231 V6 to 200+ HP or when swap is not a option

[81cutlass]

The issue is that anything you do to make it faster will make it not pass emissions. I am not sure where you live but i am thinking if you are not able to put in a larger motor you will not be able to put a 4 barrel carb, headers, or cam in it and be legal.

The only way to make NA power with a 3.8 is to run big compression or turbo.

The other options are a drawthrough turbo setup found on the 78-83 cars or build a blowthrough carb setup. Problem is neither one will pass emissions.

I have a drawthrough setup on my cutlass with ported heads, bigger cam, really good exhaust, tubular headers, ported intake, ect. and it has a surprising amount of power once the boost kicks in but NA it would be a slug. I have a stock TH350, stock stall converter and 2.41 rear gears and it blows through the converter. If your stupid like me and want something nobody else does and its legal (which it isnt), go for it.

However, when it comes to emissions, your hands are really tied with what you can do.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

There is not much you can really do with a 231 V6. In the early 80s a few Buick V6s came with a 4 bbl manifold and CCC Qjet and air cleaner which can be an upgrade but not much of one. Also the Buick V6 CCC Qjet and intake and Thermac air cleaner can be very hard to find and only improves low end power a little. Swapping out the rear gears will be a bigger help but still not much.

I don't know what the laws in your country are, but here in the states as long as the motor is the same age or newer than the car and has all of it's emissions system working then it's legal. I have swapped in a whole 86 MCSS powertrain (HO 305, THM2004R, and 3.73 posi rear) into my V6 Regal complete with the V8 CCC and emissions systems. Hopefully the laws where you live are just as fair.

 

[pencero]

Israel dmv is too strict! I say just try to get a 5 speed trans leave your engine alone and buy a 3.08 - 3.73 for your rear gears that's what I would do w/ your car & strict inspection

 

[Evan11]

Get a 4 barrel intake & carb off a 4.1 Buick engine. They were used in some 78-88 era Grand Prix & GM wagons. That could possibly give u an extra 20 Hp. Then put in a better geared posi rear end as stated, check the 83-88 monte ss for one. They have 3.43 & 3.73 gears. No it won't give out 200 Hp, but you'll have better respond & acceleration for a cheap price. 🙂 nice car by the way!

 

[Big_White]

there is no problem with the carb,or headers or cams no one see them when pop up the hood and no body know how to look like the original one. we have here something about 20 cars like mine.

i can change the engine but a system is to stupid for that. for example: i need to buy the engine before i start all the paper work. and after mounth or two maybe i get a green light to change. and after that need more paper crap...

ok guys you right i will leave the engine alone.

for cosmetical only... what can i replace on the engine what i neet to search on summit?

how much GPM you get? i get a 1 litter to 6.5 KM i think is too much for small engine like that no?

TNX fellas!

 

[DRIVEN]

I wouldn't expect more than about 18mpg with your current combination. Many of the factory V8 engine options actually had better fuel economy than the 231. The stock 305 in my Cutlass gets 20mpg. It has done as well as 22 on a few occasions.

 

[Big_White]

so i gonna tune up the carburator some thing wrong inside the engine... TNX.

 

[81cutlass]

I get 21 with mine but I think the extra power actually helps. My car is light too since I have a bunch of aluminum parts, V6, and a lot of the extra stuff under the hood taken out.\

18 to 19 sounds about right.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Get a 4 barrel intake & carb off a 4.1 Buick engine. They were used in some 78-88 era Grand Prix & GM wagons. That could possibly give u an extra 20 Hp. Then put in a better geared posi rear end as stated, check the 83-88 monte ss for one. They have 3.43 & 3.73 gears. No it won't give out 200 Hp, but you'll have better respond & acceleration for a cheap price. 🙂 nice car by the way!

I did that and it really only gives you an extra 10 HP, but it is still an improvement just not much of one. Also I would not install a manual trans behind a 231 V6 since they have weak thrust bearings that can'tstand up too well with a manual trans. Rear axle gear swap is probably the most worthwhile upgrade since the 2.41 ratio holds even the 231 back.

 

[pencero]

well there you have it the options are very limited. The next thing you should do is make sure your car has both sway bars hooked up correctly and consider springs/shocks. Swimming around in a broke suspension can cost major $$$ on gas and make the car feel slow