General Questions

[nwilson44]

Okay so I just wanted to ask some general questions about our motor because I am kind of ignorant to this particular motor and I want to learn.

Okay so I kind of touched on the 6000 RPM shift points but I wanted to know as to what is the weak point on our motors that this particular action affects. Here is why I do it as of now.

1.) A shift at 6000 RPM means that after each shift the wide gear spacing (4L60E) puts the car back at around 4000-4100 RPM, which is the Fat part of the torque band. (stock 225 FT-IBS @ 4000 RPMs). That also puts it back at the 5200 RPM power peak sooner as well.

2.) I'll admit that I like high Revs! haha

3.) It allows me to reach 80 MPH in 2nd Gear.

My Mods so far include a K&N CAI, Hypertech Max energy tune, MSD 8.5mm Superconductor wires, Accel Coils, (always 93 octane gas), Shock tower brace and other suspension mods. Just did a tune up yesterday with Bosch iridium plugs as well.

So basically what is the weak point on our motors for the 5700 + RPM range. obviously the cam profile drops power after that point but it puts it in the sweet spot after shifting.

I always use Royal purple 10w-30 on my oil changes and Royal purple "purple Ice" in my radiator. I do my best to take care of it.

That was really my question. Obviously if it is detrimental to the motor I will have to lower my shift points but I seek knowledge on this issue.

[ssms5411]

Re: General Questions

Once built right, its a solid engine aslong as its maintained right. I wouldn't shift it at 6000 rpms all the time unless racing.

[Docta]

Re: General Questions

I've got 4.10s and still RARELY hit 6k. Usually shift ~4k, but I'm a 5spd. You're actually slowing yourself down by raising shift points on a stock motor, if I remember correctly. My fastest time on the stock motor, I was shifting at 5500. And that time was 16.25@88. With 11k DA. Thank you 7000ft elevation...

[vanbibber]

Re: General Questions

get rid of the hypertech, get a real tune. i advise lower shift points, youre playing with fire shifting that high plus youre way out of the powerband by then anyways, the power curve starts falling on its face after around 5200 if i remember right.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: General Questions

high revving is what kills motors. Do I think 6000 is too high? no, but I also wouldn't like it shifting that high without the supporting valvetrain so that you dont float a valve and kiss pistons

[tiller83]

Re: General Questions

These engines are actualy old school blocks with high-tec. mod's. Over reving can cause slapping, no grade of oil can stop it. I'm a new owner by default and don't understand why this 2000 prod. car has the same basic engine design as my 83 truck, and my wifes 2000 prod. import has a high performance DOHC engine in a family car. Even import lawnmowers have overhead cams. This was(is) a cheap production car. One of the reasons it was discontinued. 2 options; you make it a roler motor or have spare engines. Ok 3,don't red line.

[tiller83]

Re: General Questions

These engines are actualy old school blocks with high-tec. mod's. Over reving can cause slapping, no grade of oil can stop it. I'm a new owner by default and don't understand why this 2000 prod. car has the same basic engine design as my 83 truck, and my wifes 2000 prod. import has a high performance DOHC engine in a family car. Even import lawnmowers have overhead cams. This was(is) a cheap production car. One of the reasons it was discontinued. 2 options; you make it a roler motor or have spare engines. Ok 3,don't red line.:poke:

[ssms5411]

Re: General Questions

The 3.8 was rated best engine for many years, even using them until 2008 I believe in Buick engines, very strong engine, and responds to mods well. Throw in a cam with some valve springs etc. and you can rev to 6000rpms all you want.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: General Questions

These engines are actualy old school blocks with high-tec. mod's. Over reving can cause slapping, no grade of oil can stop it. I'm a new owner by default and don't understand why this 2000 prod. car has the same basic engine design as my 83 truck, and my wifes 2000 prod. import has a high performance DOHC engine in a family car. Even import lawnmowers have overhead cams. This was(is) a cheap production car. One of the reasons it was discontinued. 2 options; you make it a roler motor or have spare engines. Ok 3,don't red line.

ya, you have some of the worst possible information here. The 3.8 is a pushrod engine and a stout one at that. As steve said it was rated 1 of the top 10 motors for YEARS. Infact, this hunk of "old technology" that you speak of drives every single LS motor on the market which happens to also be behind all the cars dominating the world of performance.

Your wife's car has a DOHC engine, please do not taint the word High performance, because that I can promise you it is not.

[LETZRIDE]

Re: General Questions

Your a new owner by default...you need to read about these engines before your opinion holds any weight on how much power these cars can make. No you don't need spare engines and no you don't need a "roler" motor (Im assuming you mean crate engine) to make these cars fast.

these 3.8s have been in the 8s

[vanbibber]

Re: General Questions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVYfvtKr900

yea, the 3.8 is junk

[nwilson44]

Re: General Questions

I dont think its junk, I just think that in stock form, there is a lot to be improved upon. Seems like you can make it a strong, high performance motor, however it does not seem to me, in stock trim, that that is what it is. I am going to do some more research and I am getting close to making up my mind, if I am going to build this thing, or do something else with it.

[Ibanezz]

Its a stock, naturally aspirated 6 cylinder motor than is over 10 years old. I'm not sure what any one expects it to be...

Its reliable and has fairly good gas mileage as well as good power for what it is. Its exactly what GM expected for their "base model" fbody. Yes with time and money you can turn it into a quick little motor.

[transamtom1]

Re: General Questions

I dont think its junk, I just think that in stock form, there is a lot to be improved upon. Seems like you can make it a strong, high performance motor, however it does not seem to me, in stock trim, that that is what it is. I am going to do some more research and I am getting close to making up my mind, if I am going to build this thing, or do something else with it.

I love my DD V6 Bird.

At 200 hp the 3.8L is pretty stout.

This little 267ci does pretty good and loves a turbo or nitrous.

The 3rd Gen F Body V8 didn't get to 200hp until 1985 with the TPI 305 making 205hp.

The 5.7L only made 240hp in 1992 it had 345 lb ft of tq though.

[Ibanezz]

What motor is 267ci? The 3.8l is 231cu. Just to clarify