3.4L build - special hardware?
 

I'll be tearing my 3.2 case the rest of the way down this weekend. The heads are being re-done (C2 cams, Ti retainers, high tension springs), and the JE 98mm pistons @ 10.5.1 are on the way. I'm about to order my engine rebuild kit and could use some perspective on special hardware. I was just going to order the stock kit, but then I'm thinking about the extra compression & hp and I'm wondering if I should use special rod bolts or studs? Anything else that would not be part of a regular kit?

I'll be driving the car hard on the street and the occasional autocross.

Thanks in advance,

Re: 3.4L build - special hardware?
 

Yes SmileWavy

A little use of the search function and you will find several mentions of the "wimpy" 3.2 rod bolts and some failure stories. :(
regards
david 89 turbo cab

Hugh,
Yes, do the rod bolts. In my mind the advantage of the rod bolts and upgraded valve springs is that you can miss a shift, zing the engine to 7000+ and not hurt anything. (I don't know if there are any power advantages.)
If you lower head studs are corroded, replace them now. They have a tendency to break.
I would be very leary of running 10.5:1 on pump gas without twin plugging. 10.5:1 with twin plugs is probably the safe limit. I have more documentation on this if you want to email me.
-Chris

Thanks for the news, guys -- I'll definitely be doing the rod bolts now. Probably the lower studs too. And FYI Chris, I'm definitely doing the twin-plug thang. I appreciated being able to check out the info on your 3.4L job. Thanks for putting that up on a website.

Cheers,