Is my 2001 MC SS 3.8L L36 Worth Building???
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Joined: Sep 2016
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Is my 2001 MC SS 3.8L L36 Worth Building???
My uncle passed and left me his 2001 Monte Carlo SS 3.8L V6 L36 (Non-supercharged). Its in pretty good condition. Has a few things that are petty but I would like to make a nice, fast, fun, sporty, car that I could take out on the town somenights. I was hoping to get close to 400hp or more. Is it possible? Is it worth building? What are some good options? Will it take a lot of $ to get it there. Ive never owned a monte and Im a big v8 guy. Question: I know they made a 5.3L V8 in the 05-07 Models....can it be put it this car? I dont mind spending....say $5k-6k but what kind of power and reliablity will i get? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Though the car has sentimental value i could sell it for investement to something else.
Hi there and welcome to the forum.
Sorry for your loss but congrats on the Monte.
I do not know the answers to your questions but there are many members here who have done power upgrades. Hopefully they will post with their experiences.
Sorry for your loss but congrats on the Monte.
I do not know the answers to your questions but there are many members here who have done power upgrades. Hopefully they will post with their experiences.
Monte Of The Month -- August 2014
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 25,145
From: Southeast PA
It's worth enjoying the car. You are asking to double the HP, that's not an easy feat with any vehicle. Is this your ONLY car, or would this be a project / fun car?
If you want that power, then I would say get a turbo on it. Don't bother with engine swaps, just try a tried and true ZZP Z7 turbo.
If you want that power, then I would say get a turbo on it. Don't bother with engine swaps, just try a tried and true ZZP Z7 turbo.
Last edited by ChibiBlackSheep; Sep 22, 2016 at 03:27 PM.
400whp is easily achievable but will cost some coin for sure. Don't attempt swapping in a LS4, the 3800 is more mod friendly and makes more power when modded then any current LS4 I have seen. Now for a mod list to get you close to your goal....
Zzp Z7 turbo kit, need to be intercooled, 3"down pipe, and a turbo around the size of a T67.
Either 1.9 rockers or better yet a st2 turbo cam from zzp. This will require upgraded valve springs, retainers, etc.
Would be a great idea to upgrade the fuel pump to a walbro 255 and pump rewire as well and I would go 60# injectors.
Get a trans built from Dave at triple edge performance to hold the added power, a stock trans will die fast if racing it etc.
Last but not least you will need a good Dyno tune. I also suggest getting your own wideband and dual aeroforce gauges and installing them in a pillar pod so you can monitor engine vitals.
Zzp Z7 turbo kit, need to be intercooled, 3"down pipe, and a turbo around the size of a T67.
Either 1.9 rockers or better yet a st2 turbo cam from zzp. This will require upgraded valve springs, retainers, etc.
Would be a great idea to upgrade the fuel pump to a walbro 255 and pump rewire as well and I would go 60# injectors.
Get a trans built from Dave at triple edge performance to hold the added power, a stock trans will die fast if racing it etc.
Last but not least you will need a good Dyno tune. I also suggest getting your own wideband and dual aeroforce gauges and installing them in a pillar pod so you can monitor engine vitals.
