Hey guys, I was recently offered a killer deal on a moderately damaged 2001 mustang (just a really big scratch really) with ford's 3.8l V6 modded out to the max with a pro charger he claims is getting 400+ HP. The guy wanted $2500 and i'm still considering but the offer expires at the end of the month due to PCS. But the question I had is that I trust this individual on his dyno test of his car but he has the same size engine as us (even a little less HP stock if i remember correctly) But even Turbo Monte only claims 384 whp on his monster (perhaps zippy02's "The Bitch" has more) But it made me curious, How much horse power CAN we squeze out of a modded 3800?
and also thoughts on the mustang.
Thanks.

 

You cannot compare a 3.8 Mustang to a 3.8 GM in terms of being "equal". Even though they are both 3.8, the engine AND the car itself are completely different animals.

My wife has a '01 3.8 Mustang. Only mod on it is a FWI and that actually feels like it yielded a LOT of improvement. In general, I have always felt that car a bit slow (but the FWI has given it some pep).

As far as how much horse power can you get..... The things I've learned is that it is all up to your budget. Bigger your budget, the more you can buy to gain you more power.

ZZPerformance | 3800 Performance Parts | Largest Aftermarket Supplier! has a chart and on it claims the fastest FWD 3800 powered car has 870whp.... I'm sure there was a LOT of money into that car.

 

Not 3800 related, but Sam (Monte SSV) is running a turbocharged LS7 based block in his 2007 SS and is pushing at, or over, 800 fwhp and 700 lb. ft. of torque. Remember, the standard LS4 V8 in these produces just over 300 hp and 320 lb. ft. of torque. Goes to show that a lot is possible if you're willing to do it and really commit to it.

 

Turbo Monte made 384whp on a small turbo and only 2.5" downpipes and I was hitting the ceiling of the maf at 4100rpms and flooding in fuel. With my new bigger turbo, 3" downpipes, meth injection and a good tune with no maf issues I should be making 550-600whp on pump fuel. I will Dyno once I get my trans rebuilt again.

Greg's (zippy) made 499whp on pump fuel if memory serves me correct.

 

Nice! So then a tuned pro charger and some other add-ons making that mustang break 400 hp isnt to far fetched. I have really come to love the look of my monte, I may invest in a V8 If i want to break 500hp (im thinking 6.0L GTO but idk) I'm Not particularly fond of the nose in the 7th gen which is why I like seeing your's and Zippy's 6th gens keeping up with the V8's. I think beyond the Minor upgrades im going to work on making Red even more unique visually and leave the Horse power hour for when I can get a GTO.

 

I can't answer if it is or not. I'm wanting to say if its built right it should be making around there. Remember me and zippy are turbo cars not SC CARS. Turbo will make more power than a SC

 

Now now... these prochargers are set-up really nice and can make some crazy HP. But ONLY in the upper RPM bands.

400 is not a farfetched number for a procharger, but I'm not well enough versed on the mustang's 3800 to know if it is actually feasible.

If you watch Street Outlaws the "Murder Nova" is a big block with a procharger and he's pushing almost 2000hp.

 

I'm not saying there not a nice setup, there awesome and perform very well and make nice power for sure. Only thing I was saying was a turbo 3800 setup correct will make more HP than a sc 3800 setup correct. There both very nice power adders for sure. If I didn't decide to go turbo I would of done the CSC kit. At first I wanted to do a CSC or a whipple and I couldn't find it so I went turbo instead since they were readily available and bolt on.

I admire the CSC kit, my buddy Shawn (a member here) has a 05 mustang gt with a CSC and its no joke my any means! Very quick car.

 

I was dead set on the CSC, then when it became impossible to find I was going to order the ZZP Z3 turbo.

Then with a stroke of luck, was able to get a kit haha.

 

I don't know, you'd be surprised. I wasn't really too fond of the overall look of the 7th Gens either; that was until I bought mine and now I love it and would even say I prefer its look over the 6th Gen. The 6th Gen is still a very nice looking car. Just saying.