How much power can an na 3.8 hold?

[Clone TIE Pilot]

I tried improving the HP with my 231 in my Regal and it was a total waste of time and money. The the N/A blocks and heads are the same as GNs. The heads are poor flowing, weak oiling system, weak thrust bearing, not enough bolts to keep the HGs from blowing under boost (not really designed to handle boost in the first place), being a 90 deg V6 instead of the proper 60 deg banks for a V6, and low CR. It took GM years of R&D and adding a turbo, SFI, and intercooling to get decent power out of the dog. After the 80s GM kept revising the 3.8 so many times that by the time they retired the engine the only thing that was still the same was the deck height. So the newer 3800s do not have much intercange with their older, weaker brothers.

You would be lightyears ahead by swapping in a complete better drivetrain. I put in a whole MCSS powertrain that I bought for $250. Just thew in a better cam and TES headers and making 240 HP and still getting 20 MPGs. It's no screamer but much better than what a 80s N/A 3.8 could ever do. So what if some snobby people think dropping in an SBC is cheap and lazy, why care?

 

[DRIVEN]

You are 99% correct on every point. The only exception being the deck height. GM even revised that for the Series II :lol: . In the end the only thing that the 3800 really had that tied it to the old 231 was the bore and stroke. Personally, I have little love for the 231. It's adequate for basic transportation but that's about it. The 3800, on the other hand, is actually a pretty fun little engine. If I had a G that originally came with a 231 I wouldn't hesitate to swap a 3800 and transmission from an Fbody. I think it would be extremely reliable, tough, and return pretty decent economy.

 

[G_Body_Enthusiast]

i ALMOST decided to build the 3.8 in the car now but then i got a 350 short block and then figured why stop at 350 cubic inches and bought a cadillac 472. that's 7.7 liters, just over twice the displacement of the 3.8.

as much as i like the 3.8 engine (they can be very durable) it just isnt going to give you good returns for the time and dollars spent. for the same amount you might spend on the 3.8 (intake, carb, headers, distributor, a rebuild kit with pistons, rings, bearings and gaskets...you can put that much into a cadillac engine and get more than twice the power you have now and that's with a stock rebuild. for a few dollars more...

either engine will not be as cheap as a SBC but if you're willing to spend more than you would on a sbc go with something bigger than 350 inches and get much more fun per dollar spent. go with a 454, at least it's not a 350 and if done right it wouldnt cost a bunch more than a 350.

or yank the 3.8 and drop in (yes, drop in) a buick 350. you can getting a running or core buick 350 on ebay for about 450 or less. that's not a bad price either. we even have members who have done this swap and can help you if you go this route.

too many options out there to stick with the 3.8.

 

[Tank]

I hate to bring this back up, but everyone has a good point. I have the Chevy 3.8L or 229 c.i. and it has been built up. However, this was done by a professional shop and they installed SBC flat top pistons, ported and polished the factory heads and installed a Comp Cams 252H cam. The total bill was almost $1600 and it does run pretty decent. I was able to drop her into 3rd and floor it and out run my buddies 67 cougar with a mildly built 289.
However, to get it where I would like it I am adding, 4.3L shorty Headers, Edelbrock Performer 2111 aluminium intake, Eldebrock #1404 500 c.f.m carb, and a 1" riser plate. Total price will be almost an additional $700-$800 on top of the $1600 for something that may perform like a stock 350. 😢

I used to have a 99 Grandprix GT with the Series II 3800 and I loved that motor, so I have been searching around for a good used SC 3800 and spending the same $7-800 and doing that swap in my El Camino. I just think that would look way better and give the Fuel Economy and modern amenities that I would like.

 

[ChevyRidinHigh]

damn was wondering this myself as i just got an 81 malibu with the chevy 229 3.8v6. might aswell throw in the 327 H.O engine i got into the malibu and call it a day lol.

although if you want to go turbo i say just find a 3.8 turbo v6 from a buick and drop it in and then add upgrades to that. probly be alot cheaper building a n/a 3.8. Although being different is always better.

 

[Bweavy]

Some mis information on a N/A 3.8.
I'll just do the basics:

NA 3.8 no rolled fillets on the crank main or rods. rolled fillets stronger crank. 84 4.1's have them on the rods & or the mains.
Rods are different strength, 2 dot rods on turbo 3.8
Pistons are different on NA then turbo.
Heads are the same for older Turbo motor 6293 casting. 8445 are more desirable. 84-87
mid 85 to 87 are 20 bolt front covers & blocks. early 85 & older are 14 bolt oil pans.
Turbo crank in a 87 NA block is possible. I have seen a few but they were replacement blocks. These are designated as SG-1 replacement engines. it is cast on the driver side by motor mount. Same as used in the 89 TTA. Better oiling on the crank.
Nickle content is higher on a 86-7 109 Block only 2 years for the 109. except 89 TTA which is an 87 engine with front wheel drive heads.
86-7 NA & turbo 109 blocks same nickle content. drill an 1/2" NPT oil return line in the block & it is a turbo block.

I'm sure I forgot something.

4 barrel carb & intake, 224/224 cam or even a 204/214 cam, headers, Ported heads on a 3.8 or a 4.1 84 block done correctly will suprise a 350 chevy.
plus you'll get 23 miles to the gallon if you keep your foot out of it which you won't be able to.

Am I saying go 3.8 it's the end all be all? no. Just saying if your on a budget & it's in there & you want to do it in steps & can surprise you with the performance.

If you have another engine 350 Buick,3800,LS etc.. use it. If a 3.8 is there & your on a budget you can get some cheap performance upgrades. Used NA 3.8 performance parts are cheap.

 

[B1tchin'-Buick]

IF anyone wants to upgrade there NA 3.8 there is alot of good tips within this website.... http://www.beforeblack.net/NAnotes.htm. Ideas like throwing on a 4.3 intake, small CFM 4 barrel carb, ect.... ect....

I personally would not do this with my NA 3.8. I would swap out also. Just posted up for a reference for you all.......

<Mike>

 

[Tank]

IF anyone wants to upgrade there NA 3.8 there is alot of good tips within this website.... http://www.beforeblack.net/NAnotes.htm. Ideas like throwing on a 4.3 intake, small CFM 4 barrel carb, ect.... ect....

I personally would not do this with my NA 3.8. I would swap out also. Just posted up for a reference for you all.......

<Mike>

Thanks for the link, I have been searching for a while and slowly building up my information on what I can use.