Turbo tuning a 3.4 engine
 

Okay, so I'm looking into increasing my horsepower on my 2002 Monte Carlo LS in a few years.

Problem is, I don't have much experience with this, so I was wondering if I could get any tips on what I should do/get.

Look into swapping your 3400 to the supercharged 3800.. Too much money and effort to do a custom build compared to the cost of an engine swap..


Or there is a guy on here that was selling some CRAZY custom stuff for the 3400..

Okay! I think I'll look into the engine swap instead.. Thanks!

Depends on your budget and goals. You may want to read this thread for ideas:
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...p-power-46071/


Your Monte LS has the 3400, same as what is in my 2004 Grand Am GT. I have very little money into mods on that Grand Am, and some days I really think that car rivals my Monte a bit. I'll skip the suspension mods, but here is what the Grand Am has (all this can be found in the link I gave above):
- L67 Coils
- Modded throttle body (I cut off the section that flows coolant and used a piece of hose on the pipe used for that coolant flow). I also "half shafted" the throttle body and smoothed out any "steps" in the air flow.
- K&N Panel Air Filter (no cold air intake, the car has the factory "Ram Air" intake).
- When I last changed the plugs and wires, I added the metal heat shields that GM uses on the 3800. I believe the biggest advantage they really provide is they have a spring that helps force the plug boot to keep a snug connection with the plug itself.
- Had a recent exhaust repair done (common for the flange after the CAT to rot). Had that fixed and also replace the resonator with a piece of pipe (rest of the exhaust is bone stock). This made a big difference. The bits of knock I have been chasing in my tune have reduced after doing this!

- And I have been "tweaking" the computer (not yet 100% happy with the tuning, but getting there).


I know it's NOT a Monte, but it is the same engine (different transmission), so not a like for like. But still, definite and noticeable improvements. These mods are crazy low price and pretty quick to do.


Food for thought. :)