upgrading 96 3.8

[whitefirebird96]

I have read the thread on the upgrading of this engine. I was wanting a little more specific input if anyone has it. My engine as 215000 on it, still runs fine. I am looking into putting the "stage 2+" powerpak from supersixmotorsports.com on it. With this, I know my engine has some good amount of wear on it. I figure I would probably have to get new pistons, but didn't know if I should get beefier connecting rods or crank. It says this powerpak should only max 60 more hp. I have done a catback magnaflow, 3.42 lsd and functional ram air hood. I will probably add pacesetter ceramic headers during the rebuilding to clear up the flow.

I guess my main question is how much more power should my engine be able to hold and what else should I do to help support it?

It is also possible I would want to add a supercharger in a year or two.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

if the car has that many miles on it and you are going SC, I would have it
bored, honed, and decked. Polished crank, new pistons, rings, rods bearings....EVERYTHING!

In fact, i would just get a new block and start working from there. that way its already out of the car and you can begin working on it much easier, If its out of the car why not go forged, pistons and connecting rods. But I would say definetly start with a new block with lower miles, you can pick that up for cheap.

[whitefirebird96]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

so you don't think the block would hold up for another 250000 miles after having it dipped and honed and built back up? was going to do the pistons, rings, bearings; but was wondering what kind of rods I should go since I can't just blow all kinds of money right now. If someone knew the hp and tq ratings of the different kind of connecting rods, that would be great. But initially for at least the next few years it will just be the powerpak with heads, intake, and cam in it.

[loser]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

if the car has that many miles on it and you are going SC, I would have it
bored, honed, and decked. Polished crank, new pistons, rings, rods bearings....EVERYTHING!

In fact, i would just get a new block and start working from there. that way its already out of the car and you can begin working on it much easier, If its out of the car why not go forged, pistons and connecting rods. But I would say definetly start with a new block with lower miles, you can pick that up for cheap.

honestly id LOVE to see our sleeves with over 200K on them.
forged isnt really a must( IMO its a waste if thats all he's doing ) i would think, if he gets a whole new motor. personally i wouldnt put a SC on a motor with over 200K with out getting at least new pistions,rings,rods, bearing and honed. the crank would be the last on the list, right atfer getting the block decked.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

honestly id LOVE to see our sleeves with over 200K on them.
forged isnt really a must( IMO its a waste if thats all he's doing ) i would think, if he gets a whole new motor. personally i wouldnt put a SC on a motor with over 200K with out getting at least new pistions,rings,rods, bearing and honed. the crank would be the last on the list, right atfer getting the block decked.

I Just figured if he's gonna go big "SC" go all out with the forged items, must have some money to spend. And as far as the block work goes, that was only if he planned on using his original.

[loser]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

I Just figured if he's gonna go big "SC" go all out with the forged items, must have some money to spend. And as far as the block work goes, that was only if he planned on using his original.

ah, makes more sence now. decking block is hard, and its just a v6 so that why i put that on the bottom of the list.

if you do go through with everthing, PLEASE post pictures of the cylinder sleeves if nothing else. i think your best bet ( and not really expensive) would be just finding a junk yard motor and put all the good stuff in first, then swap it.

EDIT: udlose, are you on AIM, i wouldnt mind talking about your set-up for a little while, sounds pretty interesting. my s/n is lu ooz er btw.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

be right on.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

I would hone it, put new piston rings in it, new oil pump, new timing chain, new bearings and call it a day, good as new.
Have the deck CHECKED, having new heads will help out with a lot of the wear and tear items.

You don't need to replace the pistons crank or rods unless there are problems.

[whitefirebird96]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

so does anyone know the hp or tq ratings on standard connecting rods, forged rods, or H beam rods?

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

Stardard rods I wouldn't go past more than 350rwhp.
Forged rods I don't know, a lot more.
The L32 powdered metal rods are good for 500 I would say.
Stock pistons will take a poop long before that about with the stock rods.
Forged will take you out way beyond that.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

Stardard rods I wouldn't go past more than 350rwhp.
Forged rods I don't know, a lot more.
The L32 powdered metal rods are good for 500 I would say.
Stock pistons will take a poop long before that about with the stock rods.
Forged will take you out way beyond that.

I hope that doesnt hold true.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

I hope that doesnt hold true.

Are you the guy wanting 500 HP out of a stock bottom end?
I think it will work, just won't be reliable or last long.

The numbers I presented are for LONG term reliablility.
Why do you think the l67 has stonger rods, etc. for only a few more HP?
The l36 could hold the power, just not for 100K miles.

[UDLOSE98]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

Ok, well I thoguht you meant instant give out, I dont plan on a daily 500 hp either 400-350 is what I am looking for. but at the track and on teh dyno 500's.

and yes, I guess I am that guy. lol

[whitefirebird96]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

yeah I was thinking at the crank, with the powerpak only about 260-270 dyno tuned. and then in a year or two witha supercharger, I expect realistic numbers at the rear wheel to be 300-350. Is this underestimating the power of a supercharger? So would stock rods hold it through the miles? and then just upgrade pistons and the rest? without having to get a new crank? of course I would get the crank ground back to balance.

[slow6]

Re: upgrading 96 3.8

the crank is STRONG
since when did our engines get sleeves? its not an aluminum block
well, mine doesnt have sleeves..
If I'm misinformed, I'll shudup now