More MUSCLE please

[ChevyThang]

How can I convert my 5 speed 2002 V6 camaro, into a beast, or should I just buy a whole new engine (V8)

Somebody help me please.......... I just want to keep up with the rest of you guys

Right now its just not that quick, and it tops out at 120

[Zboner]

put an LS1 in the thing then if you have the money

[dreaded_hope]

You'd be way better off modding your six than swapping for an LS1. Depending of course what you want out of it. If you really like your car, with a few go fast parts hitting low thirteens won't be a problem, 12's are also attainable, while keeping your cars driveability. It just depends on what you want to do, but I do admit, seeing 3.8 Fbodies in the 12's is awesome. However, if you're absolutely set on having a V8, then my advise would be to sell your car and buy one. V8 swaps are not only extremely costly, they are very difficult, and there is a very, very good chance you'll sacrifice your car's reliability in doing one, as it's not a simple swap by any means.

What plans do you have for your car?

[ChevyThang]

You'd be way better off modding your six than swapping for an LS1. Depending of course what you want out of it. If you really like your car, with a few go fast parts hitting low thirteens won't be a problem, 12's are also attainable, while keeping your cars driveability. It just depends on what you want to do, but I do admit, seeing 3.8 Fbodies in the 12's is awesome. However, if you're absolutely set on having a V8, then my advise would be to sell your car and buy one. V8 swaps are not only extremely costly, they are very difficult, and there is a very, very good chance you'll sacrifice your car's reliability in doing one, as it's not a simple swap by any means.

What plans do you have for your car?

Well I guess Im going to go ahead and keep my V6, I do like it alot, I just bought it. It is a 2002 with only 24,xxx miles on it, thanks for your input it has been helpful. Im just gonna start upgrading it. What do you know about Jet Performance chips, and hand held programmers (Predator), are they worth the money, do I need both, or do you know of some that are better?

[quicky06]

from all my research i have found that the easiest and most cost effiecient way to get more power (especially form a 3800) is to go nitrous there is one meber who is almost in the 11's with nitrous. you can run a 75 shot with out much trouble if i remeber correctly. you can get a complete setup for 600 including TPS switch, window switch, and all the other goodies.

[ChevyThang]

from all my research i have found that the easiest and most cost effiecient way to get more power (especially form a 3800) is to go nitrous there is one meber who is almost in the 11's with nitrous. you can run a 75 shot with out much trouble if i remeber correctly. you can get a complete setup for 600 including TPS switch, window switch, and all the other goodies.


Thanks alot man I'm definetely going to get the nitrous, I don't know much about nitrous, how safe is it? and what is a 75 shot?

[dreaded_hope]

Nitrous is the most cost effective way to go fast with your car. It can be safe and reliable if you are running an appropriate shot, and all the safety gear, for example WOT switch, fuel pressure safety switch, blow down tube, and a window switch (because yours is a manual trans). Then you have to choose between a wet and dry kit. They both have advantages, however a dry kit with an appropriate shot on our cars is a little safer because you don't run the risk of puddling in your intake, which will cause a backfire. Go up to the nirous forum here, and do some searches, find some info, and ask questions you can't find with a search. There are firebirdv6.com also has good info, head over there and do a search, you will find a plethroa of info on beginning with nitrous.

Also, nitrous is a very big power adder, so there are things that you will want to have before you go right into spraying, like changing your plugs to one step colder. Bare minimum, get a cold air kit, and a catback exhaust first. Not only does it make it easier on your car to run much more power, but it will also help maximize the effect of the nitrous, so you're getting the best gain.

My advice? Nitrous is a great way to get your car quick without affecting your day to day drivability, gas milage or reliability with your car for little $$$ with amazing gains. I reccomend it, however, go out and get a cold air kit, and free flowing exhaust for your car first, and do some research on nitrous in the meantime. After you know a bit more and your car has basic intake and exhaust mods, go for the nitrous and really see what your 6 can do.
:)

[quicky06]

Thanks alot man I'm definetely going to get the nitrous, I don't know much about nitrous, how safe is it? and what is a 75 shot?

give or take the 75 shot can give you 75 horse power

go to www.harrisspeedworks.com the are a sponsor

[dreaded_hope]

And generally speaking an 85 shot at the right bottle pressure, good conditions ect.. is supposed to net you around 85 hp to the rear wheels, not just flywheel.

[quicky06]

And generally speaking an 85 shot at the right bottle pressure, good conditions ect.. is supposed to net you around 85 hp to the rear wheels, not just flywheel.

well thats what matters

[7camaro7]

You'd be way better off modding your six than swapping for an LS1. Depending of course what you want out of it. If you really like your car, with a few go fast parts hitting low thirteens won't be a problem, 12's are also attainable, while keeping your cars driveability. It just depends on what you want to do, but I do admit, seeing 3.8 Fbodies in the 12's is awesome. However, if you're absolutely set on having a V8, then my advise would be to sell your car and buy one. V8 swaps are not only extremely costly, they are very difficult, and there is a very, very good chance you'll sacrifice your car's reliability in doing one, as it's not a simple swap by any means.

What plans do you have for your car?

I know it is costly, but what about taking it to a chevy dealership and getting the work done. It should be done right the first time, right? and Would I be getting my $$$'s worth?

[quicky06]

i EXTREMLY doubt you can find a chevy dealer that will do an engine swap for ya
even then it will cost a shit load

[dreaded_hope]

I know it is costly, but what about taking it to a chevy dealership and getting the work done. It should be done right the first time, right? and Would I be getting my $$$'s worth?

