as pistons go I am not familiar with any makers of forged pistons but I do know that Sealed Power manufactured by TRW/Federal Mogul makes some nice pistons with coated skirts and I believe that they also have a higher silicone content making them stronger. They come in stock and oversizes as well and I do know that O'Reilly Auto parts carries them.

[zofo61]

Thanks.....8.82 is perfect for the boost I am going to be making.....Looks like stock cam then and as far as pistons........really would like forged just to make sure...that was the weak link last time......you would think that someone would put out an OEM Spec forged set for the 3400 seeing as how there are so many out there..................gotta keep looking. I dont want to spend any more than that is necessary to do it right this time....for sure. Thanks for the input.............I will have to look into the Sealed Power ones as well.

Cheers

Chris

[IsaacHayes]

Actually weak link was no added fuel for boost... That's like running without antifreeze in your coolant in winter and it freezing and saying the block cracked so it's weak..

I forget the makers of custom pistons but there have been several group buys on v6z24.com for forged 3400 pistons. Might want to search on there to get ideas.

[ForcedFirebird]

3500 heads have a larger combustion chamber (32.4cc) than the 3400 heads (26.4cc) resulting in a CR of 8.82:1 (figured on the CR calculator here) when they are used on a 3400 bottom end. As far as pistons go I am not familiar with any makers of forged pistons but I do know that Sealed Power manufactured by TRW/Federal Mogul makes some nice pistons with coated skirts and I believe that they also have a higher silicone content making them stronger. They come in stock and oversizes as well and I do know that O'Reilly Auto parts carries them.

You used the 3400 gasket in your calculation, 8.79 would be the compression. You have to remember the 3500 gaskets have a 3.8" bore. It's not as important in a low compression motor, but I'm going to be over 11:1, and every tenth of a point helps .

EDIT: Pistons will be fine if tuned. You can get a boost cam profile for a few extra ponies, tell the supplier what you have and they will give you suggestions on profile.

Stock rods are very strong, just upgrade hardware.

If you overbore, your compression will be raised. Keep the walls as thick as you can for boost.

EDIT again: I can't believe you put a S/C on there with NO extra added fuel?!? I hit the rev limiter on my car causing a lean condition and spun a bearing at 7psi. Sounded like a cannon going off, lol. Rods will be comming out soon for inspection, but the pistons are all fine (stock cast).

[zofo61]

Actually weak link was no added fuel for boost... That's like running without antifreeze in your coolant in winter and it freezing and saying the block cracked so it's weak..

OK ...I get it........not enough fuel....ran lean.....not enough fuel....ran lean..............buuuuuuut.....if i had forged pistons in the first place I would still be boosted.................I know I didnt do it right the first time....I get that.....................Geeeez o Pete............and by the way......Florida....Winter......what?

[IsaacHayes]

Sure sure rub it in... I hate winter. I could of used oil as the example I'm sure you can even trash forged pistons too nana !

[zofo61]

True!........but as long as I have this thing torn down I may as well put a good set of forged piston in..........definatley wouldnt hurt for sure.........Stock rods are possible......i am just going to keep my eyes open for a decent price on eBay if a set of Eagles comes up cheap...................The only thing I am doing to the heads is put in th e LS6 springs other than gasket match the upper anfd lower pretty much it for the 3500 upper.