FFF 3.4 Install

[SpeedingFirebird]

I recently picked up a new FFF kit for my 3.4 I am trying to learn as much as possible before the install. Although cammed, I run stock compression with a slightly modified tune (see my cardomain for the full list of mods). I'll pay for a retune if I have to, but it sounds reasonable to work with the tune I have.

Right now, I am thinking of 6 -7 PSI.

What is a reasonable estimate on install time for two respectable shadetree mechanics? My father used to build race car chassis years ago, but neither of us have attempted a turbo. I assume we'll waste tons of time running to the parts store and just making stuff fit. My father has a few days off coming up, and I am wondering if we'll have enough time to finish.

I upgraded my car to 19lb injectors. Will this be sufficient? In other threads, people seem to recommend 36 lb injectors for 10PSI.

Will this kit bolt up to my pacesetters? From what I have been reading, it should.

I am already planning on augmenting the kit with an air/fuel gauge, Fuel pressure gauge and a gauge pod. Summit has quite a few wideband auto meter guages for various prices. Is there any major difference between them?

In Tiago's 3.8 install instructions, he mentions "the famous PCV mod" and a custom gasket to the throttle body. What is this and is it applicable to the 3.4?

The instructions also say to switch to 15w 50 oil. Also applicable to me?

I am trying to dive into the 3.8 install instructions, so I'll probably have a ton more questions. Thanks!

[3.4grapeofwrath]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

Is this kit for a 3.4 or a 3.8? I don't know of a kit for a 3.4.

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

Is this kit for a 3.4 or a 3.8? I don't know of a kit for a 3.4.

It is a kit for the 3.4. FFF made a few kits several years back. Some dude never installed his and it set in his basement for years.

[Mighty Thor]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

I'm "NOT" familiar with the FFF or 3.4 engine other than the 2.8. But the PCV mod you basically plug the hole that leads to PCV. This is to avoid presurizing the crank, because if you don't you will experience your dip stick popping out and oil all over the place.

Also use a breather like this http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_p...d=95&catid=109 when you do decide to plug that hole.

This is grayman's site. It might give you some idea:
http://home.comcast.net/~grayman99/home.htm

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

I'm familiar with the FFF or 3.4 engine other than the 2.8. But the PCV mod you basically plug the hole that leads to PCV. This is to avoid presurizing the crank, because if you don't you will experience your dip stick popping out and oil all over the place.

Also use a breather like this http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_p...d=95&catid=109 when you do decide to plug that hole.

This is grayman's site. It might give you some idea:
http://home.comcast.net/~grayman99/home.htm

Thanks for the info MT. Yikes, more parts to order before my father comes.

[Mighty Thor]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

Thanks for the info MT. Yikes, more parts to order before my father comes.

OH Hey, I made a typo there. I meant to say, "I'm NOT familiar with turbo or 3.4..."

But there are some similarities with the Supercharger and Turbo.

Post some pics as you go along with your install. Good Luck.

[3.4grapeofwrath]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

I have a turbo 3.4 and have found the best thing to do with the pcv is to install a check valve in the pcv line. This will eliminate the boost pressure going into the crankcase while keeping the pcv operational. You can install a breather in the valve cover but it's a tight fit. I have used a k+n in the valve cover but I did not like the fumes in the interior. I ended up running a rubber hose off the valve cover down to the side of the trans with a k+n filter attached.

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

I have a turbo 3.4 and have found the best thing to do with the pcv is to install a check valve in the pcv line. This will eliminate the boost pressure going into the crankcase while keeping the pcv operational.

I have been reading a lot of your posts on other sites. Thanks for chiming in. Is this just some generic check valve? Do you have a link? This sounds much easier than plugging the PCV lines in the TB.

You can install a breather in the valve cover but it's a tight fit.

push in type? size?

What size injectors are you running? from what I am reading, I should upgrade to 24 - 30 lbs?

[3.4grapeofwrath]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

I have been reading a lot of your posts on other sites. Thanks for chiming in. Is this just some generic check valve? Do you have a link? This sounds much easier than plugging the PCV lines in the TB.




push in type? size?

What size injectors are you running? from what I am reading, I should upgrade to 24 - 30 lbs?

