Help me plan my 3.4L
 

I'm doing some planning on building a 3.4L, and would like some help and opinions on my plan so far.

Right now I am looking at a pretty basic 3.4L:
I plan on using JE 98mm 9.8:1 pistons (I have these already), having my cylinders bored out to be matched to the larger pistons, have the cams reground, and getting a chip from Mr. Wong. I will be having all the other normal machine work valve guides, rod bolts, magnaflux the crank, etc done as well.

I've been trying to figure out what kind of exhaust I should use with a 3.4L. After reading around here I've been hearing that SSI's could be too small for a 3.2L? Specifically I remember reading about that in the thread about using 993 heat exchangers. I would have to guess then that SSI's would be even worse for a 3.4L. *I want heat so headers aren't really an option.

It appears though that the SSI's restriction really effects the top end of the rpm range. I'm not trying to build a peaky engine, I'd wrather forgo topend power for more area under the curve, it will be a street engine. So would SSI's be the exhaust you would go for on an engine like that? It looks like steve timmons at Instant-G also has an exhaust system that might work, but the cost seems a bit out of my league at $2500+.
http://www.instant-g.com/Products/Exhausts/Instant-G36/index.html

If you see some weakness' in my plans please feel free to comment. I'm looking forward to get a plan down and start working towards getting the engine built. My time-frame for getting everything done would be early of spring 2008.

Thanks for everything,
Rich

Call Steve weiner - he has a great set up with heat - custom 3.4 - 1/34 headers that have 3.2 heater boxes - not cheap -

Thanks for that Jeremy. I know I bothered you about this the other day so I appreciate you taking the time to inform me of that. Although with the "not cheap" warning I might just have to wait for that upgrade.

Rich

Rich, 993 heat exchangers are 1-5/8" ID which is good for a 3.2/3.4. SSi's will be a bit restrictive at the top but OK at the low-end.

You have JE pistons and 3.2 cylinders (bored)? Sounds good. Rebuild the heads (stock 3-angle valve job, guides, springs, no porting), ARP rod bolts. Webcam's 20/21 grind works well, or the 993 Supercup cams...

Otherwise, that should be a fun engine!

:)

Scott,

Thanks for your opinions. My cylinders aren't bored yet, but that is the route I am planning on taking. Actually you sold me an intermidiate shaft aluminum 0 gear for the engine, and I have a set of Jeremy's pistons. It is cool to think of all the pelicans that have had a hand in building both my car and engine.

I figured Camgrinder would be able to help me figure out the correct cam for my application when the time comes. But I've been trying to do some searches to see what others have done. Like rdane's and JeremyD's engine so I at least have an idea.

I think I am going to go with SSI's, at least initially. I really don't think the car is going to be seeing long periods of times at high rpm's as you would in racing. If I want more out of the engine sometime later down the road I will concider selling the SSI's and upgrading to 993 heatexchangers with flipped flanges or Steve's setup.

Thanks again,
Rich

SSIs would not be ideal for a 3.4, with all the engine work, the top end hp would be not much different than if you kept the stock exhaust and muffler on. For headers with heat, your other options come down to 993HEs, B&B, GHL, the Instant G setup, and it appears now Fabspeed has a new setup too.

Thanks Steve. I appreciate the information. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a pair of 993 heat exchangers and see what turns up. That is what you have on your 3.2L correct?

I've got another couple of months before this thing is going to be bolted together so I have time to find what exhaust fits my budget and has heat.

Rich

Rich

I have a set, but haven't had time to install them yet - just extremely busy. It still has SSIs on them. The car is lucky to get 2500 miles a year.