robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

So I have another question for the master of the mild weather motors. I was browsing over at 60degreev6.com and the topic of a 3.4 to 3.whatever stroker came up using different factory bits. What can be done to stroke a 3.4? Someone mentioned using different sbc rods or a 3.5 crank. Speaking of which, can a 3.9 crank/rotating assembly sans pistons be used? I'm just trying to think outside of the box here.

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

Well... The only thing that increases stroke is the crank, rods and such will not increase the stroke. Yes, they generally need to be longer to match the stroker crank, but the crank is the only thing that increases stroke.

That being said, the 3.1, 311, 3.4, 3400, 3500(LX9), and 3900 (LZ9) ALL have the same 3.31" stroke. However the LX9 and LZ9 both have larger rod journals that could be offset ground to increase stroke, at the trade off of strength.

So I don't know what stock parts are being discussed to increase stroke over what the 3.4 already has.

cosmick

I'd swap to the 3.9, more bang for less buck, and even most other V6 third gen owners wouldn't have any clue you'd done more than a 3500 head swap, the only clue should be the starter boss on the wrong side. Around here you can get a 3.9 complete for under $250, you'd spend at least that on new gaskets and getting your crank offset-ground, never mind getting pistons done.
You'd need the 3500 top-end anyway to take any advantage of the extra displacement, GM's best 3.4 iron heads are already a restriction on the 3.4, even the early aluminum 3.1 FWD heads flow better than ported iron 3.4 heads.
But if you don't care how it looks, the 3.8 from a '95-'02 Camaro should be an easier swap.

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

I know I saw a couple of 3.9s at the tearapart on Redwood and I've been thinking about grabbing one but.... after the headache of the mounts and starter plus flex plate mods I don't want that much of a fight for a DD. I know there's a 3.4 I've been slowly pulling apart at the pull n save on 201 so I am still up in the air as to what route I want to take

cosmick

I still have the 3.4 in my '94 Camaro, it still runs, and I'm still planning 3500 heads for it, even though it isn't staying in my '94.
The Pullapart in Farr West is much cheaper than those others, and that new one on the south side of 12th St. in Ogden is in-between for prices. The one on 201 is half-price Wednedsays, but even then is more than Farr West.

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

What flexplate mods?

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

Don't you have to use a different spacer or adapter using an S10 flex plate or what not using a FWD engine?

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

Where is the one in Farr West?

cosmick

About a mile south of Smith and Edwards, on the West side of I15. You can also get there from that exit that has all the fast food and gas stations. Just drive the frontage road. Not much of a parking lot.

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

No. You can use the F-body flexplate (or flywheel) with the FWD starter just by adding a 14mm spacer to the starter. No flexplate or flywheel modifications needed.

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

Ah, so where exactly does the spacer go?

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

Between the starter and the block...

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

Ok that was a total newb moment, I must apologize to my fellow gear heads lol.so...where would I find said spacer?

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

In a block of aluminum... You make it.

cosmick

Or a couple stacks of washers.

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

That's just asking for trouble, since it doesn't support the nose of the starter all the way across. I might do that to find the right thickness of spacer in testing, but not to run that way.