New here, but I have a 96 Z26

[GTU89]

Getting close to 180k here on the original timing chain and water pump, still worries me though, just not too long ago I changed the original plug wires, they were pretty rotty. lol The fact that you (DTM) are 240k on the original chain makes me feel a bit better though.

I'd still change it to be safe though, and as MPB said, exhaust upgrades would be great.

Not sure of the company but I believe there is/was one that made bigger exhaust for our cars, not sure if it was for plastic (91+?) or metal gas tank cars though.

But yours isn't a 3100 is it? Not sure what the life expectancy of a 3.1 or 2.8 MPFI engine chain is.

Nope,
Sorry I was thinking a 3100 used most of the same stuff as the previous gen 3.1.

[Money pit Beretta]

Ok. My local salvage yard is having a " carry out all you can in one trip for $50" so I plan on picking up 3400 heads and intakes. Anything else I might need?

Make sure you get 2000 and up intakes. Don't forget the by-pass tube and get the TB also.
I have a write up on how to swap the TB shaft so you can use your old linkage. It on swapping the 3100 shaft into a TCE TB, but it's the samething.

By the way intake bolts are torque to yield so think about new bolts. There is also an order for tighting, so just ask.

[DTMAce]

No MPB the head bolts are torque to yield. Not the intake bolts. I know, as I had to research this before doing mine. I reused the ones I had with no issues. Yes there is an order as well as a torque spec that should be done in inch pounds, not foot pounds. Somewhere around 114 inch pounds. Or like 12 ft lbs, but most ft lb torque wrenches are inaccurate at that setting. lol

And you have to go around the bolts several times as they draw the whole intake down till they all hit spec every time you go around. I think it took 3 rounds on the pattern before mine were all at spec.

[Wivm1014]

Will do. Thanks for all the info. I plan to get the 3400 heads, intakes, throttle body and I was gonna get the bolts from them anyway just in case one decides to retire its self in some way. I will do what I can to find a 2000 or newer also.

[Styluss]

On the timing chain "argument"... Why wait for it to be an issue? I would replace it. Just my $0.02

[Wivm1014]

I most likely will when I store it for " the build"