I Drive 55 mile each way to work. I have been driving little econo cars for the last 3 years. I have had it with them. I want to drive a camaro. Research shows I should be looking for a 1997-2002 3.8V6, 5 speed to get the 30 MPG. I did notice the 2002 was listed at 31-32 MPG but figured GM was playing the numbers game since nothing else seem to change. In my looking for a car I found (as expected) low mile versions are still bring good money I can find high miles cars and cars with some body damage pretty cheap but most of them are going to need a rebuilt drive line. I can't expect a 10 year old car with a 150K on it to last very long getting 35K per year on it.

The more I thought about the more I was thinking of buying one with a blown motor and getting a new/rebuilt engine. The more I thought about that the more I started thinking why not a third Gen with a 5 speed and transplant the 3.8. The third gen is about 300 lbs less then the 4th. Do you guys think the aero dynamics could be that much differnt? Seems like I can find 5 speed 3rd gens and one of my local yards has a 60K 3.8 out of a 98 for $600. Should I be looking to use the 5 speed from the 4th gen?

Another question. You think there would be any advantage to putting a 6 speed to replace the 5 speed? I know they are running about 2K for the 6 speeds but if I could put this thing together for 4 grand I would be happy.

 

My LT1 gets around 28 on the highway if I am cruising in 6th

 

Is that stock?
At what speed?
What RPM?
Sorry about all the question. I can research all day long but its nice to get real world info.

I think it would be real cool to build a 3rd gen 3.8, 6 speed and have it get 36 MPG.

The questions that need answer are. Does the 3.8 have the torque at low RPMs to push a 3rd gen 65 MPH at the RPMs you are using now? if not then with what gears? Will the 6 speed even bolt to a 3.8?

 

300 LB's will not affect what a 3.8L can do. Not noticeably.

That's another person and baggage in the trunk area.

If you want a 3.8L car, get a factory made version.

It will be more reliable. In theory.

A T56 won't bolt to that 60 degree bellhousing of the 3.8L. It won't help fuel mileage as the 3.8L doesn't have the oomph to run on such low RPMs, which is out of the peak powerband of the engine and will result in poor fuel mileage.

I belive a 3.8L has peaks of 200 HP at 5200 RPMs and 225 TQ at 2800 RPMs. Best efficiency comes between those two RPMs. Contrary to belief, overdrive is not where the best fuel mileage is found.

 

the 3.8 and LT1 get about same MPG, LT1 mite even get better sometimes due to the 6th gear.

either way, find one with about 60kmi on it, and i suggest a 96 or 97. you can find em for between 2500 and 4500.

 

I thought the 3.8 was a 90 deg engine? The 3.4 was the 60 deg motor? I thought the 3.8 was based on the old 231 buick motor which was a 90 deg engine. The 3.4 block came from the old 2.8s. Sorry my knowledge base gets a little weak after 1990.

That depends onwho builds it. Factory cars a slaped together, I have seen many missing bolts and most early warranty repairs are because of mistakes at the factory. A guy with the right back ground and time could build a car that is better then the factory. Look at race teams they do it every week.

 

my car stock go 28mpg i drove from minnesota to texas and got that the whole way doing 70-90 and i have an auto so ...

 

The 3.8 is a 90 degree engine. The T-56 will not directly bolt on to the 3.8. There is someone on one of the other forums I look at who is in the process of having a shop fit one to his car. Though I believe his engine has got some boost on it, and would make better use of the 6th gear.