3400 Build

Chipmunk-Alero · 01-07-2009, 06:36 PM

Ok i just bought a LA1 crate engine and am looking to rebuild. Should I build the 3400, or top swap to 3500. Also, list some mods that you guys think will help out performance wise. I am aiming for 350 hp on the engine alone. Yea I know its high but I want to get as close as possible.

[ion] C2 · 01-07-2009, 06:37 PM

You should sell the LA1 and get an I4 and boost it... hehe

Spilner521 · 01-07-2009, 06:50 PM

I agree^^

But if you want 350hp out of that 3400, best bang for the buck is boost. (<--see what I did there... )

If you're trying to go all-motor, you're going to spend way too much money and probably not even crack 300hp.

WhiteV6 · 01-07-2009, 06:58 PM

I built a motor meant for over 300 NA hp. 12.4:1 compression, 1331 grind cam, ported 3500 heads and manifolds, headers, balanced, etc. Max RPM of 7500, shift around 7000. Its not running right now, as it needs the timing chain replaced with the TCE double roller chain setup. 00+ chains are weak and won't hold up to the compression and stiffer valve springs.

Yes, swap then boost. Don't boost the 3400, cause then 350hp would be a thing of the past.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/C...106_193741.htm

Chipmunk-Alero · 01-08-2009, 01:02 PM

could it possibly reach 300?

WhiteV6 · 01-08-2009, 02:34 PM

Sure, its been done with the 3500 top end already in a cavalier.

mfuller · 01-08-2009, 04:10 PM

Trust me.....trying to get over 300HP NA is quite expensive. I'm just hoping to crack 270HP with my streetable build - but then I'm not running a huge cam with equal-length longtubes and running it through a manual trans either.

Fast, cheap, reliable......pick 2.
I chose fast and reliable.

Redog · 01-08-2009, 04:16 PM

^^ Fast and cheap just don't go together.

What do you want to do with the car? If it's not going to see track time or little track time, why shoot for 300 HP?

When building a car, you have to look ahead at the goal and work backwards from there.

If your goal is 300 HP and you realize that it's not going to be cheap, reseach what it's going to take to get there. Plus the stock 4t45 tranny isn't going to take to 300 HP that well. Sorry I'll rephrase that, it will take to 300 HP if the car is driven in normal street driving conditions, start opening it up, you'll most likey have problems

Chipmunk-Alero · 01-09-2009, 07:03 PM

So what trans should i go for? i want a manual

WhiteV6....any pictures, videos, or webpages about the build?

WhiteV6 · 01-09-2009, 07:55 PM

I don't have any pics of the engine in the car and I didn't take a lot while I was building it. If he gets it running again and goes to the dyno or track, I will have some results then.

A manual swap will be interesting. The 6 speed is popular for discussion but its hardly designed for performance so I would go with either it or a 282 5 speed out of the 91 and similar year cavalier/beretta with a 2.8 or 3.1. Custom axles likely and maybe mounts. A lot of work really. I swapped my 91 grand prix to a 5 speed and even with it being an option with all factory parts available, it was a lot of work. Had to pull the dash out and swap a plate in the firewall.