1980 3.8 231 performance upgrades

[gbodys918]

hey guys I was wondering if anyone has done any mods to a 1980 231 I don't really want to pull this engine from my grand prix but if I can't get it to go any faster im gon a have to if you guys have done anything let me know thanks

 

[olds307 and 403]

No, unless you turbo it. Even then, unless efi is swapped, it won't run great. If you can find a 85 3.8 front wheel drive efi, it will swap over. Easiest engine swap is a Buick 350.

 

[MrSony]

x2 on that Buick 350. Everything from the front of the V6 (even the timing cover and water pump/fuel pump 😀) will swap over to a Buick 350. Literally the same just +2 cylinders. Although back in the mid 90s my dad knew a guy that had his 3.8 85 Monte with enough gumption to bark the tires flooring it from a dead stop and would bark em again on the 1-2 shift (floor shift th350, assuming work done). That had homemade headers and 2 inch dual exhaust and a posi 3.42 out of a wrecked GN. Still only ran like 15s lol

 

[olds307 and 403]

15's is impressive for a non turbo 3.8. I know one guy put on the 84-85 efi off the front wheel drive, supposedly made a big difference, 30 HP plus some torque and should get better mileage.

 

[gbodys918]

x2 on that Buick 350. Everything from the front of the V6 (even the timing cover and water pump/fuel pump 😀) will swap over to a Buick 350. Literally the same just +2 cylinders. Although back in the mid 90s my dad knew a guy that had his 3.8 85 Monte with enough gumption to bark the tires flooring it from a dead stop and would bark em again on the 1-2 shift (floor shift th350, assuming work done). That had homemade headers and 2 inch dual exhaust and a posi 3.42 out of a wrecked GN. Still only ran like 15s lol

lol

x2 on that Buick 350. Everything from the front of the V6 (even the timing cover and water pump/fuel pump 😀) will swap over to a Buick 350. Literally the same just +2 cylinders. Although back in the mid 90s my dad knew a guy that had his 3.8 85 Monte with enough gumption to bark the tires flooring it from a dead stop and would bark em again on the 1-2 shift (floor shift th350, assuming work done). That had homemade headers and 2 inch dual exhaust and a posi 3.42 out of a wrecked GN. Still only ran like 15s lol

lol it's gona be a lowrider haha so I think easiest but a little more expensive is going to an ls engine just to give it a little kick but carbd

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

It is going to be held back by its poor flowing heads (all 80s 231 heads flow like crap) and the low 8.5 compression ratio, no matter what intake you put on except for intercooled, efi turbo setup which was a very effective band aid.

Buick did make 4.1 V6 with a 4bbl, intake and special V6 Qjet. I did this swap on my old 3.8 and gained 15 hp. Then I got smart and swapped a SBC in with a OD trans and never looked back.

 

[MrSony]

Well, if the car is going to be a low rider, power won't be the top priority. In that case, yes just a basic rebuilt 3.8 with the 4.1 intake (can be found in 80s g bodies upto about 84 and early 80s bigger Caddies with a V6. If it's GM, from the 80s, and has a 4bbl and front mount distributor, it's a 4.1) New oiling system, (TA Perf. sells rebuild kits), new timing set, somewhat hotter cam (stock heads n stock type intake limit cam choice), headers and dual exhaust and a good gear in the rear and it'll be good. Also try and nab a CCC qjet and the computer to make it work. If you're not an 80s tech wiz, just throw on a small eddie or holley for a V6.

 

[RustRocket]

A performance 4bbl intake(Offy, Edelbrock, etc), or a good worked over 4.1 intake will do some good, and if you're willing to, some head work by a reputable shop should help, headers, either home made or the Hedman one's on my car(I don't remember the part number), there are a lot of headers out there for the 225 powered Jeeps, maybe they'd fit a G car. A good, rebuilt QuadraJet will perform nicely while still maintaining drivability.