Thread: How much horsepower can I pull from an N/A 3800?

I heard somewhere that it wasn't much. I just want to know if I NEED to top swap it to make it fast.

I'm a noob so 300 horsepower is my goal for MY first build. Is this achievable? Am I shooting for the stars?

Also, there was a guy that stated "The conrods on the series 2 3800 are weaker than the crank and over time, the conrods will have turned into a slight oval" or something like that. Is this true? If so, I might have a bad engine (Not to sure on the condition of the engine but the previous owner didn't take care of this car at all [70 mph average with a clogged cat, bad bearings, random misfire, slipping transmission, and dexcool in the system])

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

Engines are cheap

I didn't expect you to say that. That's the first time I've seen "engine" and "cheap" in the same sentence. Haha

Originally Posted by REDCOMPG

Your not going to make 300hp on a n/a setup. You better either be prepared to topswap or go turbo..

Ahhhhhh I didn't want to hear this. Oh well, it is what it is. I love the way turbos sound so I'd go with turbo. Isn't there a lot more work with adding a turbo than there is with adding an S/c ?

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Since you aren't charged, a turbo is almost easier.

Keyword: almost




So overall it's pretty much the same? No fabrication work?

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

A turbo.. you bolt on the turbo, add the pipes, waste gate etc etc, put on an intercooler, tune it. and go faster, easier than a top swap
Topswap... you remove the entire upper end of the engine, bolt new parts on, and tune it.

I'm simplifying.. but the point is made... a turbo is easier, faster and you'll change no gaskets on the motor.

Oh! Tuning! Where can I go to learn how to tune myself? Or is that to extensive?

Also, no supporting mods? Wouldn't I need to like weld a flange onto the crossover or something like that?

I remember a long time ago a local guy here in CT had an all out n/a 3800 build. The works.
IIRC he spent about $5,000 on mods.
It made like 220whp lol

Originally Posted by SnowFlake

I remember a long time ago a local guy here in CT had an all out n/a 3800 build. The works.
IIRC he spent about $5,000 on mods.
It made like 220whp lol

Oh my gosh HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHA





That really sucks


Why did he do it though? Preparing it to be boosted or something?

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Say you buy this.... http://www.grandprixforums.net/threa...00-Finders-Fee

And you'd pretty much be bolt and go

The Purpletraitor? I was just watching videos of that car. That's crazy! But that's pretty cool!

I thought I would have to do the cam, rockers, pushrods and other things of that nature. Good to know I don't have to, tho I probably will.

contact greg aka gmrbadass for said turbo kit or anything else 3800/wbody performance related good chance hes got what your looking for.............HA

whoa whao whao you just sent the link...... tell him TYLER sent ya greg can just knock the fee off my already large tab.......

the heads and intake alone on that car are approaching if not more than a turbo kit and certianly a cheapo topswap and a few mods would make more. but yeah i do have to appreciate people doing na builds.

Originally Posted by 4THGENCAMAROFAN

Highest N/A 3800 i've seen is this one.

http://abbottracingheads.com/gm3800.htm

Seems like a lot of mods . Why do that if you can just top swap it?

those mods would be better for if you want like 500whp but I only want like 220-260whp.