3500 vs. 3800

[Dallas3400]

The peeps over at naioa.com seem to have a biased opinion towards the 3400/3500

Every time I post a question asking about performance mods to a 3400 3500 I get crucified.

The 3500 if I'm not mistaken is just as power hungry as the 3800. NA for NA the mods are just as ample and potent. 3500 has turbo options to the SC topswap for the 3800. 3500 even has forged bottom end stock.

Please correct me if I'm wrong in saying the 3500 has the same potential as the 3800

[bob442]

Well, I'll say we still have to push one to over 600hp, but I think it will take it and possibly more. So I'm going to say yes. N/A to N/A the 3500 would be my choice, well, it is, the guys on that forum are after the fact that you can slap on a SC and have fun, which is true. For now.

[Jonpro03]

Just tell them that GM quit making 90* motors for a reason LOL.

Throw down some epic pwnage on them. Tell them that 3800s are old technology that's being phased out. 60* motors are getting all the current high tech goodies.
Continuously Variable Valve Timing
Variable Intake Timing
Direct Injection
DOHC
Coil Near Plug

Oh and make sure that you point out that the 3.6 in the new Camaro is a naturally aspirated 60*V6 making over 300hp.

[Dallas3400]

Which has more aftermarket support? I assumed both have about equal support?

[Jonpro03]

Haha, no no no no no. The 3800 has a much larger aftermarket. But the 60*s are just starting to come into the limelight, so a really good aftermarket is a couple of years off still.

[robert 1980]

You can tell them how the 3.9 won popular mechanics breakthough award in 2006.

[pocket-rocket]

Or wait till Brad gets the Mustang done and drop the bomb on them, lol.

[Joseph Upson]

On the Fiero forum when this subject is mentioned everything but the obvious and most practical points are addressed in an effort to refuse to acknowledge the overall better value and performance of the 60 degree 3500 and 3900 motors relative to the 3800. It quickly turns to; there's more aftermarket, it can handle more power, it's an easier swap, it's less expensive etc...

That's what comes up when I mention the 3.8 only bests the 3500 by 10 lb/ft but when displacement is calculated in it translates into 60.5 lb/ft per litre for the 3.8 and 62.9 lb/ft per litre for the 3.5 litre. then there's the weight difference between the engines and when swapping out a 60 degree motor the expense is about the same as there is no flywheel swap needed and the 3.8 would need one mount in addition to the dogbone fabricated in the Fiero.

Then there's the 3900 which can nearly do naturally aspirated what the stock 3800SC does. The parts to install it as a non VVT motor are not what I consider expensive neither are the additional supporting parts and there's the option to regrind the stock cam and install it degreed and locked in. Still no one wants to acknowledge the overall efficiency relative to weight and displacement.

[bszopi]

They're going to be waiting awhile. Of course, most of them have been hard-headed for so many years, I'm sure a few more aren't going to hurt them.

I just need some sponsors, then we could really get it going!

[pocket-rocket]

Lol, when that baby lays down 600hp and crushes them, I bet they still will keep on with their sad debate. Oh well. I had considered the L67 years ago, but it was purely from a standpoint of "making the car fast right now", not being unique. I like the 60* crowd anyways. Much fewer douche bags and most have a sense of having brains

[Jonpro03]

I like the 60* crowd anyways. Much fewer douche bags and most have a sense of having brains

QFT!

[Mars]

I'm looking to break some kind of record for a boosted 3500 this summer in my camaro. haha

who has made the most power with one so far ?

[pocket-rocket]

AFAIK, Dave (for NA) with what, 275 to the tires? Not sure about boosted, but I can't wait to see what makes its way out to the meet this year.

[bob442]

I just need some sponsors, then we could really get it going!

Yeah, we'll need that mustang for that cough cough (jokes)

[SappySE107]

This isn't even a close comparison on the physical engine level. I think this market is perfect. Mostly ignored by the mainstream yet surprisingly well designed. The 3500 is going to be what defines the entire pushrod engine family some day.