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Topic: 3.8 V-6 Modifications (Read 2040 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 V-6 Modifications

Hello guys, I'm new to this discussion board so bear with me if I repeat old threads.  Okay I admit I'm too lazy to go back and check the threads. :D 
Okay what smog legal engine mods are available for the 3.8 V-6?  Is there aftermarket cams, heads, carbs?  I live in California so the smog laws are tight.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #1 –
Welcome to the board!  Check out the link I have posted in my profile.  I did some work to my V-6 along with plenty of suspension upgrades. 

There's no aftermarket performance parts for our engines that I've ever found.  Performance intake manifolds were never made in the aftermarket or by the factory.  Camshafts are re-grinds - that's what I'm using.  Hot rod heads don't exist either in the aftermarket.  You'll have to have your head put on a flowbench and worked.  No such thing as opening Summit catalogs and ordering engine parts. 

Feel free to drop me a line anytime.

Chris
"I put my foot in my tank and I began to roll." Chuck Berry

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #2 –
what year is your 3.8l? that can help out for finding any info

as for smog legal in cali, not a single one of the 3.8L parts is carb legal
It's Gumby's fault.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #3 –
Nice very nice indeed.  Did the mods give you alot more power?  Can you feel the pull?  Mine is an 83 3.8 which feels so weak.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #4 –
i have a v6 in my 87 tbird go to places like www.moranav6racing.com
i suggest doing drive line work like gears and transmission. if you know how to put a blower on then do it the supercoupe got 230hp out of our engine. other than that the upgrades ar up to you. i suggest putting an electric fan in that will help with the pickup on a lower horsepower engine ;)

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #5 –
Fact is, you can't just put a blower on that engine... you'd need an engine swap (including the engine harness, computer, and more) to pull off the supercharger thing.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #6 –
Or pick up a block out of a 94 up mustang because it is internally the same strengh wise.    Computer and harness will have to be changed still.
One 88

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #7 –
no its not

the supercoupe has a forged crank, rods, dished pistons, and the block and heads have revised coolant jackets, and the heads are also heat treated, which i found out recently

the 94 mustang still have the  3.8 for performance, in 95, they started using the SC block, and SC style heads (reason i say that is because its unsure if they use the same heat treating), but not forged internals

trust me, ive done probably 4 years worth of research on the 3.8L, and seen the "can i put a blower on my 3.8L question" many times

but, as CougarSE suggested, do things outside of the engine, change the rear gears, put a traction lock in the rear (posi), install an electric fan, K&N filter, just do minor stuff, i know in cali, its hard to mod cars and be legal, and if you dont touch the engine, youll still be smog legal
It's Gumby's fault.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #8 –
Man really good input and discussion guys.  Yes the smog laws out here are ridiculous, very tight.  I'm used to doing mods like a mild cam, heads ported and polished, some exhaust.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #9 –
I'm betting you can do each and every one of those with the 3.8 (as long as they're within smog specs).  It's about all you CAN do, as Chris said, because of the scarce aftermarket for the engine.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #10 –
Hey I noticed many of those specs are for 88-up 3.8's though, mine is an 83.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #11 –
youd have to have your factory parts ported and worked over
It's Gumby's fault.

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #12 –
I too have an 83 T'Bird with a 3.8L.  As long as you live in Calif with the visual smog check, I'm affraid your hands are tied.  A Cal V6 came with a non computer, Motorcraft 2150 carb, (1.08" venturi).  Your smog equipment is not good enough to cover for a larger cam or carb.  Higher compression means higher "NO" readings and would fail.  A larger carb (1.12 or 1.14" Motrocraft) would do likewise to the "hydrocarbons" test.  A mild cam might pass but I do not think it would help that much, by itself. My car has all the above, but still goes low 16's in the 1/4 mile.  Mine would not pass a blind smog referee!  Sorry to be negative but those are facts.  One thing I've learned is that computer cars can be made to perform and pass smog.  You might be suprized by a rebuilt "stock" 3.8L and some ignition mods that the smog check won't find.  Also 3.73 gear, I have 4.1 gears, will make it feel like 25 extra horses are under the hood, but milage will go down the drain. Smog doesn't check gear ratios.  Anyway, good luck,  Fred

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #13 –
I have a friend in my car club with a 3.8L SN-95, he was it stroked to 4.2L and is running a supercharger. Made a whopping 276 rwhp. Not bad but for the same money a v8 would have gotten him more. Points for being different though.

Unfortunately his motor has developed a knock.  :yuck:

My point being don't expect miracles what ever you decide. With your strict emmisions its going to hard to get good power it may be better to pick a different project car and just enjoy this car for what it is. Maybe take a different approach and focus on suspension and brakes to make the car more fun. Just my opinion. Kinda sucks Cali is so tough.....

Re: 3.8 V-6 Modifications

Reply #14 –
:disappoin  :disappoin