top end swap ?'s

[3X00-Modified]

Wear matched is thinking way too much into it... that stuff isnt that sensitive... its only flat tappet cams that are that sensitive.

You only need to grind rockers if you use the stock stamped steel ones. All the rollers fit, BUT if you dont have a 96 then odds are your heads won't have the notches required below the pushrod guides on the rocker seat area to allow the use of the roller rockers...

Put it this way for you to leave what you have in that motor, and use large bore intakes, you need to grind down clearance on the lower intake, And take a corner or so off of the rockers... it helps lessen the amount of intake you need to cut up.

[Money pit Beretta]

How much do I need to take off each? I can do the intake now because it's on on yet. I had hope that my engine was a 96,but I see that it's a 95.

[3X00-Modified]

it's hard to tell, its a grind and fit ordeal...

[Money pit Beretta]

Ouch, this is going to take longer than I thought. Is there a write up on this some where or pics?

[1988GTU]

I don't think there is a write up. Just trial and error.

I honestly would recommend using matching heads to those intakes to gain the full potential from the intakes. It would be less/equivalent down time, just a few more steps to do. Breaking off exhaust manifold bolts are not a big deal anyway... You'll have newer heads to use!

Finding heads are not hard.

[JeffD]

Grinding heads? come on, you have to be insane to keep those 3100 heads! you already have the intake off, unbolt those exhaust manifolds and get those heads off! get some 3400 stuff! you'll thank yourself later. here are your pros: bigger valves, bearing rockers, properly fitting parts and lack of grinding, should take less time to finish, and my favorite: more power! the cons: you have to get some cylinder heads. it's up to you.

[Money pit Beretta]

I didn't see much of a point to getting the heads on this old thing. It would be much more work/cost/time and I would have to change the exhaust. If I was to go that far, I'd just put in a 3400.

[KFLO 93 GT]

Just use the 3100 rear exhaust manifold and the 3400 other parts. That saves the exhaust. Now just get some head gaskets. No excuse!

[3X00-Modified]

3400 heads are identical to 3100 ones... port shape design and everything... The valve difference in size is on the intake and IIRC its .02"... Nothing to write home about.

The only issue he is having is running stamped steel rockers on a large bore top end. I did it for about 60k on one of my old motors... its not a big deal.

[Money pit Beretta]

Just for those looking at this topic: I have swaped the 3100 and 3400 TB shafts so I don't have to worry about getting new cables. Thanks goes to 6r8ph1X for the idea.
I just need to get all the gaskets now. I have a list of part #'s for the EGR and the adapter plate.

[Money pit Beretta]

Is it better to use the water neck from the 3100? I ask because I have one for the 3400 also.

[3X00-Modified]

Should be the same exact thing...

[JeffD]

yes, they are the same if its off a grand am or other N cars. not sure about the vans or W cars.

[JeffD]

[quote=The only issue he is having is running stamped steel rockers on a large bore top end. I did it for about 60k on one of my old motors... its not a big deal.[/quote]
right, not saying you will have problems, but it just would be easier to have heads already notched and ready to go IMHO.

[Money pit Beretta]

I'll test fit the necks. I'm not sure what the 3400 stuff came off of. The JY I got them from keeps all their parts on a shelf. That's why I got the wrong ones the first time. The heads would make it much more easy, but the plan is to get a 3400 later down the road. This is getting off the main topic, so I'll stop talking about it and save it for another time.