how does a 3400 beat a 3800 (L67)?

[mr_frogstomper]

I know i have posted a few times, im pretty new to this and i have nothing else to do...But i was just wondering this. How does a 3400 beat a 3800 SC? I understand that you can do it with boosting and such but that seems WAY over my head. I was considering the V8 swap from a Caddy, but then i would get horrible mileage and i guess their performance isnt anything to brag about. So i think i want to build up a 3400.......how the hell does a 3400 beat a SC 3800? There are a ton og Grand Prix GTPs out there and since they have the bigger displacement and higher stock HP, not to mention a SUPERCHARGER! how does a 3400 beat it?!

its funny how i posted like 5 times in the last week or so.....i am 17.....this is what i do....

[AaronGTR]

RE: how does a 3400 beat a 3800 (L67)?

A lot has to do with what mods the engines have, and the weight of the car. 3400's were typically used in lighter cars. If you have say an older grand am or alero with a 3400, and put headers and exhaust, cold air intake, ported heads, bigger throttle body etc., you can beat a grand prix GTP in the quarter. Not by much though and only if you are a good driver and/or have some good tires. As soon as you start modding the 3800SC though the 3400 will get beat. Because of the displacement difference and the fact it has boost, the 3800 responds to mods better, and generally will make more power dollar to dollar than a 3400.

[mfewtrail]

I'll assume you have a W-body.

Basically you'll want:
-a decent turbo setup
-cold air intake
-full exhaust(custom downpipe & full exhaust system)

If you don't run low 14's/high 13's with that, you need to sell the car.

For what it's worth stock L67 powered W-bodies generally run mid-high 14's in the 1/4 mile(some quicker, some slower).


I'm sure there are older posts/threads here that people have asked about turbocharging a 3400 if you want to research a good setup for the car. So use the SEARCH function(they'll probably be in the pushrod performance area or the "boost" section).


EDIT: Oh yeah, Aaron, why are you only running 14.4's with 235whp in a GA? What does that car weigh?

[pepsi_coke]

Go under their hood and cut the supercharger belt

[sharkey]

its easy, take a 3400, and add a 1st or 2nd gen j body (cavalier, sunbird). basicly, doing just a 3400 swap into the light j car will end up with a mid 14 second car. do some things like an underdrive pulley, bigger throttle body, custom headers (or the j body performance headers), port the heads, you will have a low 14 second car. or just throw some juice at it, and it should be able to run 13s.

[geoffinbc]

Colins Hybrid J-body does a 13.99. Thats a very respectable N/A time. Even for most V8 Powered cars.

Lloyd runs a 14.5 but he can pass emissions with flying colours. Colin can't.

[Froggx]

The formula I'm using is boost it, make it spin moderately high rpm's, and stick it in a lightweight car with few traction problems. Then it's time to see if I made a mistake by not going for a GTP engine instead.

[AaronGTR]

EDIT: Oh yeah, Aaron, why are you only running 14.4's with 235whp in a GA? What does that car weigh?

3100lbs in everyday driving trim. I've had transmission and tuning issues. I ran the 14.4 with only 190whp. Since then the tranny started going as I upped the power, then I hit a point where the injectors where maxed and car was running lean at 9psi. Been a waiting game on parts, especially for the 4T45E trans. Finally got it rebuilt with raybestos clutches (I got the 2nd set they made) and an EP LSD. Got bigger injectors and a wideband O2. Just need a DHP powrtuner and I'll be ready to tune. It'll be running 13's this summer.

[imported_germ]

aaron, with the tranny and proper tuning, you BETTER hit 12's.

your car is almost 600 lbs lighter than my car and im shooting for 12's with my 3400

[AaronGTR]

lol, I don't know man. You got a turbo don't you? I'm just supercharged and running 11psi or less with no intercooler. I'm not going to be running enough HP to run 12's. I know I could get more out of the engine, but it would require some custom mods I don't have the money for right now. Plus I don't know just how much HP this tranny will handle yet. It's untested, and it's not completely built either. I only upgraded certain parts. I have to run a 13 first, and if I could get a mid to low 13 by the end of the summer I'll be happy.