I'm looking at joining the world of the supercharger. And my question is, can I install a SC into a 2001 MC SS with the 3.8. and how straight forward is it? We'll talk about the ECM later. Trading the car for one with it already is not an option. love it to much.

 

there is a post on a top swap for the 3800 non super charger to the supercharged 3800ss. i think the heads of the non supercharger type is a little different to matchup to the supercharger. the non super charged 3800 is potent as a n/a when it is built as well as the supercharged type is alot more potent. if you get the heads and the supercharger i would get all the goodies for the heads before tearing open the motor for the top swap

 

Just do an l67 swap and save your time.
For top swap you need.
Gaskets
LIM
Supercharger
Heads
injectors
Fuel Rails
Inejector connectors
New crank pulley
Throttle body
All the vacuum lines replaced.

Much easier to swap the motor. The Main difference between them, is that theinjector openings are in the l67 heads, while they are in the LIM if the l36.

 

this isnt something that will happen for while. ill have to look a little deeper for that post. but thanks, every photo i see it looks like the unit would just drop into place. and i knew it couldnt be that easy

 

It will drop into place as long as you do everything from the heads up off of an L67

There is a bit of work to it, but a top swapped L36 will always make more hp then an L67.

 

Easier to drop a pulley size on the l67.

 

That's true. The thing about top swaps that are nice though is that you have higher compression (9.4:1 instead of the L67's 8.5:1). If I were to do an M90 build to make really good hp, I'd do a top swap. If you just want mild performance (anything below 300whp), just throw the whole L67 in.

 

awesome. but tell me this, if you had a choice what would you install? the supercharger or a turbo? and which is easier. this is the first time i feel Ill keep a car long enough to make the time and work worth it.

 

Turbo, hands down. You'll make much more power, the install isn't too bad, and did I mention that you'll make much more power?

No matter which way you go, there will be some work involved but if you go with a s/c, you're limited realistically to about 350-400whp. If you go turbo, then the sky is the limit. There's a few turbo 3800 guys out there with more then 500whp. Plus, it's cheaper to get a turbo to those levels too. Also, don't forget about getting a built tranny. You're going to need it.

 

thanks. all good info. 500hp powers a little much. im looking to get around 400. I'd like to make the mustangs and camaros work for their wins. i just have to drop a grand into the car just to keep it running.