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Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

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Old Oct 4, 2006 | 02:33 PM
  #1  
jeffsmonte's Avatar
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Default Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

Im just a beginer trying to understand. How come the 3800 only puts out 200 hp, and the 3.9 liter puts out over 240hp?? Why is there so much of a difference?
And for example, a chrysler 3.5L engine puts out 250hp. Shouldnt a higher displacement = more hp?
 
Old Oct 5, 2006 | 12:23 AM
  #2  
z34phoenix's Avatar
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,100
From: Daytona Beach, Fl
Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

all in tuning and head flow and stroking. the 3800 is an old motor. and just wasnt set to run high#'s displacement doesnt always mean more power. the 3.9L is on a diff block and has a specially designed intake manifold that has a variable volume. so its all in how its built...
 
Old Oct 5, 2006 | 01:26 AM
  #3  
SoCalSS's Avatar
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From: Reno, NV
Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

ORIGINAL: z34phoenix

all in tuning and head flow and stroking. the 3800 is an old motor. and just wasnt set to run high#'s displacement doesnt always mean more power. the 3.9L is on a diff block and has a specially designed intake manifold that has a variable volume. so its all in how its built...
That's why you just need to Turbo your 3800!
 
Old Oct 5, 2006 | 02:50 AM
  #4  
z34phoenix's Avatar
Joined: Oct 2005
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Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

Yeah and a turbo makes for a very good exhaust system :-P lol deff will make a nice sound :-D

and 3800 turbos make very nice power.
 
Old Oct 5, 2006 | 05:51 PM
  #5  
GrandPaDave's Avatar

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Joined: Aug 2006
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Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

ORIGINAL: jeffsmonte

Im just a beginer trying to understand. How come the 3800 only puts out 200 hp, and the 3.9 liter puts out over 240hp?? Why is there so much of a difference?
And for example, a chrysler 3.5L engine puts out 250hp. Shouldnt a higher displacement = more hp?
FWIW, the 3.9 has VVT (variable valve timing) which is where the extra 40 ponies come from and which I believe was first introduced in the Hondas a couple of years ago. And as I remember, it was a BIG DEAL back then too.
 
Old Oct 6, 2006 | 06:14 PM
  #6  
jeffsmonte's Avatar
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Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

Thanks alot guys.
 
Old Oct 7, 2006 | 07:47 PM
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...


ORIGINAL: z34phoenix

Yeah and a turbo makes for a very good exhaust system :-P lol deff will make a nice sound :-D

and 3800 turbos make very nice power.

Hey, David...

I am interested in turboing my 3800, have any reports on the power stats from the mod?
 
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 04:02 AM
  #8  
z34phoenix's Avatar
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From: Daytona Beach, Fl
Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

all depends on how the turbo is set up and how much boost you run... but some of the fastest 3800's use a turbo and not a SC!!

 
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 09:35 AM
  #9  
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Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

Hey BiggJ, I read up a little on the turbo option and found a site that sold a kit...turbo and intercooler for the 3800 and they put one on a Grand Prix (same motor as ours) and got 404 horses out of it! I'll try and remember the site and send you the link.
Kenny
 
Old Oct 10, 2006 | 05:09 PM
  #10  
DESS03's Avatar
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Posts: 569
From: Kilgore,Texas
Default RE: Why does a 3.8 liter only put out 200hp...

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_p...ts1.php?id=410 heres one of the kits u can buy
 
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