Couple of 3.1 hybrid questions.

[E.S.]

Just starting to build one of these up. I've seen the numbers of 5.95 and 6.26 thrown around for the push rod lengths. Are these numbers based off using the .040 head gaskets or the .060?

Secondly since the new heads flow so much better what are the average gains from swapping in a bigger camshaft? If I do swap one on I'm thinking about the 260 cam. Can this camshaft be used with the stock valve springs?

Finally I've read on here that the gen 2 motors were zero deck. But the compression calculator on this site shows the pistons are .0165 in the hole.

Thanks for clearing this stuff up.

[E.S.]

Well I now have the 3400 donor apart. Slightly weird, I put the head gaskets in this van about 30k miles ago and the head gaskets looked like they were starting to come apart. I'll have to talk to the parts house about that. Otherwise everything went as smoothly as it could being the donor was a van the cowl was in the way constantly. Heads will be in the machine shop tomorrow.

I also need to order the push rods and camshaft tomorrow. If no one knows the answer to the head gasket problem, does anyone have an email or web address to someone that might? If I can't get a straight answer im just going to go with .040 gaskets and the standard push rod measurements. Unfortunately I don't have the time to get it assembled and then measure. I'm dealing with a very short time table on this. Pretty sure its going to get a camshaft. That will depend on what the parts house can get me quickly. Hoping to have this beast on the road by january.

[E.S.]

Machine shop called today. Both heads are cracked between the valve seats. Now I'm looking for a pair of heads.

[2.8-350TBI]

Well, so much for running by january

Just go find a junkyard engine, theyre cheap enough.

Better yet, go find a running 3400, swap it in, and call it a day

[E.S.]

It was a running 3400. just had 185k. I think I've found a set of heads for a hundred bucks. Still hoping for a running car by january. I need to get this project out of our shop bay.

[2.8-350TBI]

reminds me, I had a guy locally offering me a set of rebuilt 3400 heads, but I declined as I have 3500 heads. Want me to ask how much he wants for them?

[E.S.]

Well while looking for heads ive come across an 80k mile 3400 for $475. Total swap now in the works.

[2.8-350TBI]

Way to go and take the quickest, easiest, and highest performance route

What is it going into?

[E.S.]

Not sure on the year. Its a red 5 speed z24 cavalier.

[ForcedFirebird]

I have used the gen 2 pushrods, but it's hit and miss on having exact pre-load. Sorry to answer your question after the fact glad you found a donor though!

[alpinestar10]

Might want o check out v6z24.com while your at it it will tell you everything you need to do the 3400 swap and more

[E.S.]

Well now that Christmas is out of the way. I'm back to it. 3.1 is out, should have the 3400 yet tonight and the clutch tomorrow. The 5 speed makes pulling that motor a real pain in the butt.