I have a 1995 3.4L Camaro. The car was my first real car and my baby up untill six months ago when it overheated and blew a headgasket. I was devastated and feared that I would never get her running again due to the cost to fix it. However, recently I have arranged to trade out with a local Mechanic Shop who is going to fix the car for me in exchange for some computer work.

I was thrilled today when I went over there and they showed me under the hood of my car, with nothing but the shortblock left (the heads have already been sent to a machine shop for repair).

However, when I got back to my PC I got to thinking about an old article I had read a few months back. There was a guy who had taken a 3.4L V6 and upgraded it by swapping parts and turned it into a 200HP car. After some searching, I found the article on LS1.com, it can be found here:

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4706

If I am understanding properly, he installed the following on the car:

1999 Pontiac Grand AM GT (3400) Alluminum Heads
---- Includes roller rocker arms built in, larger runners and ports on the plenum

RKSport Headers (~$500 part)
Larger Fuel Injectors
K&N FIPK Intake
Exhaust Modifications

My questions are these:

1. Am I correct? That the parts he used were simply a set of 1999 Pontiac Grand AM GT (3400) Alluminum heads, RK Sport Headers & Larger Fuel Injectors?

2. What would you guys estimate is the cost of these parts?

3. Since my engine is completely torn apart by a professional mechanic right now, I figure if I am ever going to do this upgrade now is the time. What do I need to have installed now in order to do this upgrade? (I.E. What is the most efficient thing to do now that I can't do later without them tearing apart the engine again)

4. He mentioned "roller rocker arms, large runners and ports on the "plenum". I know I am probably sounding pretty stupid here, but what are these and would they normally be included if I bought a set of 99 Grand AM Alluminum Heads?

I know I don't know much about cars, but I want to learn but I also know that at this point it is better for me to let professionals help me as much as possible. So, go easy on my guys, I know I am coming across like a complete idiot when it comes to cars, and maybe I am, but I am really trying to understand the potential of my car.

 

1. You need to change out the 3400 pistons as well to maintain correct compression ratio. You can use either RK Sport or Pacesetter headers but either must be modified to fit the FWD heads. Using a larger fuel injector will result in a rich condition unless you compensate in the tuning, which there is none for the 3.4 PCM, so you would need to use a piggy-back system like the Megasquirt.

2. Costs will vary widely depending on whether you buy new or used and how long you have available to track down deals. I have seen complete 3400 top ends for a few hundred dollers.

3. See above. It's all or nothing. You can't say put in the pistons now and then do the heads later. Or do the heads now but wait to do the intake or tuning.

4. The advantages of the 3400 top end are part of the stock head/intake design.

If you want a nice performance item to add now while the engine is apart, and you want to keep it simple without getting in over your head (or the willingness of the shop to work with you) then go with a nice aftermarket cam/lifter set. The stock cam/lifters are probably worn anyway and due for replacement. Sounds like they're already having the heads redone, make sure to look into replacing the timing set and water pump as well.

 

If you could compare 3.4 and 3400 heads and intakes side by side the first thing you would think is "hmmmmmm.....this one bigger ".
Then you would quickly figure out all the bolt paterns and ports line up differently. To get back wards compatability you have to change out every thing but the engine block (because the FWD heads will bolt on the RWD block). And then you still have to change the pistons. Unless, you can deal with a compression ratio of some thing like 12.5:1 I think it was. That is about where your compression will be if you change the heads and not the pistons.

Another advantage to the head design is that the valves on the 3400 are canted(?) that means it looks like they are installed crocked. That is how the valves are on a BBC. The 3.4 has straight valves like a SBC.
It give you more air flow.