the bottom ends can really hold up that long? i dont mean like the rods,pistons,and crank. i mean more along the lines of the rings and bearings? id be worried about boosting a car with 120000 miles on it without at least a ring job. i have no experience with 3800s so i dont know just curious.

 

Yes, they're really that strong. Plus, when we're talking boost- we're not talking a 20+ psi turbo setup; we're talking adding 40 horsepower with maybe 6 or 7 psi- so ring sealing isn't an issue. Not to mention, many 3800's (SC and NA) have lasted easily to the 200k mark- I still wouldn't worry about modding a 125k mile 3800 unless it has had the absolute snot run out of it.

 

always good to learn something new.

 

wow ill keep that in mind then, but im lookin acheive 300+ hp/tq, so far all i got is the 180stat so you sure my bottom is safe for that?

 

People have done nearly 400 whp on an L36 bottom end. Are you talking 300 whp or bhp? makes a big difference.

 

300 HP at the crank will be very easy on a top-swapped engine with a few mods and a custom tune, and still reliable.

 

300whp

 

Bottom end will be fine for sure- but I'd bet you're going to be looking at either a cam or an IC to hit that kind of power.

 

well im starting off basic, already got the 180stat, gonna buy the k&n intake next, then exhaust, and pcm. then im gonna start lookin to sc. workin on a tight budget here =P
but if im gonna be swappin out for an l67, im gonna do all the internal upgrades i can think of or ask you guys to think of before i get it swapped. gonna do headers around then too.

 

That's easy- only real upgrade to do while you're down to the bottom end is to stick a cam in it.