Looking for more go for my show

[Plain Jane]

Howdy. Posted on here awhile back but haven't done much with this car in that time (all my money went into my Eclipse project). I drive an '86 Bonneville V6, and while it is a looker, I think it can use a little more oomph. Don't want to do anything too wild, just a few bolt-ons so it'll at least sound the part. Was thinking the basics like IM, 4bbl, headers, catback and a few other odds and ends. However, I am not familiar with the aftermarket scene for these cars and need a little help knowing what to look for and where to find it. I'm not interested in cheap parts and will happily pay the premium for quality stuff.

Also, I understand that the TMH230 is made of glass. What is a safe level of power it can take and would a bolted 3800 threaten to destroy it? Thank you

 

[Texas82GP]

Upgrading the rear gear ratio will probably give you the best bang for the buck. What rear gear does it have in it now?

 

[fleming442]

What engine is in it now? Gears will help off the line, but also hurt top end without overdrive. You could also find a 4th gen F-body, and transplant the drivetrain!
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/operation-lipstick-on-a-pig.64137/

 

[Plain Jane]

Unsure of the rear gear ratio, but the engine is a 3.8 V6

If the transmission is solid enough I'd consider a shift kit

 

[Wageslave]

Gears are your best friend here. I put a 4.3 in my '85 Bonneville with a TH200 and it works pretty well, except it is totally gutless from a start with 2.41 gears. I am guessing that ours have similar enough options that you have the 2.41 gearset too. 3.08's would be a pretty good fit for that car with no overdrive. As far as the transmission goes, it should be fine for anything the 3.8 could reasonably produce.

There is not a cheap or efficient upgrade path for the Series 1 3800's that will get you a big horsepower gain short of turbocharging. Gears will take you a good ways with getting up and going faster but if you "Gotta Go Fast", I would start looking for a V8. 350 Buick would be a direct bolt in with all the accessories from the 3.8 reused.

Also, nice car. I wish mine was that clean. Here is mine (still in progress)

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/you-know-shes-a-keeper-when.65373/

 

[Plain Jane]

I would guess we have similar gears, as she's slow and lumbering off the line but more than capable of holding her own at higher speeds. The 3.08 is starting to sound interesting. Would something like that be a direct swap or would custom work be involved? And is it a posi?

The car doesn't need to be a rocket ship. I have what most people would call a fast car already, I just need a little more power and some rumble.

That's quite a project you have going there! I'll be taking a closer look at that for some ideas/inspiration later on down the road lol

 

[Plain Jane]

Thoughts on Hedman long-tubes (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hed-68413) and PaceSetter shorties (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/psm-72c1205)? May just go custom with the catback later on

 

[Zspoiler]

To make do with what you have with some upgrades ,You need to make it more efficient. A good intake manifold ,headers with dual exhaust. I don`t know your state emissions laws are.But high flow catalytic converters if needed, A small 4 bbl carb , and a good tune to start.

 

[Plain Jane]

You mean an ECU tune? Don't think that's viable for a carburetted car.

 

[fleming442]

This has been discussed ad nauseum here before (try the search box). The bottom line is: compression makes power. Your starting point is 110hp at 7.9:1 compression ratio. A member here threw every bolt on you could at one, and might have gotten to 150hp. A blow through EFI, turbo, and intercooler would be the best way to get close to 200. Or, find a Buick 350 to drop in.