Newb wants the basics for performance.

[oldsman105]

Hi, I just got a 1998 buick century that I want to start modding. This si the first 60 degree v6 I have worked on but I have modded 3800s before. ( I know its apples to oranges) . Anyway I have alredy doen a tune-up to the car. I am looking for suggestions on what to do make this car Quicker.



thanks in advance

[Barry]

Exhaust, big port topend, cai. Pretty easy and will get you a nice gain.

[IanSzgatti]

I second that. When you do the exhaust make sure you do the aftermarket high-flow cat.. and if possible, change the tube size from the cat back.

Go to a scrap yard and look for (or have them get you) 3400 lower intake manifolds and the upper intake manifold. You'll need a gasket set... and you should get this stuff....


Also get the 56mm TB off the same 3400 vehicle. Those items combined with a cold air intake will get you some gains you'll feel.

Whats your budget?

[oldsman105]

Budget right now about $500.

[Barry]

When you find a 3400, take the heads too. ALong with the roller fulcrum rockers...

I can get all that for about ~ 100 bucks.

Then exhaust about 180-250

Cai~60

Your probly looking at about ~190 to the crank (maybe 185), compared to your engine(155-160hp)

[IanSzgatti]

that 190 hp can be felt even more if you have a light car to begin with...the 98 buick century comes in at 3354 pounds, thats really not too heavy.

[oldsman105]

I really wouldn't like to do the heads. Will the 3400 Upper and lower Intake manifold and Throttlebody make a noticable diffrence.

[IanSzgatti]

yes.. abosolutely...you will not regret it. I strongly suggest that if you can have parts shipped to you, you should buy the plenums here... for one they're cleaned up and damage free, two you can get them ported. If your going to do it... might as well do it right. open up the exhaust too. What i found was my torque band changed... it went higher. it will scream like a raped ape from 4000k and up. You will NOT be dissapointed. Compared to what these other guys are doing here it's just the tip[ of the ice-burg.

where are you from buddy?

[Barry]

I really wouldn't like to do the heads. Will the 3400 Upper and lower Intake manifold and Throttlebody make a noticable diffrence.

Your only as good as your weakest point...

Pre 2000 3100 heads dont flow very well at all...

[Canyonero]

When you find a 3400, take the heads too. ALong with the roller fulcrum rockers...

I can get all that for about ~ 100 bucks.

Can you get that stuff for me for $100? I'd pay a finders fee.

[oldsman105]

yes.. abosolutely...you will not regret it. I strongly suggest that if you can have parts shipped to you, you should buy the plenums here... for one they're cleaned up and damage free, two you can get them ported. If your going to do it... might as well do it right. open up the exhaust too. What i found was my torque band changed... it went higher. it will scream like a raped ape from 4000k and up. You will NOT be dissapointed. Compared to what these other guys are doing here it's just the tip[ of the ice-burg.

where are you from buddy?

New york City

Your only as good as your weakest point...

Pre 2000 3100 heads dont flow very well at all...

maybe later if I decide to mod it more.


Thanks for the feedback guys.

[Barry]

I can, but that requires me going to the yard and pulling it myself. How much would you be willing to pay?

[Canyonero]

I don't know man, what's going rate? I wish we had a u-pull around here.

[IsaacHayes]

3100 heads are not that bad. 2000+ the got the slightly bigger valves that the 3400's have, but it's not that big of a size increase. You can make power on the old 3100 heads. The heads are not the main restriction on those motors. The exhaust is for one, and the small port intakes.

[DEI37]

that 190 hp can be felt even more if you have a light car to begin with...the 98 buick century comes in at 3354 pounds, thats really not too heavy.

It's not that light, either. My '97 Cutty comes in at 3500, almost spot on. That's with an 1/8th tank, and nobody in it.