My 3.8 N/A build

[mikejohnlewis]

I am currently running a stock motor but I would like the following upgrades:
GT2 cam
New rockers*
springs*
ZZP intake conversion?
ZZP aluminum valve covers
Northstar TB

* = I don't know what kind to use.

I would like to use the zzp intake conversion because I want to use fuel rails.

I know im forgetting something, any opinions greatly appreciated.

[danomite02]

Mike, for the cost of a cam, rockers, alum valve covers etc etc, you could likely have a top swap and be MUCH happier. just my .02

[mikejohnlewis]

im not sure I want a top swap, I personally believe that my car being an N/A will retain its value better than a top swap as there is only 967 of the 2 door GT 40th anniversary and then I have to do pcm stuff and doing it all at once wouldn't work for me I cant afford it being a student, im doing this part by part.

[Fivefingerdeathpunch]

You wouldn't want to swap throttle bodies.

That motor could never outflow the stock MAF sensor or throttle body size, you'd just be making it harder on yourself. Tuning for a un-needed mod, maybe even less throttle response.

[mikejohnlewis]

You wouldn't want to swap throttle bodies.

That motor could never outflow the stock MAF sensor or throttle body size, you'd just be making it harder on yourself. Tuning for a un-needed mod, maybe even less throttle response.

Is there a Tb I can use that will increase throttle response?

[Impala131]

I'm sure you are aware already, most of the best modded 3800 n/a cars are around stock supercharged 3800 horsepower, for a much higher cost.

Is nitrous an option?

[Sven the Sexman]

I've done a NA build...I wasn't overly impressed...GT2 cam, 1.8 rockers, ported heads, headers, exhaust, etc... If the car were mine, a simple Z3 turbo kit or whatever would be perfect for DD and easily returned to stock.

[SgtMarshal]

building an N/A car will not make much power. 250 at the wheels is the maximum you will make. the easiest and cheapest way to make more power would be to swap the N/A heads for supercharged heads because the injector bungs are in the heads on supercharged cars, then you could install a direct port nitrous system and make another 100 horsepower for less than 1000 dollars.

or you could save some money for the turbo kit like Sven suggested.

[mikejohnlewis]

building an N/A car will not make much power. 250 at the wheels is the maximum you will make. the easiest and cheapest way to make more power would be to swap the N/A heads for supercharged heads because the injector bungs are in the heads on supercharged cars, then you could install a direct port nitrous system and make another 100 horsepower for less than 1000 dollars.

or you could save some money for the turbo kit like Sven suggested.

I may consider this

[nos4blood70]

Build NA --> Be disappointed --> Go turbo.

That's the only good thing about NA builds, you're basically laying the tracks for a snail.

It's a lot of money for marginal gains, and I doubt the value of the car will be affected regardless of what you do. At least with the turbo, you can easily remove everything if you ever plan to sell.

[mikejohnlewis]

Build NA --> Be disappointed --> Go turbo.

That's the only good thing about NA builds, you're basically laying the tracks for a snail.

It's a lot of money for marginal gains, and I doubt the value of the car will be affected regardless of what you do. At least with the turbo, you can easily remove everything if you ever plan to sell.

that's another reason im doing the intake conversion, if I want to add a turbo Itll already be done.

[BillBoost37]

I'm disappointed by your lack of understanding that the intake swap will cause you trouble. Basically.. you won't have fuel injectors if you do that swap.

[coolone]

The biggest thing about modding an engine is the return on your investment in HP. If you spend $1,000 on cam, rockers, accessories, and only wind up using more gas... How will that make you feel?

You can spend just a little more and sit in a rocket! How will that make you feel?

I hate to bust your bubble, but unless you have a one-of-a-kind 40th GT, its not too valuable to begin with. If it had only 5k miles and was on milk crates in a garage, started every few days to keep the juices going, it would only be worth so much and not as much as you think. LoL

So, if you want my $.02, buy a L67 and swap it in that engine bay, mod it to hell with a nice built tranny and have some fun. You can take out and store your precious stock original engine and PCM to sell some day. Cam to just say you have a cam is counterintuitive!

: )

remember the golden rules...

#1 - you gotta pay if you wanna play!

#2 - FAST/CHEAP/RELIABLE - you can only have two at any one time, choose wisely!

[mikejohnlewis]

The biggest thing about modding an engine is the return on your investment in HP. If you spend $1,000 on cam, rockers, accessories, and only wind up using more gas... How will that make you feel?

You can spend just a little more and sit in a rocket! How will that make you feel?

I hate to bust your bubble, but unless you have a one-of-a-kind 40th GT, its not too valuable to begin with. If it had only 5k miles and was on milk crates in a garage, started every few days to keep the juices going, it would only be worth so much and not as much as you think. LoL

So, if you want my $.02, buy a L67 and swap it in that engine bay, mod it to hell with a nice built tranny and have some fun. You can take out and store your precious stock original engine and PCM to sell some day. Cam to just say you have a cam is counterintuitive!

: )

remember the golden rules...

#1 - you gotta pay if you wanna play!

#2 - FAST/CHEAP/RELIABLE - you can only have two at any one time, choose wisely!

im not saying I want the fasted car around, nor am I saying its worth a ton of money right now, as my dad once told me in his day he never thought the chevelle ss would be worth anything, and look at it now.

[Grimsin]

You make it sound like he wont gain anything. He will just not as much as a l67 would.
I say mod the n/a with supporting mods for a l67 then if you want to go boosted your not in the hole $ wise.

[coolone]

You make it sound like he wont gain anything. He will just not as much as a l67 would.
I say mod the n/a with supporting mods for a l67 then if you want to go boosted your not in the hole $ wise.

What I stated is fact, the law of diminishing returns... You can spend $1k on adding 30hp, and if that floats your boat, have a go at it. You could also spend the same and add 100HP : )

Enjoy your day!

[SgtMarshal]

You make it sound like he wont gain anything. He will just not as much as a l67 would.
I say mod the n/a with supporting mods for a l67 then if you want to go boosted your not in the hole $ wise.

the intake conversion he was talking about actually would do nothing for him. there would be no benefit at all, and even with a turbo there would be no benefit. I dont how any n/a mods are going to benefit a future supercharged build.

the direct inject nitrous setup is the easiest way to make another 100 hp, and wouldn't cost a lot.

[Grimsin]

Topswaps 90% of the time have issues from the first startup on. Then when they get it going the trans blows up or they chip a piston lols.exact Reason i sold my topswap.
If he does decide to boost i say do a whole l67 and drop it in. And buy the trans its connected to for a spare.

[mikejohnlewis]

Topswaps 90% of the time have issues from the first startup on. Then when they get it going the trans blows up or they chip a piston lols.exact Reason i sold my topswap.
If he does decide to boost i say do a whole l67 and drop it in. And buy the trans its connected to for a spare.

this is why im just building my n/a I also don't want to deal with the problems.

[Grimsin]

Wasnt talking about the intake conversion.
He could do intake. headers. Cam or rockers. All would benefit a supercharger