The check valve I'm using I got from work years ago. Don't know where to buy it at but I'm sure it's expensive. Here's a link for some check valves made just for the pcv system. http://www.et-performance.com/turbo.html
I have a piggy back system in my car. I'm using the stock injectors but also have (4) auxillary injectors mounted in the upper plenum. The (4) auxillary injectors use a piggy back fuel controller.
What are you using to control fuel and ignition under boost?

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

The check valve I'm using I got from work years ago. Don't know where to buy it at but I'm sure it's expensive. Here's a link for some check valves made just for the pcv system. http://www.et-performance.com/turbo.html
I have a piggy back system in my car. I'm using the stock injectors but also have (4) auxillary injectors mounted in the upper plenum. The (4) auxillary injectors use a piggy back fuel controller.
What are you using to control fuel and ignition under boost?

That's a damn good question that I am trying to figure out as we speak. Some posts indicate I can get by with FMU or AFPR. I was also under the impression (and someone is telling me that is wrong now), I could mail out my PCM to retune for boost.

There is also an ODB1 PCm replacement kit coming soon so I read. That's another $500 though. Would that work?

[3.4grapeofwrath]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

That's a damn good question that I am trying to figure out as we speak. Some posts indicate I can get by with FMU or AFPR. I was also under the impression (and someone is telling me that is wrong now), I could mail out my PCM to retune for boost.

There is also an ODB1 PCm replacement kit coming soon so I read. That's another $500 though. Would that work?

I'm not sure if that would work or not. You might want to look into that but I don't think anything has been proven yet. If you keep your boost around 6 lbs an fmu would work fine with the stock injectors. A water/alky setup would also help out if you wanted to push the boost level a little higher. I also would recommend a msd dis-4 for more spark and a way to reduce timing.

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

I'm not sure if that would work or not. You might want to look into that but I don't think anything has been proven yet. If you keep your boost around 6 lbs an fmu would work fine with the stock injectors. A water/alky setup would also help out if you wanted to push the boost level a little higher. I also would recommend a msd dis-4 for more spark and a way to reduce timing.

The main reason I was sticking with 6 - 7 lbs of boost was because I read it should work fine with the FMU so that's cool. And you say the 19lb injectors are cool.

So the main things I am missing the the MSD and the PCV bypass? cool.

someone told me to pick up a 2-bar MAP, but that's a waste with my ECM - correct.

Thanks man, I appreciate the advice.

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

The check valve I'm using I got from work years ago. Don't know where to buy it at but I'm sure it's expensive. Here's a link for some check valves made just for the pcv system. http://www.et-performance.com/turbo.html

holy crap that's a pricey little valve. You're certain it will do the trick?

It says not to use a breather, so at least I'd save a few bucks there. Install sounds easier than tapping the TB.

Summit only carries the DIS-4 plus (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-62152/) for $570. On top of that I need the interface modules?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-8870/. I don't want to blow $700 w/o knowing it's the right stuff.

[3.4grapeofwrath]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

holy crap that's a pricey little valve. You're certain it will do the trick?

It says not to use a breather, so at least I'd save a few bucks there. Install sounds easier than tapping the TB.

Summit only carries the DIS-4 plus (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-62152/) for $570. On top of that I need the interface modules?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MSD-8870/. I don't want to blow $700 w/o knowing it's the right stuff.

I'm not sure how good that check valve is I never used one but there aren't too many choices that I know of. I ran my car for years without one and never popped my dipstick. You will bleed off some of the boost though.
I forgot how much I paid for my dis-4, It was a long time ago. I did see some used ones for sale recently. You can install a megasquirt system also, I had no luck with the megasquirt but many others have.
If you choose to install no ignition controller you will be depending on your knock sensor system to retard the timing.
I just found this on this forum check it out.
http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=97495

[SpeedingFirebird]

Re: FFF 3.4 Install

I'm not sure how good that check valve is I never used one but there aren't too many choices that I know of. I ran my car for years without one and never popped my dipstick. You will bleed off some of the boost though.
I forgot how much I paid for my dis-4, It was a long time ago. I did see some used ones for sale recently. You can install a megasquirt system also, I had no luck with the megasquirt but many others have.
If you choose to install no ignition controller you will be depending on your knock sensor system to retard the timing.
I just found this on this forum check it out.
http://forum.camarov6.com/showthread.php?t=97495

I was more asking if the 62152 was the same as the old 6215 that was in the instructions.

I just sent Andy an offer on the older DIS-4. Could save me some money there.