3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

[Bandit127]

I'd like to build out my plans for the 3.4 with 3 stages more or less.

Stage One:

Original iron heads and block. Stock pistons and connecting rods.

I'd like to modify the valvetrain and P&P the heads.

My question is what can I do for the valvetrain? This is still a very rough area for me, and I know little about my valvetrain. What do you guys recommend? I'd like to have my power band up to the 5000 rpm mark, and more or less of it all being above 3000 rpms. Since that is really as far as this engine goes with its intake casting and overall design.

Typical block work is being done, smoothing and painting, deburring etc etc. My boss used to build 400 hp SBC's for dirt track racing, so block work and assembly is being supervised. But I gather the parts.

I'll gather pics of the block work and show some pointers in that.

[tkoforpresident]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

are you getting the head work done locally?

[Bandit127]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

P&P will be done myself, the machining will be done by a local machine shop.

[viper98885]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

If you have a lot of miles on the engine, you will want to do a new cam. The 3.4L V6 cam is a flat tappet and, therefore, the cam lobes wear down resulting in less power. When you are doing this, factor in at least a shelf cam from CompCams or Lunati. Otherwise, CompCams makes lifters, pushrods, valve springs, retainers and rocker arms. Crane makes a really nice set of full roller rockers, but they are expensive. I am parting out my engine so if I can help with valvetrain components (only about 1000 miles on them), let me know.

[Bandit127]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

Its getting all new valvetrain parts. At 123,100 miles the lobes were worn incredibly. Let alone what this 150,000 mile engine is at..

Basically all thats staying with the block is crank, heads, intakes and connecting rods. New pistons will be made. All new valvetrain created. I want to see how much power I can create from this motor just from valvetrain and intake/exhaust modifications. Then later I will change bottom end.. somehow.

[viper98885]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

Let me know if you need help/info. I have completely built my 3.4L and did it all myself so I know the internals well.

[tkoforpresident]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

your gonna need a tune to maximize hp...

[Bandit127]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

your gonna need a tune to maximize hp...

Not really tune able. But later, when I build a 3.4 for AutoX and a turbo, I'll run Megasquirt. But I don't see this engine producing so much more power with basic manifold and bolt up work that a tune will be required. I like this motor, its very practical. But I'd love to see a little more out of it.

And definitely looking forward to working on this with you viper!

[viper98885]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

Sounds good. My valvetrain only has about 3K miles on it so the parts are close to new. Let me know if you need anything for it...I am sure I have it.

[Bandit127]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

Stage One:

All original/stock bottom end, original heads, LIM and UIM.
P&P heads and intakes.
All new valvetrain.

Goal: 200HP.

Viper, what parts are they exactly?

[viper98885]

Re: 3.4L Stage One Engine Design.

I have CompCams valve springs/retainers/locks/lifters/pushrods. Rocker arms are the Crane full rollers, 1.6:1 ratio. All of it are for sale as well as the P&P heads and intake manifolds. The upper intake is modified for the LT1 TB.