Well, since my build was mentioned, I must put in my 2 cents. I had considered at one point looking into a supercharger or a turbocharger. I saw a Riviera with the L67 in it in a junk yard and got excited, But then I was told about the throttle body issue and all the work that would be needed to make it work, I didn't think it was worth it. I'd say if you have unlimited funds and time, go for it and please make a build thread about it but other than that, it just doesn't seem worth it. I think the L36 has plenty of power and opportunity to go fast, but I know for me, it was useless because mine is a daily driver and PA roads are crappy and full of traffic. There would be no place to really use that supercharged or turbocharged power other than the track. And that would get expensive making a lot of passes there. I've read about plenty of builds for the 3.8, even boring and machining the block and upgrading parts didn't seem to really give that much of a gain.

Luckily, I am NOT part of the group of women that do not know how to maintain a car. I do what I can myself. My engine was only at 129K before I had to pull it. It kept getting louder and noisier and I knew that wasn't good. Turned out a lot of bearings were about to go as well as a lot of gaskets were shot. But the block itself was still good.

Either way, only a small handful of people put any kind of boost in the 3.8. Most don't consider it worth the trouble or effort unless you turn it into a race car. So most of it would probably have to be figured out on your own as you go. I'm sure every engine has different issues that has to be dealt with in a different way. But if it's done, post pics!

 

You misunderstood me. Compaired to other mass produced POS the 3.8 is a great motor. I was looking for a 3.8 when I got my car just for that reason. But it is an engine built with parts that where made by the lowest bidder and assembled by a robot. When an engine builder puts a motor together every clearance is checked. He does not skimp on Rod bolts and Main bolts, Nothing is left to chance or assumed correct.

You hand a race team a 2010 Camaro tell them they have to run it 100% stock with the parts that are in it except seals and gaskets. You tell them the race is in 2 weeks. 48 hours later that motor will be spread out all over the shop. Step one: inspect everything to look for defects. The kind of details that matter in a race car but not in a point A and to point B car that sees WOT twice a week.

 

Sure that makes sense, and good points -- more for a motor/car that will be raced or highly stressed, of course...