Still, for the cost it wouldn't be worth it. It would be way cheaper to buy an LT1 Fbody for sure, and it would still be cheaper to get an 98+ Fbody than to account for all that would have to be replaced. Not to mention I think labour would absolutly kill you on a job like that. You'd be either a) better off modding your 6 for something a little different, or b) buying your 5.7 and going from there. Simply $$$ and reliability speaking it does make more sense

[12secondv6]

Ok.... you want more top end power? That would be a V8

Nitrous will not gain top end... don't do nitrous though.... because you seem to be new.

Intake and exhaust are a good start.... read up on here... there is a lot of into around :)

[PaganEgyptian]

K&N filter, Air Silencer delete, low restriction exhuast.Cat delete if your state does not have emmisions testing. Then a PCM tune. PCMforless is an outstanding value and makes a big gain on the dyno. -Tim

[7camaro7]

I pretty much have most of that, but how and where do I get my PCM tuned at?

[PaganEgyptian]

www.PCMforLess.com
Tell Bryan Herter that Tim from the Hideout sent ya :)
Since you have a 99+ MAF on your TB, you can have it ported and polished. If you elect to do this, let him know that you will be doing it while the PCM is out of car. He can also removing the coding for EGR, remove Top Speed Gov., add timing, delete rear O2 sensor coding, calibrate speedometer, raise rev limiter, correct tire sizing, heck.... he can do just about anything.

[7camaro7]

damn man!:haha: THANKS! You guys are really helpful!

Also man, how much is it to get my engine ported and polished?

[Mr. CarelessAndImprudent]

definitely save your money for an ls1

[7camaro7]

I'm thinking it will be too much cash for the swap. The next F-Body I buy will hopefully be a brand spankin new SS in like 2008 when I graduate.

I believe I can make my 6 fast too, one good thing about it is it'll be a little lighter:think: (only because my engine is lighter) I want to do nos+turbo+more engine work, and down the road get the 5spd swap.

I'm getting advice while I wait to do it

[PaganEgyptian]

damn man!:haha: THANKS! You guys are really helpful!

Also man, how much is it to get my engine ported and polished?

Head work is kinda high, but opening up your Throttle Body alone will see good results. You will need to keep your MAF screen if you do it so your MAF sensor will read properly. I am in the process of researching Plenum swaps, so I will let you know later about that. -Tim

[GatorSS]

I pretty much have most of that, but how and where do I get my PCM tuned at?
Get some software and tune it yourself. You can re-tune later to get the maximum performance out of each additional mod you do.

[Svt killa]

Get some software and tune it yourself. You can re-tune later to get the maximum performance out of each additional mod you do.
is that hard to do ?

[Zboner]

i sure as hell wouldnt do it my self.

[Svt killa]

i sure as hell wouldnt do it my self.
the reason people are doing it , is because it is cheaper than converting to ls1 and plus evryone has a ls1 and they all pretty much have the same mods. but now how many people that have turbo V6s , that are just as fast or can beat a ls1. very few , but i think it has been done.

[GatorSS]

is that hard to do ?
No, it's not hard at all, provided you are at least somewhat computer-savvy. Like any new software, it will take a little while to learn it, and you'll go through some trial and error, but that's all part of the tuning process. The benefits, however, are well worth it. :drivin:

If you are not computer-savvy and have very little patience, then it might not be something that you would want to do.:brick:

Read more about it in the computer section here.

[12secondv6]

The LS1 engine is lighter than the v6 engine.

And... you don't port/ polish your engine... you port/ polish the intake, heads TB etc.

[7camaro7]

I the rksport supercharger advertisement says that the ls1 is at least 100lbs HEAVIER than the 3.8

I know it's made out of aluminum but it's bigger.

[Devylyst]

A guy on Full Throttle just dropped in a TurboXS BOV Type S, in his 3.8. Not exactly sure how many horses hes pulling, but ill find out

[12secondv6]

I the rksport supercharger advertisement says that the ls1 is at least 100lbs HEAVIER than the 3.8

I know it's made out of aluminum but it's bigger.

Trust me.... LS1 is lighter.

We have iron block, heads and intake
Tehy have aluminum block and heads and a plastic (composite) intake

The difference is 20-30 lbs?

[7camaro7]

Ls1s are made of lighter material but they're quite a bit bigger, right? That super charger add I was talking about said that your v6 with this supercharger will still leave your car 100lbs lighter than an LS1 with almost equal power.

I don't know.

[Devylyst]

http://midnight-maro.freestarthost.com/Modifications.htm

Not sure how much power hes making with his mods. 270ish?:thinkin:

[12secondv6]

Ls1s are made of lighter material but they're quite a bit bigger, right? That super charger add I was talking about said that your v6 with this supercharger will still leave your car 100lbs lighter than an LS1 with almost equal power.

I don't know.

Ls1 vs v6 (3800 series 2) = LS1 lighter
Ls1 vs V6 + powerdyne = LS1 lighter

LS1 (bone stock) vs V6 + powerdyne (no other mods) = LS1 is faster

[fredg369]

Supercharge it.....easy 80 to 100 hp....cost some dollars....always on and ready when you hit the gas...very stable......of course you need some support mods as mentioned before...!!!
Remember ---->All Throttle and NO Bottle.

[12secondv6]

Remember ---->All Throttle and NO Bottle.

I'll keep my bottles ;)

They work quite fine :)

[7camaro7]

I'm thinking about bottles too:nana:

[Nate00SS]

Supercharge it.....easy 80 to 100 hp....cost some dollars....always on and ready when you hit the gas...very stable......of course you need some support mods as mentioned before...!!!
Remember ---->All Throttle and NO Bottle.

I would personally stray away from nos. If you want cheap, effective horsepower at the track, go with nos. If want a more expensive, reliable horsepower every day, go with forced induction. I would lean towards a turbo. Having built both a supercharged LS1 and a turbocharged LS1, I think turbo is the way to go. Oh and nos isn't as reliable as everyone says!