honestly what the difference?
September 2011 ROTM
Joined: May 2010
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40hp. The ability to run boost. Potential. Uh, if you want something that can be made to outrun a stock LS1, get the 3.8. If you want something cheaper in the short run, and more expensive in the long run (fuel and repairs) get the 3.4... Enough said. Yes I own the 3.4... It's been a pain but I love it.
In the Staging Lanes
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 47
Two completely different engine families. The 3.4 is a 60degree v6. It was designed from the ground as a v6. Its related to the 2.8, 3.1, 3100, 3400, 3500 and 3900.
The 3.8 is a 90 degree v6. It started its life as a buick v8, with two cylinders chopped off.
The 3.8 has a better aftermarket. The 3.4 is lighter and has more potential imo
The 3.8 is a 90 degree v6. It started its life as a buick v8, with two cylinders chopped off.
The 3.8 has a better aftermarket. The 3.4 is lighter and has more potential imo
September 2011 ROTM
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3.4 can NOT run boost without doing some major head work or replacing the top end of the motor with the 3400 aluminum top end. The 3800 can hold boost with it's stock internals. Something that a 3.4 could never get close to doing.
Fourth Generation Moderator
October 2009 ROTM
October 2009 ROTM
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The 60 deg 3.4 design is a better v6 design GM did not apply the design very well. The 3800 has more power and gets better mileage. While on paper the 3800 has only 40 more HP the torque ban is lower so you can really feel the differents. A 3800 with a CAI free flowing exhaust and a 5 speed is not a fast car compaired to the same year V8 but it can be fun to drive and get 30+ MPG while doing it.
Overdrive Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,042
From: IL
That's interesting and now I'm a bit off-topic, but I would love to see the 3.8 and 5th Gen 3.6 torque bands compared...
Also, would you consider a free flowing exhaust to be a catback or all the way to the block?
Also, would you consider a free flowing exhaust to be a catback or all the way to the block?
The 60 deg 3.4 design is a better v6 design GM did not apply the design very well. The 3800 has more power and gets better mileage. While on paper the 3800 has only 40 more HP the torque ban is lower so you can really feel the differents. A 3800 with a CAI free flowing exhaust and a 5 speed is not a fast car compaired to the same year V8 but it can be fun to drive and get 30+ MPG while doing it.
Fourth Generation Moderator
October 2009 ROTM
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I am sure the Dyno report from a modern 3.6 (Designed for a preformace Caddy) has no correlation with the Dyno report from a 93 3.4 (Designed for base level Camaro). The 60 deg V6 is a better design for the V6 because 360 deg/6 cylinder=60 deg where as the 90 deg V6 is a left over from a V8 design. I was talking a GM engineer back in the late 80's while working on a S10 with a slight vibration in a 4.3. He said you will never get all the vibration out, it is a basic design flaw in all 90 deg V6. He said even back then it was just a matter of time before GM had only 60 deg V6's
2nd Gear member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 493
That makes sense to me because the 3.1 in my Mom's Grand Prix seems to have no vibration whatsoever, whereas my 3.8 Camaro isn't quite as smooth. Not a conclusive test since one is front wheel drive and the other rear with the engine practically in the dashboard, something to think about though.
