93' 3.4L v6 3400 to 3500 Top Engine swap?
#1
10-09-2013, 11:57 AM
93' 3.4L v6 3400 to 3500 Top Engine swap?
Can someone enlighten me as to where I could find a kit or what must be done to do this swap, also will I be able to upgrade the cams, rockers, lifters, pushrods, etc....
#2
10-09-2013, 12:29 PM
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
Well.... Here we go. I'll try to give you some insight. It's been a while since I looked into the top end swap for my car..
In all honesty, the head swap would be worth doing if you already needed to rebuild your engine. If your engine is good, I recommend buying a donor 3.4 from the junkyard to build while you daily drive your current engine. Building the engine with the 3500 top end will take a little time. It would be best if you could get your hybrid 3.4/3500 built an ready to drop in the car before removing the old engine. As far as swapping your engines after you have your new one built, it shouldn't take more than one day.
If you really want to do a swap, I recommend a 3400 top end over the 3500 top end. Reasons being that the 3500 top end doesn't fit under the cowl of the Camaro without hacking the **** out of it. The 3400 top end will give you similar gains as the 3500 top end.
You'll need
3.4 block
3.4 crank
3.4 cam
3.4 accessories
3.4 headers
3400 pistons
3400 heads
3400 lower Intake
3400 upper intake
3400 throttle body
3400 head gasket set
3400 fuel rail and injectors
Longer throttle cable (universal)
Custom length pushrods
Custom brackets for accessories
Etc...
I'm sure there's some things I'm missing but here's a very detailed thread on how to do the swap and what will be needed:
http://www.fullthrottlev6.com/forums...28with-pics%29
As for cost, a donor 3.4 and a donor 3400 shouldn't cost you more than $800 for the two. That will give you everything you need aside from the throttle cable, Head Gasket set, and pushrods. I'd say you could squeeze the build out of $1000 if done cheap and you took short cuts. Now if you wanted to bore the 3.4 block and get new rings and bearings and an upgraded cam, you could easily spend $2000 on your build/swap. Remember to take into account that if you choose to buy a 3.4 to build while you daily drive your current engine, you can sell the old 3.4 once swapped to get some of your money back. Good 3.4's around here go for $300-$400
As for cams, you can use any aftermarket cam that you would find for a stock 3.4 engine. Simple enough? Rockers are already really nice in the 3400 heads so no need to replace those with more expensive upgrades. I mentioned pushrods earlier in the post. Use stock 3.4 lifters.
Good luck and let me know if you have other questions!
In all honesty, the head swap would be worth doing if you already needed to rebuild your engine. If your engine is good, I recommend buying a donor 3.4 from the junkyard to build while you daily drive your current engine. Building the engine with the 3500 top end will take a little time. It would be best if you could get your hybrid 3.4/3500 built an ready to drop in the car before removing the old engine. As far as swapping your engines after you have your new one built, it shouldn't take more than one day.
If you really want to do a swap, I recommend a 3400 top end over the 3500 top end. Reasons being that the 3500 top end doesn't fit under the cowl of the Camaro without hacking the **** out of it. The 3400 top end will give you similar gains as the 3500 top end.
You'll need
3.4 block
3.4 crank
3.4 cam
3.4 accessories
3.4 headers
3400 pistons
3400 heads
3400 lower Intake
3400 upper intake
3400 throttle body
3400 head gasket set
3400 fuel rail and injectors
Longer throttle cable (universal)
Custom length pushrods
Custom brackets for accessories
Etc...
I'm sure there's some things I'm missing but here's a very detailed thread on how to do the swap and what will be needed:
http://www.fullthrottlev6.com/forums...28with-pics%29
As for cost, a donor 3.4 and a donor 3400 shouldn't cost you more than $800 for the two. That will give you everything you need aside from the throttle cable, Head Gasket set, and pushrods. I'd say you could squeeze the build out of $1000 if done cheap and you took short cuts. Now if you wanted to bore the 3.4 block and get new rings and bearings and an upgraded cam, you could easily spend $2000 on your build/swap. Remember to take into account that if you choose to buy a 3.4 to build while you daily drive your current engine, you can sell the old 3.4 once swapped to get some of your money back. Good 3.4's around here go for $300-$400
As for cams, you can use any aftermarket cam that you would find for a stock 3.4 engine. Simple enough? Rockers are already really nice in the 3400 heads so no need to replace those with more expensive upgrades. I mentioned pushrods earlier in the post. Use stock 3.4 lifters.
Good luck and let me know if you have other questions!
Last edited by Chaotic94; 10-09-2013 at 12:32 PM.
#3
10-09-2013, 05:57 PM
so you are saying that the 3500 top end swap is really not worth it?
Also I have been looking at comp cam kits and found afew I liked comes with everything. I want power and I know the 3.4 is small and can only produce so much, but i'm ok with that!
I will be getting pacesetter headers and a full exhaust system by either obx, or flowmaster.
I currently don't have a running motor, took my car to the track and blew the head gaskets, but I found a fully tested motor for about $300 and it will go in the car bone stock, then after time and funds I will begin my build! I just need some guidance as to I know nothing of these motors, although I have taking it apart 3x and have removed it from the car 2x, so I know what i'm doing just don't know the engine and how to make power!
Also I have been looking at comp cam kits and found afew I liked comes with everything. I want power and I know the 3.4 is small and can only produce so much, but i'm ok with that!
I will be getting pacesetter headers and a full exhaust system by either obx, or flowmaster.
I currently don't have a running motor, took my car to the track and blew the head gaskets, but I found a fully tested motor for about $300 and it will go in the car bone stock, then after time and funds I will begin my build! I just need some guidance as to I know nothing of these motors, although I have taking it apart 3x and have removed it from the car 2x, so I know what i'm doing just don't know the engine and how to make power!
#5
10-09-2013, 07:01 PM
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
You'll use the stock ignition system and 3.4 pulleys. Along with the 3.4 accessories. The 3400 top swap is definitely worth it. But the 3500 isn't worth the minimal Gaines over the 3400 for all the hacking of the cowl that would have to be done for it to fit. If you do it, do the 3400 swap. Not the 3500.
#6
10-16-2013, 04:55 PM
Ok now im confused as to what exactly you are saying? I have a dead 3.4L engine in pieces, I will also be buying a used 3.4L engine! I was asking if the 3500 top-end on the 3400 motor. To me you say it's worth it to keep the 3.4 all stock and just build with cams and such? I am having a hard time here understanding.
#8
10-16-2013, 06:01 PM
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
The 3400 is the aluminum headed version of the 3.4. The 3400 came in FWD cars such as aleros, grand ams, monte carlos, luminas, etc. The aluminum heads from the FWD 3400 flow better than you're rwd 3.4 cast heads.