What will go in our 3.8's if your running 350+ hp?

[Perry V]

Hey all, i have a '97 bird...with many mods (i.e. headers,3" exhaust etc.) my biggest mod is a 6 lb powerdyne setup .... and now i'm thinking of getting the Super Six package(Heads & Cam) as well..... i think this will put me over the 350 hp (at the crank) range... i have some concerns:

-Can the 3.8 motor handle that much? I'll be replacing the rods, but can the pistons handle that much? Can anyhting else go in the motor with that much power?

-Can my T5 tranny handle that much power??

those are my main concerns....like i said i plan on getting new pushrods to strengthen the motor up, but i want to make sure that a piston won't crack under that much power...just kinda paranoid... even though it comes with the territory, i still would like to have an idea of what can handle the 350+ hp...

any feedback would be much appreciated...
thanks

[Takumi Fujiwara]

id say get the fuel pump from the GTP if u have havent already upgraded it, or some sort of advanced fuel delivry if u were really worried about the saftey. We have strgon engines and the super 6 pac will make what u have much stronger. Im not much of a forced induction person but I thought upgradeing to the GTP pistons to lower ur comrpession ratio would be a good idea 2

[OneQuickV6]

Neh, I wouldn't run the GTP fuel pump, get the Granatelli or Walbro instead!

[hockeyman]

I would upgrade the pushrods, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, and possibly the crank. Your talking about cramming an extra 150hp into a motor thats used to 200hp. Maybe up to 260hp, I would leave everything stock, but definately nowhere near 350hp. That's just asking for trouble.

Sounds like a mean setup though [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
Go out there and make us (me) lame V6'ers proud and smack some motocraft around!!!

-Marc

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: hockeyman ]</p>

[Perry V]

hmmm.... u'd think all that would need replacement huh? Kinda puts a downer on my plans.... kinda on a tight budget over here.... but i guess if i do it, it should be done right the first time.

thanks

[hockeyman]

I have no solid proof that those parts will give out on you when you install all of the planned mods. But also keep in mind that installing a supercharger comes with it's consequenses too. You'll need headers, at least a 3' exhaust, bigger injectors, and a higer performance fuel pump just for starters if you want the full potential of your mods, and that's not counting what upgrades your stock engine would probably need.
Building a awesome performance V6 takes some time and money...lots of money. I looked into getting 300hp into my 3.8, but I would like to have a life someday and buy a 5 bedroom house with a 3 car garage. I'm going for the house first, and maybe after I hit the lotto, then I'll build up my V6.
Just kiddin', isn't gonna be that much, but plan on spending more than you anticipated.
Contact someone like 12secv6, he'll give you more know-how than I can offer.

Sounds like a good project though. Keep everyone posted on your progress.

-Marc

[Bliggida]

The engine is only as good as its internals. There aren't many differences between the block on the series one and series 2's. I've seen turbocharged series ones pushing over 800 horsepower at the rear wheels, driven on the Hot Rod power Tour (reliable)

As for the T-5, stock it won't handle 350 Ft-lbs. Built up it will though.

[Y2Kamaro]

Hey man...sounds like you got a mean car going there. I second the motion to seriously upgrade your fuel supply (ie. more potent fuel pump and bigger injectors)....like a good friend of mine says,"the fuel pumped to the engine is like the blood in our bodies, its what keeps us going, our muscles from cramping up under strain"...so if you're running a charger at 6psi, that's a lot more air being pumped into the engine and if you were to add more fuel to that...just imagine the results!!! Am i right in thinking this way guys? Some feedback pls.

[Tyler]

some cases, too much fuel is not the best for optimal results

[Kelly Rosato]

I'd agree on the rods, pistons and ring upgrades. The stock crank is ok for 350hp.

[naptown]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by hockeyman:
but definately nowhere near 350hp. That's just asking for trouble.


-Marc

[ April 04, 2003: Message edited by: hockeyman ]<hr></blockquote>

Umm if im not mistake the dyno resaults from a 6lbs charger put an extra 100rwhp plus that with a 45-50rwhp ssm package(with optimum pcm performance) im thinking that would put him at about 330rwhp because stock i think our cars have about 170rwhp I could be way off but I thought i would add my $.02

[Darknight]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Bliggida:
The engine is only as good as its internals. There aren't many differences between the block on the series one and series 2's. I've seen turbocharged series ones pushing over 800 horsepower at the rear wheels, driven on the Hot Rod power Tour (reliable)

<hr></blockquote>

Is that a 3.8 GN motor, or a true 3800 Series I? There's a BIG difference.

DK

[MrCoffee]

I didnt even know we could get better piston? zzperformance sell those or something?

[Bliggida]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Darknight:
Is that a 3.8 GN motor, or a true 3800 Series I? There's a BIG difference.DK<hr></blockquote>
Same/same. I have a 3800 series 1 3.8L in my garage. Block is identical to the G/N motor. Internals are different, heads, intake, cam are all different but the block is the same, except for the corporate bolt pattern on mine. (I believe) I'm building it to GNX specs.

[Perry V]

So do you guys actually think that just strengthening the rods.... that i my car should be able to handle the Supersix and the 6lbs of boost from the powerdyne??

thanks for all ur input...