Building up the 3.4l

[SpeedingFirebird]

Arg, this is tough. Every time I talk to someone new, I get another decision to make...

I am working with Josh at FTPP on ordering a new top end (heads, valvetrain, cam) for my 3.4. My plan was to bolt this on to the stock, unrebuilt bottom end. I was talking to my neighbor's engine builder tonight, and he felt a new top end would put too much stress on the bottom end probably causing the rings to leak. He suggested doing the entire motor while it was out and apart. The issue is this may put me over budget (esp if I ontemplate .030 over and that entire snowball of cost. Why not, if it is apart?)

The engine has 92K on it, of which I have put on 48K mostly highway - some days of hard driving but mostly commuting. Can my block survive with a new top end? I am not building a 1/4 mile car, but I will autox it.

I am still thinking just the top end. Opinions?

Thanks.

[ma4life]

You could always just freshen up the bottom end ... re-ring, hone (not bore), and all the bearings ... that wouldn't be all that expensive if you do it yourself, if you're taking it somewhere, then that's a whole different story.

There's no need to bore a block if the cylinders are good, just a quick hone to get the glaze off and cross-hatch it for better sealing.

[camaroman1181]

the bottom ends on the 3.4 are pretty reliable. The only weak point is the pistons, but thats only if you start running power adders. If you are just doing heads and valvetrain, you probably dont need to do the bottom end, but if you can squeeze it into the budget, i would consider it.. especially if you can afford the ross forged pistons..

[SpeedingFirebird]

Oh, I know there is no need to bore the block. I was just saying, once it is out...

I am not doing this work myself. I was going to (and wanted to learn), but as a student and a full-time employee, I just cannot find the time. I have been trying to find the time for the past two years. I ship it out, or it probably won't get done.

dude is giving me a price for just the top end, and the top end plus freshening up the bottom end (w/ and w/o bore). I was just curious as to the reliability of the 3.4.

Maybe in 5 - 10 years, I can go it again (myself) and do the bottom end then.

Thanks guys.

[andrew.brandon]

I would like to see another person try the 3100 or 3400 top end swap. I'm trying to get the parts together myself to do it.

[SpeedingFirebird]

I searched your past posts, and you are obviously familiar with FTPP.net. Josh and I have discussed a set of heads and complete valvetrain assembled. He suggested three cams; however, I don't know enough about them to make a decision (yet).

How many miles on your car? What parts have you decided on?

Have you heard if the injectors have to change with a built-up top end? From searching around, I don't think so, but I was wondering what you heard.

It's nice to know another 3.4er is going through the same pain that I am. She's not an easy motor to get along with some days. e-mail or AIM me if you want to discuss. My aim is SpeedingFirebird as well.

[White95]

check out my site if you want some ideas.