3400 vs 3500 questions

[TurboGt]

I was wondering what the major differences are. I know most people like the 3500 intake but what about the rest of the engine. I was reading this:

http://60degreev6.com/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=8906

and they say that there is a vvt3500 and non vvt versions. I am intrested in the non VVT, does anyone know how to tell the difference between the two?

I am going to be doing a swap into my 87 Fiero and will be boosting the engine at the same time (5 lbs daily and 10lbs at the track). I am currently looking at several 3400 at the local yards and have also found an 05 malibu with a 3500 for the same price as the 3400.

My goal is to have a engine that reaches close to the 300 hp mark without breaking the bank. I DO realize that I should rebuild the engine before boosting it but I think it will hold together long enough and if I blow it up there are 100 more in the junk yard.

[bszopi]

The 3500 VVT will have a cam phaser on the front cover and the regular 3500 will not. Easiest way I know how to tell.

[sharkey]

the malibu will be a non vt engine.

i think the hardest part of it will be the electronics. the 3500 uses a fly by wire setup. the norm for 3500 plenum swaps seems to be the 4.3l throttle body. the other big thing is the ignition. the 3500 uses a 54x (something like that) reluctor wheel, vs the 7x on all previous engines. i think the only way to overcome this would be with a stand alone that has provisions to work off of a 54x reluctor wheel. i guess the other option is a custom crank trigger.

[TurboGt]

the malibu will be a non vt engine.

i think the hardest part of it will be the electronics. the 3500 uses a fly by wire setup. the norm for 3500 plenum swaps seems to be the 4.3l throttle body. the other big thing is the ignition. the 3500 uses a 54x (something like that) reluctor wheel, vs the 7x on all previous engines. i think the only way to overcome this would be with a stand alone that has provisions to work off of a 54x reluctor wheel. i guess the other option is a custom crank trigger.

I will be installing my Mega Squirt on the new engine but I dont want to be the first to try to figure out the newer style crank triggering, and with the new GPIO board not out yet I would have to get a TB also. So the 3400 is sounding better and better.