I been wondering what are the differences between these 2 blocks ? are they 2 totaly different beast or are they close to being the same besides the bore sizes. I guess what Im asking can you take a set of 3800 heads and intake and bolt them on a 3400 or do it in reverse.I guess one way would be to have a head gasket from each and compare them because if they match you could probably do it. does anyone know for sure here.because back in the day all the chevy small blocks you could swap parts all over. 283,305,327,350 were pretty much the same motor except the bore sizes.
Thanks Brian

 

2800, 3100 and 3400 are similar. 3800 totally different beast.

 

3400 is a 60 degree engine, 3800 is a 90 degree engine. You can't swap parts with each other.

 

3400 and 3100 are related engines (basically a different bore and other minor changes). But as said NO relation to the 3800. The ONLY part I currently know that is in common with the three engines I listed are the coil packs (GM liked those and used them on a lot of cars).

As states the 3400/3100 is 60 degree and the 380 is a 90 degree. Plus, if you look at the valve covers, you'll notice on a 3800 the valve cover bolts to only the head. On a 3100/3400 the design is a tad goofy and the valve over bolts to the lower intake and the head (was part of the lower intake is used the make the space used to hide the rockers and such).

Sorry, I can go on noting differences, and it's far more detail then the question called for. Bottom line, parts are not interchangable.

 

Thanks for the replys.so the old coil pack thats been sitting in my garage forevere since the 91 lumina euro I had will work if I ever need it. I guess there was a reason I held on to it .lol Thanks again. now I wonder if the new camaro V6 will bolt in hmmm.that make 300hp so I hear.probably wont bolt up.just rambling here.

Brian

 

in other words the 3400 is a complete beast! lol

 

I could be wrong, but I think the older coil packs are different from the ones used on the 95ish and newer V6's. Do they look exactly like these:




Won't bolt up- and no real reason to go that route anyways. I hear they aren't making a lot of power with bolt ons without boosting them. You could however get an L67 (factory supercharged 3800- dirt cheap) and that bolts in, and mostly plugs in too- and does 240hp stock- can easily get up to 300 crank with ~$1k or so in engine mods- and has a proven track record to go much further with easily available bolt on parts.

 

L67 swap like bumpin said is the most practical route.

If a 3.6L swap were possible that was similar to the Camaro's, you MIGHT be able to get one from the new 2012 Impala 2012 Chevrolet Impala Specs

That's the only w-body to ever or ever will have that v6. It would be a stretch though to make that work.

 

as a fellow 3400 owner i agree!!!

 

That's exactly what I plan on doing to my LS - not to thread jack here but you know a great amount in this area, but the engine I wanted to purchase (w/ 48k on it ) will come with;

Power steering pump
Engine wiring harnesses
PCM module
Alternator
A/C Compressor
Coil pack
Starter

Will I need anything else?