Are there any significant changes in the 3400 from the 98 to the 04. Just ended up with a 98 3400 from a Olds van. Bought the complete subframe drop for the tranny needed in another vehicle. My wife drives a 04 Montana with the 3400. Just trying to make up my mind to keep the 98 stored in the garage or unload it. I have found limited information on the net, mostly to do with swapping a 3400 into vehicles not equipped with them. Are CR's the same, heads the same, camshaft geometry,sensors the same or at least interchangeable through the years? Havent really been able to visually find anything diffrent Any help or ideas appreciated.
Suggest you look specifically at EFI and emission control differences. GM went through two major changes in data-networks over that time span. Controls were consolidated into fewer control modules over that time span.
I have noticed the efi changes, injector changes, egr and some wire connectors differ. Have also found a change in the heads. By reading other sites the rocker bolts changed from 10mm to 8mm and the way I read it the 04 has the smaller, seems like a change in the wrong direction to me. I haven't been able to find any other specific info on the heads. If I were to keep it I would only be concerned with the long block assembly, maybe the lower and upper intakes if they are interchangeable. Just trying to figure out if the "core engine components" are the same. Don't want to keep the engine and them maybe need it and then find the compression, cam geometry or something else makes it uncompatable with the PCM or that it simply won't work because of sensors omitted in the older block or heads. To store engines I keep them in the upstairs of my garage, it's easier to sell them or scrap them if I have no use for them than muscle them up a set of stairs.
Well, I have a '98 olds van and while its been a good one, the real question is are you expecting to keep the '04 long enough to really need the entire replacement powertrain?? Using a good oil, the engines will last quite a while, and you can get say head gaskets fixed or more likely, the intake manifold gasket, valve guides, as easily or more easily than changing the entire engine. You MAY want to keep the transmission, as they tend to need work regularly like any vehicle with automatic (my local shop says he sees them all, Honda and Toyota included). I have 155k on my van, and the trans works great, engine runs great, doesn't use oil. The van chassis, on the other hand, is rough riding, handles so-so, has some internal rust near the liftgate hinges, the trims comes loose, seat leather is wearing and its slow. On the other hand, its paid for, reliable pretty much, gets over 20 100% of the time even with plenty of stop and go with AC on, has comfortable seats and tons of room (seems bigger than new vans) and is paid for and, oh yea, paid for. I really admire a guy like you who is handy enough to pull this sort of thing off and heck, even to think of such a scheme.
Honestly, I drove the 07 Hyundai Entourage and it was quite a bit nicer than my '98 - was really fast & powerful, handled well and was 4 times as quiet and smoother riding. Do I really want to drive my '98 another 10 years if I had a replacement powertrain?
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