3.8 HP question
#8
#9
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Eastern PA,
Posts: 10,350
Tom Henry project is a good read.
You have to be careful and make sure you understand any mods you make. 200 HP is over 5000 RPMs going all out. It is pretty easy to add to that number but you will most likely be giving something up. Example; an upgraded Cam shaft can add 50hp but you will only see the gain over 4200 RPM. You car is going to have less torque below the 4000 RPM. So in normal driving you are going to feel less power.
I have no idea what you plan to do with car. But since your goal of a 25% is reasonable I would suggest CAI, Headers, Cat back, and Drop to a 180 deg Thermostat and a Tune form PCMforless and if you run 91 octane fuel you will be very close to your 25%. These mods should not hurt you at any RPM range and if you drive normal you can get better then stock MPG. (do not drop to the 180 stat until the tune is on the way) With a Stick I can average over 30 MPG but I never did the tune. Also you would not have to run the 91 octane fuel if you did not want to. Your knock sensor will retard your timing so you do not damage the motor when running the cheaper grade fuels. If you are working on a 1999 back 3800 you butt dyno is really going to like the headers
Before anyone argues I did say 25% Right now you 200 @ the fly wheel which means your car can put down about 170-175 RWHP 25% increase would put you at about 210-215 RWHP. To hit 250 RWHP you’re going to have to open up the motor or go NO2. Personally I would not shoot that high if this was a daily driver without going thru the 10+ year old motor and checking to make sure everything was good and upgrading the head gaskets.
Of course all this is after you are sure you are up to date with ALL normal maintenance. Adding headers to a car that is in desperate need of a fuel filter or spark plugs is a waste of money.
You have to be careful and make sure you understand any mods you make. 200 HP is over 5000 RPMs going all out. It is pretty easy to add to that number but you will most likely be giving something up. Example; an upgraded Cam shaft can add 50hp but you will only see the gain over 4200 RPM. You car is going to have less torque below the 4000 RPM. So in normal driving you are going to feel less power.
I have no idea what you plan to do with car. But since your goal of a 25% is reasonable I would suggest CAI, Headers, Cat back, and Drop to a 180 deg Thermostat and a Tune form PCMforless and if you run 91 octane fuel you will be very close to your 25%. These mods should not hurt you at any RPM range and if you drive normal you can get better then stock MPG. (do not drop to the 180 stat until the tune is on the way) With a Stick I can average over 30 MPG but I never did the tune. Also you would not have to run the 91 octane fuel if you did not want to. Your knock sensor will retard your timing so you do not damage the motor when running the cheaper grade fuels. If you are working on a 1999 back 3800 you butt dyno is really going to like the headers
Before anyone argues I did say 25% Right now you 200 @ the fly wheel which means your car can put down about 170-175 RWHP 25% increase would put you at about 210-215 RWHP. To hit 250 RWHP you’re going to have to open up the motor or go NO2. Personally I would not shoot that high if this was a daily driver without going thru the 10+ year old motor and checking to make sure everything was good and upgrading the head gaskets.
Of course all this is after you are sure you are up to date with ALL normal maintenance. Adding headers to a car that is in desperate need of a fuel filter or spark plugs is a waste of money.
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