Respectably fast?

[Tenom]

I'm heavily considering going 99+ firebird with the 3.8L. I've read over the modifications encyclopedia and have a few questions in regards to intake and exhaust.
If I get a 3.8L the first two things i'll be doing is getting the SLP cai system and replacing the entire exhaust system (headers, y-pipe, cat, and the whole catback system. I was wondering what kind of horsepower gains you all have gotten from cold air induction and exhaust systems? I was thinking of getting a Borla 3" cat back and the clear image headers.
I've got a 82 TA thats gotta LU5 V8 putting out 165hp and 240lbs torque and really isn't respectable at all.
If I get a firebird with a 3800 then I want to make it respectable, something that'll keep most sedans and suvs in check. I just want to know how much potential these engines really have.

[Little G]

Headers won't be a huge improvement over the tubular manifolds on there already. Borla is ridiculously over priced, go with Magnaflow. You'll get a little power out of the airbox and cai, definitely some more throttle response. Are you just looking for dyno numbers or are you planning on dropping some ETs?

g

[Tenom]

Looking to drop the ETs below 14 seconds without forced induction.

[01MaroIL]

definatley possible.

as littleG said borla is overpriced, but it is the nicest system. the clear image headers are also the most expensive set of headers you can buy.

i would add an LSD and 4.10s to your desired mod list and with some good driving you could go maybe go into the 13s.

little G did it NA

[articacid]

stock the 3.8's are faster than the majority of cars are the street. they are pretty respectable in performance. if you get a 99, id do headers. 2000+ have the tubular manifolds that little g was talking about.

as for exhuast i like the slp loudmouth and tsp rumbler. the potential for 13's n/a is there. you just have to do it right.

[Tenom]

Sorry sorry I meant below 15 seconds whew....mid 14s is what I'm aiming for, with 3.42s though, I dont wanna go to 3.73s or 4.10s I want it to still be driveable on the street and not destroy my gas mileage.

[Tenom]

Originally posted by articacid:
stock the 3.8's are faster than the majority of cars are the street. they are pretty respectable in performance. if you get a 99, id do headers. 2000+ have the tubular manifolds that little g was talking about.

as for exhuast i like the slp loudmouth and tsp rumbler. the potential for 13's n/a is there. you just have to do it right.

So your saying that getting new headers on 2000+ firebirds won't reap much benefits and isn't worth the cost? Cause headers are damn expensive and I dont wanna buy some and just get a 5 horsepower gain.

[97rs4life]

headers are not worth it on 2000+ cars. Very minimal gain if any is noticed and is not worth it because of all the leak problems you will have and they are also a pain to install.

[01MaroIL]

below 15 seconds wont be a problem.

as for headers i got them on my 01 because i plan on running abbott heads and a cam so i will want headers down the road. if your going to stop after basic bolt ons i wouldnt reccommend headers.

[Camaro Dom]

you might wanna take the money you'll save on borla, and put it towards heads, a cam or both. a bored intake wouldnt hurt either. K&N is nice. i have the SLP intake, you dont notice that much during the summer, but once it starts getting cold out, you realize that the cold air intake part plays big, and you can actually feel the hp once you get to like 40. definiatly helps in third gear. but if you wanna be running those 13's, then i would seriously consider a set of heads/cam. tuning is nice too. you're thinkin smart with the 3.8. it is probably one of the most powerful v-6's out there. buick GNX ring any bells? and i wouldnt shy away from a super either. remember, this motor was designed with forced induction in mind. first from a turbo, and later GM switched to supers. good luck with all that dude!

[shenanigans]

Intake, exhaust, gears, lsd, with a 5-speed should put you in the 14s.

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

Originally posted by Camaro Dom:
you might wanna take the money you'll save on borla, and put it towards heads, a cam or both. a bored intake wouldnt hurt either. K&N is nice. i have the SLP intake, you dont notice that much during the summer, but once it starts getting cold out, you realize that the cold air intake part plays big, and you can actually feel the hp once you get to like 40. definiatly helps in third gear. but if you wanna be running those 13's, then i would seriously consider a set of heads/cam. tuning is nice too. you're thinkin smart with the 3.8. it is probably one of the most powerful v-6's out there. buick GNX ring any bells? and i wouldnt shy away from a super either. remember, this motor was designed with forced induction in mind. first from a turbo, and later GM switched to supers. good luck with all that dude!

the 3.8 in camaro's was not made with FI in mind, the L67 in the FWD however were

but on good note our 3.8 like's boost.

[Camaro Dom]

hmmm didnt know that, thx fer the correction

[Camaro Dom]

hmmm didnt know that, thx fer the correction. ****, well in that case, am i playin with fire if i put 9 psi on it? thats been my plan fer next summer...

[Turbo V6 Camaro]

Originally posted by Camaro Dom:
hmmm didnt know that, thx fer the correction. ****, well in that case, am i playin with fire if i put 9 psi on it? thats been my plan fer next summer...

long as you upgrade the fuel and tune the car 9 PSI will be fine