3.4 cylinder sleeve

[John Kinsleer]

Dropped the head of intake valve into the #6 cylinder and cracked the cylinder wall. (piston, rod, valve seat, etc.) My machine shop wants to sleeve the cylinder. Anyone have experience with this block having it done? Any feedback appreciated.


John Kinsler

[614streets]

Its a common but not high volume process performed when the engine using the sleeve passes magnafluxing. The processes for sleeving an engine vary and always provide a tight fit as long as everything falls to any spec. I would have it done if the cost of sleeving is economical, usually it is questionable depending on the shop rate. Remember a used 3.4 block can be located at quality junkyards for a decdent price plus ck10/bore and hot tank / plugs

[jimmy91444]

I had a piston faillure in my 3.4 ending with a hole of about 2x2 in the cyl wall. Due to lack of 3.4 eng around here I had it sleeved to normal size and bore to 20 over with new piston and all . I got about 3000 kms since rebuilt and it's runnig very good so far.

[Corpse]

So long as it is a good machine shop you should have no problems. Gm didn't exactly bore and build our blocks perfect from the factory anyhow. But, it will be cheaper just to find a block and also, the sleeved cylinder will act slightly different in some characteristics than a normal one. It generally will be unnoticeable though.

Realistically, it may be a better route to find a 2.8/3.1 block and get new pistons. Sure, it will put you down to a 3.1 L but, it may be easier than finding a 3.4 block. And, may be less hassle than dealing with a sleeved one. If you go the 3.1 route and you need pistons, I've got a set of nice ones available dirt cheap. High compression aswell.

-Dave

[Manitcor]

Try searching outside the local area, freight on an engine is only about $100 if you can find an engine that is only a 6-8 hour drive away.