Need some Info (engine)

[KpazzH0ly]

Hey guys, I haven't posted a new thread in awhile so bare with me. For those of you who remember me talking about boring or putting a 3.8L s/c on my car, those thoughts are out of the question. Recently I had something fly through my oil pan so now I have to repair my engine. But I want an engine swap.Now my options are 3.5L or 3.4l DOHC. I know there are a lot of threads about putting a different engine in the ga. But now that I have a reason to Im set. First is first, if I do get the 3.5L, when they are a lil less rare, I plan to bore it. ANd I dont know the possibilities of the 3.4L. SO what I am asking is if you guys could share your knowledge on which is more the performance gain. The reason i like the 3.5L is because it has a great torque band and it has possibility of a bore. I dont plan on being ready to put in a new engine for awhile. So I want to make some research.
3.4L DOHC questions:
How compatible are the mods with our engine?
what tranny?
ECU problems?
3.5L questions:
Tranny?
Are the engine mounts similar?

Im sorry if this sounds stupid, but I am really serious about this. And I could use the help. If anyone lives by, and would like to talk and help me out give me a hollar I need it. Thnx.

[95-GT]

Well if you go with the 3.4 DOHC, you will need all the electrical, and I would imagine a new trannny. But since your going with all that work, I would convert it to a 5-speed.

[kamikaz16]

5 speed in a GAGT ::droooool::

[KpazzH0ly]

is it possible to bore the 3.4 DOHC, is the block anywhere close to the one that we have? Or will I ahve to start looking for a whole new aftermarket field?
BTW if I do get the 3.4L DOHC I would go with the 5 spd. I talked it over with my dad. And I get to choose what I want to do, since the car is dead. But first I have to fix my beater, sell it, so i have room in the garage. But My dad would be all for me doing w/e i want to my car. At my own expense that is.

[bszopi]

A 3.4DOHC won't fit in the bay of a GA. Its too tall and wide. And yes, its a completely different aftermarket. Something to do with 4 cams versus 1...

[KpazzH0ly]

So there isn't a way to make if fit, with new mounts and what not? Are you basically stating that I have to deal with the rare 3.5L idea?

[phantom505]

You don't even really need to start with a 3.5L block. I would just take the 3.4L and bore it out. For all that I have found that's all the 3.5L is.

You can use the better water pump and head gaskets from the 3.5L too.

[KpazzH0ly]

Yes your right, but i have the potential to bore out the 3.5L to get much more displacement. ANd the torque is much better than ours. I guarantee thats a mean engine. If I can get my hands on one that will be awesome. But what u guys think about that?

[Blackrider]

Bahh Just spend the money on a 3400, there probably are not to many 3500's out there and if you do find one, get ready to bend over the table.

[phantom505]

Originally posted by KpazzH0ly
Yes your right, but i have the potential to bore out the 3.5L to get much more displacement. ANd the torque is much better than ours. I guarantee thats a mean engine. If I can get my hands on one that will be awesome. But what u guys think about that?

No, it's the exact same lower just bored over. It's no different. I don't think anyone has torn one open to confirm, but the main gain on power is what they did to the exhaust side. I'm trying to get my hands on a '04 Malibu to confirm, but no one around here has one. That extra 10 ci and better exhaust is what gave its additional power.

[Blackrider]

Originally posted by phantom505
No, it's the exact same lower just bored over. It's no different. I don't think anyone has torn one open to confirm, but the main gain on power is what they did to the exhaust side. I'm trying to get my hands on a '04 Malibu to confirm, but no one around here has one. That extra 10 ci and better exhaust is what gave its additional power.

Higher compression to. 9.8 i think

[phantom505]

Well for some people that's not very helpful. I'm guessing that they may have gone to a thinner head gasket. I'm trying to buy one now to see if that's the case.

[Blackrider]

Originally posted by phantom505
Well for some people that's not very helpful. I'm guessing that they may have gone to a thinner head gasket. I'm trying to buy one now to see if that's the case.

Pistons from what I understand.

[phantom505]

Well I wouldn't use the stock pistons anyhow. I doubt that they are any better than what we already have.

[KpazzH0ly]

so ur telling me thats a 3400 just bored out. Its not a brand new block? IF that is so, wtf is GM thinking. This block needs to be put to sleep. I guess this would help me since I need an engine anyway. I can get a 3400 and bore it out that lil bit. But still thats a dissapointment. ANd blackrider I wasn't planning to get the engine yet. I would wait until the g6 is out for awhile. I got time. I have to take my time. I got other issues that are really stalling my car project. But you guys are telling me that the 3.4 DOHC has no chance in our engine bay? I dont get it. It was in the the monte, how is it that different. Ive seen their bay it aint all that bigger.

[phantom505]

Bigger isn't the problem. It's the subframe.

[GTPprix]

Yeah stay away from that POS 3.4L DOHC what a pile..

[KpazzH0ly]

Ok guys then we have to find out he differences between a 3.4L and 3.5L. Cuz if its the same block, ill just bore my block that lil more and get high compression pistons. Whats our compression right now anyway? Some more questions that you may be bothered with. Our tranny= **** right? well what tranny does the malibu come with? I think that is so dumb that the I4 has manual and the v6 doesnt. I need all this info cuz I have to fix my car, and if so I want to play with it. SO it really depends on that 3.5L since the 3.4 dohc aint all that good and w/e. thnx again.

[phantom505]

Manuals are stronger stock, but auto will hold more power if you compare them built up. I'm pretty sure the Malibus have the 4T45 still.

If you are thinking of ever going boost I wouldn't up the compression ratio with the pistons. I would see if I could use a thinner gasket or something more easily replaced.

[bszopi]

From GM Powertrain...

"The 3500 represents a thorough redesign of GM’s 3400 V-6. Its block and cylinder heads have been improved for more stiffness and better NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control. A new intake system improves fuel efficiency, while the crank and pistons have been enhanced to further increase durability. As a result, the 3500 produces a class-competitive 200 horsepower (149 kw) and 210 lb.-ft. (285 Nm) of torque in a smooth, durable package with low cost of ownership."