93-02 V6 Tech V6 Camaro General Topics.

3.4 vs 3.8

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-18-2010, 11:15 PM
Chaotic94's Avatar
September 2011 ROTM
ROTM Winner's Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
Default 3.4 vs 3.8

Hey guys. Is there a remarkable difference in power of a 3.4 vs the 3.8? A friend of mine has a 3.8 Firebird 5-speed for sale. The engine blew at 100k miles. So the engine was machined and bored to 20 or 30 over. Also has a new tranny and new clutch. Along with a really nice sounding 80 series Flowmaster exhaust. He's asking $4000 with the $1000 stereo system in it or $3500 without it. So to anyone who has driven both a 3.4 5-speed and a 3.8 5-speed lemme know how much difference there is in power. Thanks
 
  #2  
Old 08-19-2010, 12:47 AM
libertyforall1776's Avatar
Overdrive Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 4,042
Default

3.4L: 160 HP vs. 3.8L: 200 HP at the crank.

I have had both -- much happier with the 3.8L -- better engine too.
 
  #3  
Old 08-19-2010, 01:05 AM
Chaotic94's Avatar
September 2011 ROTM
ROTM Winner's Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
Default

I can scratch tires going into 2nd in my 3.4 so I'm fairly pleased with that. But I wanna hear em scream for a couple seconds going into 2nd. Will the 3.8 do that?
 
  #4  
Old 08-19-2010, 01:06 AM
Chaotic94's Avatar
September 2011 ROTM
ROTM Winner's Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
Default

Also what kind of mods are the best bang for your $ on a 3.8?
 

Last edited by Chaotic94; 08-19-2010 at 01:12 AM.
  #5  
Old 08-19-2010, 02:03 AM
BullittRPM's Avatar
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 16
Default

There is a noticeable amount of power when comparing the engines, 3.8L feels alot better.

And if you're going to want bang for buck.. gears. It'll make your car feel like it gained some ponies. It takes some money to make a V6 quick, i'd save up my money and either wait for a new car (if you're still into Camaros.. go get an LS1), or some sort of forced induction (Turbos.. Super Charger). Then again ask yourself, how long will you keep the car? Is it really worth dumping money into?

Just my two cents..
 
  #6  
Old 08-19-2010, 02:12 AM
Chaotic94's Avatar
September 2011 ROTM
ROTM Winner's Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
Default

Originally Posted by BullittRPM
There is a noticeable amount of power when comparing the engines, 3.8L feels alot better.

And if you're going to want bang for buck.. gears. It'll make your car feel like it gained some ponies. It takes some money to make a V6 quick, i'd save up my money and either wait for a new car (if you're still into Camaros.. go get an LS1), or some sort of forced induction (Turbos.. Super Charger). Then again ask yourself, how long will you keep the car? Is it really worth dumping money into?

Just my two cents..
Well since the entire drive-train has only 20xxx and it has all new exhaust, I assume it'll be a car I'll keep around for quite awhile. lol.

But anyways, I was thinking a CAI, wider tires, gears, and a one-piece aluminum drive-shaft. Anything else I could add to my list for giggles? That is IF I buy this car my buddy has for sale...
 
  #7  
Old 08-19-2010, 09:57 AM
libertyforall1776's Avatar
Overdrive Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 4,042
Default

Check my sig. -- all worth doing on a 3.8L, IMHO.

Bolt-ons are totally worth it on a 3.8L, if you pick wisely... Especially if it is a daily driver -- you will appreciate it everyday you drive.

Originally Posted by Chaotic94
Also what kind of mods are the best bang for your $ on a 3.8?
 

Last edited by libertyforall1776; 08-19-2010 at 09:59 AM.
  #8  
Old 08-19-2010, 10:10 AM
Chaotic94's Avatar
September 2011 ROTM
ROTM Winner's Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
Default

Originally Posted by libertyforall1776
Check my sig. -- all worth doing on a 3.8L, IMHO.

Bolt-ons are totally worth it on a 3.8L, if you pick wisely... Especially if it is a daily driver -- you will appreciate it everyday you drive.
Thanks liberty
 
  #9  
Old 08-19-2010, 10:34 AM
libertyforall1776's Avatar
Overdrive Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 4,042
Default

I have never wanted Nitrous, always felt like it was cheating, but you could add a kit pretty easily for +75 HP, maybe more:

http://marylandspeed.com/nitrous-exp...kit-p-317.html

 
  #10  
Old 08-19-2010, 10:38 AM
Chaotic94's Avatar
September 2011 ROTM
ROTM Winner's Club
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,402
Default

Wouldn't the engine have to be beefed up for Nitrous? Or will the motor with stand the beating? Well the motor IS bored 30 over so that helps I guess
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:18 PM.