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

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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...

 

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

 

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

 

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