What kind of power are the 98 and newer (which ever have the 3.8s) V6 firebirds and camaros laying down? Is it a substantial amount for a sports coupe? Would it be worth buying and moding a later v6 or an earlier 4th gen z28?

 

The Z28 is going to kick the **** out of any 3800 series engine. Yes there are guys that mod the 3.8s and some that lay down respectfully numbers but the V8 wheatear it’s the LT1 or LS1 is the better platform to build on. The 3.8 is not a bad engine and with the 5 speed can be a fun little car to drive and can match most older v6 stangs and some rice rockets. However it is only about As fast as a 3rd gen running with the 305 TBI so even the base model 3rd gen will give you a good run any thing more 350TBI, 305TPI, LT1, 350HO will be more than a match for a near stock 3.8. Base HP is around 200 and the car comes in at about 3200 pounds.

 

So a 1995 LT1 would be better?

 

Its like comparing a base model mustang to a GT. The LT1 is 280 hp and is damn near bullet proof as far as GM’s go. It offers a lot more in parts and upgrades and can make a lot more power. Plus you don’t have to spend a lot to get the power up. H/C full exhaust and some air and fuel 3500 bucks can get you into the high 300s and low 400s with no problem. Try doing that with a V6 your looking at 3K for the SC and you probably would not make much more than the stock LT1 maybe low 300s with supporting mods

 

Ok. So LT1 it is then. Ive been looking around and ive found alot of the early 4th gens and ive heard they have bad Optisparks(?) is that something i should look into? Are there basic bolt onmods i can do to build up to a s/c (ie. Pulleys, tune, differential, gears, shift kit)?

 

If your going to be running SC your going to want the basic Header, Y pipe, Cat back basicly a full exhaust. Traction is going to be hard to come by so look into your sway bars and springs plus good ruber. Start with the basics and work your way up. Most SC systems for the LT1 are going to come with every thing you need. But with the power comes more where and the trany and other parts so make sure your cars in good order before you build up

 

K,i was able to find this LT1 with 85K miles
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/379066790.html

 

If they have a bad Opti when you buy it consider that $500 bucks you don't have to spend in the future(providing you do the work yourself). Optis go bad, it's just a matter of time, not really anything to worry about, but something that you should expect. So if it's already broken and needs to be replaced, it'll be good for a while in the future. If you're looking to use any sort of forced induction you'll want have to do bolt ons and then start builing the motor for it. It doesn't have forged internals, so you're looking into a full motor rebuild, plus the stock 10.5:1 compression doesn't take well to a ton of boost, so that's another reason to rebuild if you're planning on running a S/C or turbo.

 

Yeah, Im not planning on going f/i for awhile. Maybe down the road when I can afford to take it to the track and have another car so i dont have to worry about crashing it and not being able to get around.