1997 Camaro RS 3.8L V6 mods... what can I do?

I recently just bought a 1997 Camaro RS convertible. It is loaded with a ton of options, however the engine is a 3.8L V6, which I wanted. Is there anything that I can do to increase HP without having to switch engines? I want the V6, but is there like anything simple that can be done to increase power?

Are there any website where I can look at aftermarket or NOS ground effects? The front ground effect has taken a beating and either needs fixed or replaced.

Is there any website that also have parts that you can buy for the engine if I want to mod it or anything like that?


Thanks! :D

you know the site has a V6 Forum too.

but just as with any other engine...


easier air in, more fuel, easier exhaust out.

cold air intake, headers and catback will do wonders.

not sure if they do cams for those engines...i'm sure someone does

Yah, there's a bit more of an aftermarket for the v6 cars these days.. alot more info in the v6 forum though.

I think the most that I would throw at one is cold air / catback / spray to be honest. We had a guy in our local club throw alot of money at a V6, only to end up ripping the thing out and throwing an LS1 in it.

1st steep is to get maybe a different air intake system, I dont rember what is available for the 97 since the 98 has a different setup all together.

I wouldnt think of putting "NOS" in my car, I dont want to blow it up! But thats your decision.

Unless your ground effects are really damaged, you should be able to get them re-painted. The RS Clips look great, I wouldnt change them for anything!

stages :)
1) tuneup, CAI, catback, PCM programming, colder t-stat, alum DS
2) RR's, CAM, ported heads and intake
3) Boost
4) Swap to LS-something

Oh man i just swaped my rear end from at T/A and put 3:73 in it. Also i got my PCM tuned at texas speed, and now my car can burn rubber unlike before with out the gear swap and tune. Check it out!! Texas speed is having a special on tuning your PCM. You better jump on it.

I've got the same model, '97 3800II and I've got basic mods on it.. To be specific the SLP cold air intake system is ideal which can be found at SLPperformance.com. I also have the magnaflow catback exhaust on it which makes better sound than any other aftermarket exhaust I've heard on a V6. The idle is low and throaty and its loud at open throttle as well without becoming whiney. Most V6 exhaust systems lose a lot of the sound at around 4000RPM's, but this one stays pretty consistant throughout the band. I believe this can also be found at the same page. Recently I just installed the B&M ripper short throw shifter which cuts 1/3 of the shift out and adds a lot to the drive and feel of the car. To my knowledge it is extremely difficult to find a programmer for this model, as the Power Programmer III is uncapable of being fit to a '97. Hope this helps out.

You can do pretty much any mod you can think of.

I see people suggesting that I put an LS-something in there. The reason why I bought the RS with the V6 3800 is because I wanted to save a little bit of money on the gas expenses. Switching out the engine is outta the question for me, mostly because this is my daily driver. I have a 1981 Cutlass Calais that is all original that I'll probably throw a 350 motor in there.

But for my 1997 RS, I'll probably just put that cold air intake on there and switch out the exhaust system.

Car has a complete tune up along with the hoses and belts changed. Fluids and the engine where flushed out and replaced.

Where at can I get the PCM tuned. I hope that doesn't require me taking it out of the car and sending it somewhere. I saw someone mention Texas Speed. I'm from PA, I don't know if Texas has anything to do with Texas Speed... anyways, throw some more information at me. I really appreciate the input! Thanks!

Thats the way alot of peoples cars start out. They go from daily drivers to cars that launch so hard you have to visit the chiropractor. Once you do a few mods and notice the power increase youll want more and can never get enough :cool: . Thats probably why Javier'd friend upgraded to an LS1.

As far as sites for ground effects you might want to check out rksport.com or lmperformance.com. I like lmperformance better even though they sell some rksport things. Better customer service and prices IMO.

Im not sure but you might want to also check out ws6project.com. All the sites also have performance mods and appearance mods so shop around and enjoy them

not sure if they do cams for those engines...i'm sure someone does
Oh yes, they do and they are sweet.

Oh yes, they do and they are sweet.

You should get some sound clips cuz im curious as to what your car sounds like.

It seems that every one has a different approach on how to mod an engine. I am not sure what it takes to mod an engine, this would be my first time in doing so. Since I blew all my extra money on this car, I'm lacking the necessary cash to just throw into the motor.

