Well, I still have a bit of KR with my 3.4 and I want to keep going. I have researched my options and formed up a list of ideas. I am trying to determine the most cost effective, KR killing, performance increasing "hardcore mod". Keep in mind I do not have the mechanical ability to perform most of the options. Installation is part of cost effectivness.

Option 1 - A mild cam (VS cam from ZZP, or Stage 1x from Intense) - $299.99

What size pulley could I run with this?
Are any other valvetrain mods required/recommended?
What kind of things need to be replaced during a cam install?
How many hours would this take for a competant performance shop to install?

Option 2 - ZZP Shortstack intercooler - $550.00

What kind of pulley sizes?
Effectiveness?
Hours to install?

Option 3 Exhaust Headers - $varies

What brand to get?
Should I get them coated?
Will they kill enough KR to allow a pulley size drop?
Hours to install?

Option 4 - Rocker Arms - $varies

What brand should I get?
What other valvetrain mods do I need?
What ratio should I go for?
Do they kill lots of KR?

Option 5 - PCM - Might not even be possible at this point (because of '96)

I know that is a lot of questions, but I need some direction. That mod bug bites hard.

Option 1 – cost will easily go over $1’000 with cam and install. Out of all your options this is probably the best for power. Personally I wouldn't want to cam unless I already had headers.

Option 2 – ZZP SS intercooler + $600 install (Intense pricing) $1’150+ would be great for killing KR but far from cheap. Not something that would give you much if any hp by it'* self but would allow you to rid any KR you had and then increase your timing and/or up the boost. But you would want to open your exhaust up more before you turn the boost up even more.

Option 3 – Exhaust headers would run $900 - 1’000 installed I would recommend headers before option 1 or 2. I loved the gains from mine when I put mine on.

Option 4 – Pricing on these vary greatly on which rockers and springs you use; if you think you may ever go the cam route I would think twice before you get rockers.

Option 5 – Would be the cheapest option to aid in the KR fight. DHP could probably make something for you if Intense can’t.

Honestly I would say try a PCM and start saving for the headers.


Ed

First off...I agree with Ed'* post. Very well thought out.

First thing you will want to do is determine what is causing your KR. Is your CAI shielded and have you ever considered an FWI?

The overall desire for power is fueled by opening up the engine to breath better. In that spirit, anything that makes the engine able to inhale needs to be balanced with the exhale. Meaning..if you have a cam, rockers or intercooler... do you have a balancing exhaust mod.

My CAI is shielded. I have a Magnaflow muffler and cat on the car, so if my exhaust needs to breath better it would have to come from headers.

It has been blistering hot outside since I have been running the 3.4. I know that I do get heatsoaked sometimes, but the only time I never see KR is before the car is up to running temp. Otherwish I might have spikes of 3 degrees, mostly around 1-2.

If it is my exhaust that needs to breath better, what set would you guys recommend? Also, what would you recommend for coating?

1-2 degrees is ok. It means you pushed it as far as possible. 3 is starting to get out there though.

if you're getting KR on a cold engine, you may need to consider a PCM. I don't usually suggest a 'tune' before mechanical fix for KR, but in your case, it is a factor as you don't have a PCM yet.

Carbon buildup in the combustion chamber can also cause it. Consider a top-end clean and see where it goes. A vacuum leak or EGR leak can also cause a lean condition that can result in KR.

This won't be easy. You have to go after each possiblity meticulously.

I would recommend TOGs or SLP headers; I think they both come standard with a ceramic coating. I wasn't as happy with my TOGs as I thought I would be I had to wait 6 weeks for them to be made and the quality was good but just not perfect like I was hoping for :? . I would give the SLP headers with the slip fit joints a shot; unlike the TOGs which have doughnut gaskets which I've heard are more prone to leak (and before I spun a bearing recently mine started to leak.)



Ed

I am going to look into vaccuum leaks and EGR soon...then the cleaning...

I am having a difficult time understanding the KR I get. I have been driving it for about a week under different conditions and this is what I have noticed.

If I just flat out romp on it from a stop, KR goes no higher then 3. It is around 1-2 most of the time.

If I moderatly roll on it (half throttle) in like second gear, I get massive KR (Like 5-6*).. Boost gauge is just past 0.

Heatsoaked or not, hot outside or not, these patterns seem to be the same. I don't even think there is any change if I use 91 or 94 octane gasoline either.

The only time I get ZERO KR during moderate - heavy acceleration is when the car ISN'T at operating temp yet.