3800 swap

[montess408]

just wondering did any one ever swaped a 3.8 in a 88-94 j-body and if so how big of a task r we talking about and is it worth the trouble cuz i have seen some wicked 60v6 builds on this site but i think that with more power in stock form that it would be cheaper to do a swap because to build a 60v6 takes alot of time and money

[Superdave]

3.8's are junk as are most 90 degree V6's


if youre on v6z24.com you would have noticed that a few people swapped them in... like maybe 4 or 5 total. There is considerable more work to do to get it running right and mounted in.

more power in stock form? a base 3.8 is like what 200 HP at the crank? bone stock 3400's in Jbodies are dynoing in the 190 HP range at the wheels... which is over 200 HP at the crank

so lets see... .4 smaller, makes more power, is lighter, bolts in easier, etc.....

[prophiseer]

the only thing the 3800 has going for it is the amount of aftermarket parts available from reputable companies, and the fact you can get these motors from the factory with a blower

IMO, if the 34/3500 could've come from the factory with a blower, you'd see people swapping out their 90*s for the 60*s - the motor is easier to work on, lighter in weight, smaller in size (dimension wise), and produces an outstanding amount of torque stock

[SappySE107]

Do a 3900 swap.

[torq455]

then add a turbo....

[montess408]

would the 3900 bolt up to the 3.1 transmission ?
then i am not a big fan of turbo's but a blower would be interesting
if it is possible to fab some thing up or get a kit

[IanSzgatti]

3.8's are junk as are most 90 degree V6's

a 90 degreee engine with a narrower upper to even out firing vibrations.. the 60 degree is nothing special. 90 or 60, reliability is determined by the owner who maintains it, as evidenced by my 210,000 plus miles and to spec oil pressure. 90 degree v6 engines (3. are amoung the top five written about, and where on the top 10 best engines ever produced.. was your 60? oh... no it wasnt, ahh well.

[SappySE107]

Do you really want to talk about the 3800 here? Can we discuss why its being axed? I find it a lot more interesting.

How is a 3800 narrower up top. Its like a V8. 60 degrees is narrower up top. They fire at even 60 degree intervals. 90V6 has balance shaft and some messed up firing order that is different angles between the firing order.

[PCGUY112887]

more power in stock form? a base 3.8 is like what 200 HP at the crank? bone stock 3400's in Jbodies are dynoing in the 190 HP range at the wheels... which is over 200 HP at the crank

soo how does a stock 3400 that makes 175hp at the crank stock dyno 190hp to the wheels?

[SappySE107]

No doubt! I think thats a modded 3400:P How about we just say 3.6DOHC or 3900 to represent the 60V6s:P

[prophiseer]

the only thing the 3800 has going for it is the amount of aftermarket parts available from reputable companies, and the fact you can get these motors from the factory with a blower

IMO, if the 34/3500 could've come from the factory with a blower, you'd see people swapping out their 90*s for the 60*s - the motor is easier to work on, lighter in weight, smaller in size (dimension wise), and produces an outstanding amount of torque stock

just to re-iterate

[IanSzgatti]

Do you really want to talk about the 3800 here? Can we discuss why its being axed? I find it a lot more interesting.

How is a 3800 narrower up top. Its like a V8. 60 degrees is narrower up top. They fire at even 60 degree intervals. 90V6 has balance shaft and some messed up firing order that is different angles between the firing order.

what your saying here is what i meant.. the 60 is a 90 with a narrow top.. sorry i dont make it too clear, im not an english major i guess. All i know is i'll take my titanic supercharged 3.8 Park Ave Ultra and eat 60's as an appetizer to my main course of rice. I think even talking stock to stock, its lil bro the 3300 would do the trick.

[SappySE107]

Um, you didn't say anything like what I said. Doesn't take an english major to know that.

Titanic is a good summary for that heavy boat anchor.

Anyone remember the first rule of 60V6? Do not talk about the 3800.

Locked. Should have been done sooner.