You might want to consider swapping out the 229, and installing a 4.3. With the proper modifications, it should come close to the performance that you're looking for.
3.8?
- Thread starter bowtieguy82
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so i shud just drive it and build a motor on the side? got a line on a 5.7l block pistons rod cam to get started
Do you want a V6 or a V8? Or are you just looking for a certain power level? Also, keep in mind that with power upgrades to the engine, the rest of the drivetrain will probably need to be upgraded to match.
1. What are you after, performance or economy?
2. Can you do the work or do you have to pay someone?
3. How big is your budget?
Personally, unless you want to leave the car in grocery-getter status I'd just run the 3.8 into the ground while you build something else. They barely made enough torque to get out of their own way. Your best bang for the buck and choice of options are going to be going with a small block Chevy V8, preferably a 350 at least. A 350 is about the easiest/cheapest engine to upgrade and swap. Since it's a Monte you get the pass on the sbc swap :wink:
2. Can you do the work or do you have to pay someone?
3. How big is your budget?
Personally, unless you want to leave the car in grocery-getter status I'd just run the 3.8 into the ground while you build something else. They barely made enough torque to get out of their own way. Your best bang for the buck and choice of options are going to be going with a small block Chevy V8, preferably a 350 at least. A 350 is about the easiest/cheapest engine to upgrade and swap. Since it's a Monte you get the pass on the sbc swap :wink:
Here is what was done to my motor: It was completely torn down and rebuilt by a hot rod shop in Lees Summit, MO and this is what they done.
Chevy 229, 3.8L is the same bore and stroke as the Chevy 305. So pistons and rods and lifters can be purchased for a 305 that would work for this motor.
My motor currently has the following:
Comp Cam High Energy 252H part number 15-200-4, I like the performance this one gives.
Flat top pistons (purchased for SBC)
Ported Polished Heads
Stock Computer controlled carb. (controls Idle mixtures and I hate it!)
Stock Distributor and HEI coil
True 2 1/2" dual exhaust all the way back with no cats only flow masters.
I will be purchasing the following and adding on.
Chevrolet 200-262 V6 1.52 Magnum rockers & High Energy pushrods from Comp cams part RP1412-12
Edelbrock performer intake 2111
Either a Holley 390CFM 4 barrel or the Edelbrock 1403 500CFM 4 barrel carburetor. (More than likely the Holley due to the lower CFM.)
Headers (Very Difficult and Expensive to find between $400-700) unless used.
Upgraded Distributor and Performance HEI ignition kit.
Upgraded performance plugs and wires.
I can tell you that just for the rockers, pushrods, intake and carb plus all gaskets, oil and everything is, is going to total about $1000. Figure in the complete rebuild that was done which was $1500 by itself and this motor will have $2500 invested into it to bring it to the performance of a mildly built SBC. So for money invested it would be better to go with a SBC. and if your set on building a V6 then go with a Vortec 4.3L better motor and more parts are readily available and cheaper.
Hope this helps in your build.
Chevy 229, 3.8L is the same bore and stroke as the Chevy 305. So pistons and rods and lifters can be purchased for a 305 that would work for this motor.
My motor currently has the following:
Comp Cam High Energy 252H part number 15-200-4, I like the performance this one gives.
Flat top pistons (purchased for SBC)
Ported Polished Heads
Stock Computer controlled carb. (controls Idle mixtures and I hate it!)
Stock Distributor and HEI coil
True 2 1/2" dual exhaust all the way back with no cats only flow masters.
I will be purchasing the following and adding on.
Chevrolet 200-262 V6 1.52 Magnum rockers & High Energy pushrods from Comp cams part RP1412-12
Edelbrock performer intake 2111
Either a Holley 390CFM 4 barrel or the Edelbrock 1403 500CFM 4 barrel carburetor. (More than likely the Holley due to the lower CFM.)
Headers (Very Difficult and Expensive to find between $400-700) unless used.
Upgraded Distributor and Performance HEI ignition kit.
Upgraded performance plugs and wires.
I can tell you that just for the rockers, pushrods, intake and carb plus all gaskets, oil and everything is, is going to total about $1000. Figure in the complete rebuild that was done which was $1500 by itself and this motor will have $2500 invested into it to bring it to the performance of a mildly built SBC. So for money invested it would be better to go with a SBC. and if your set on building a V6 then go with a Vortec 4.3L better motor and more parts are readily available and cheaper.
Hope this helps in your build.
CHRIS.O said:
That's not the only reason. Boring an engine increases displacement which increases power. It can also help with deshrouding valves, etc.
Like everything else with an engine, boring is just part of a total package.
The 5 ci you gain from 30 over really isnt going to up your power. Nothing noticeable anyway. I understand the unshrouding but lets be honest here it is done mainly to clean up cylinder walls. Too many people think a 355 is way better than a 350, or a 461 is better than a 455. Not really the case. Its not meant for making a bunch of power.
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