Can someone give me a list of things that I can do to increase power and performances starting with the cheapest. I'm assuming that possibly getting the computer tuned and a cool air intake are probably my best options as the current moment.

Also, is it possible to add a turbo charger or a super charger to the V6 3800 motor? How about adding Nitros (not that I really want to, but I'd like to know the limits of what is possible.)?


Thanks for all the great help and links to different websites!!!

You should get some sound clips cuz im curious as to what your car sounds like.
I tried the other day but my camera wont upload onto my comp for some reason so I have to wait until my friend can help me.

Yes texas speed is in texas. I'm from texas so i just drove the 2 and a half hours just to tune the pcm. And You will feel the diffreance. Or you can try
http://www.pcmforless.com

I was looking around and it appears that you can order a PCM or something. www.texas-speed.com has a deal going on for something like that. Its like $150 for the device.

Now is the device something that allows you to tune your car yourself, or is it like a plug n' play device that you just plug in and it does everything for you. I know I sound dumb, but I'm quite new to the f-body scene. I can't wait to fully understand what the hell I'm doing. If it wasn't for these forums, I'd be quite lost right about now. Thanks!

check out my site for ideas

Also, is it possible to add a turbo charger or a super charger to the V6 3800 motor? How about adding Nitros (not that I really want to, but I'd like to know the limits of what is possible.)? Everything you mention here is possible. :)

I see people suggesting that I put an LS-something in there. The reason why I bought the RS with the V6 3800 is because I wanted to save a little bit of money on the gas expenses. Switching out the engine is outta the question for me, mostly because this is my daily driver. I have a 1981 Cutlass Calais that is all original that I'll probably throw a 350 motor in there.

But for my 1997 RS, I'll probably just put that cold air intake on there and switch out the exhaust system.

Car has a complete tune up along with the hoses and belts changed. Fluids and the engine where flushed out and replaced.

Where at can I get the PCM tuned. I hope that doesn't require me taking it out of the car and sending it somewhere. I saw someone mention Texas Speed. I'm from PA, I don't know if Texas has anything to do with Texas Speed... anyways, throw some more information at me. I really appreciate the input! Thanks!

LS1's dont get any significantly worse fuel milage than a 3.8... Personal experience... Even the window sticker says it's possible for a M6 LS1 to best 30 MPG on the highway. I have owned both a 1997 Camaro RS and a 2001 Camaro Z28 and while the RS was a blast to drive, the difference was night and day between that and the Z28 while I averaged roughly 380 Miles to the tank in the RS I can get about 360 to 400 out of the Z28 depending on how I drive. The LS1 also has a larger fuel tank aswell so that plays a role.

As for performance, I put made a homemade CAI for my RS and threw a cone filter and PVC together coming to the total of about $35 and the gain was very noticable aswell as increased fuel milage. I would search up Homemade CAI and also search up on http://www.camarov6.com . Oh yeah, gears are a must. I had a Y87 that came factory with 3.42's and it would pull SO much harder than the 3.08's that came standard on most 3.8's, definately a mod worth looking into aswell as exhaust, but remember... Power means nothing if you can't transfer it properly... Gatta look into Suspension and Tires and experiment.

Hope that helps

Everything you mention here is possible. :)here's proof

http://www.turbov6camaro.com/holt26feb2006/slip7.6.jpg

www.turbov6camaro.com/holt26feb2006
last 3 videos

Oh yeah, gears are a must. I had a Y87 that came factory with 3.42's and it would pull SO much harder than the 3.08's that came standard on most 3.8's, definately a mod worth looking into aswell as exhaust, but remember... Power means nothing if you can't transfer it properly... Gatta look into Suspension and Tires and experiment.

Hope that helps


I have the Y87 RPO also on my car. I also have the positraction 3.42 gears, which is GU6 and G80.

Thanks for the info on the gas mileage on the Z28, but another reason why I bought the RS is because I'm 21 years old and I'm still considered a HIGH risk, so insurance is through the roof until i'm 25. The RS is only an additional $60 a year when compared to my 1984 Buick Regal Limited (which I am selling).

My car has pretty good pick up and pulls its weight well. The only problem I'm having is that it bottoms out when I go over bumps and stuff. I may need to get new shocks (not sure when they were last replaced). I'm also getting a new front ground effect put on because the original was so badly damaged. Here is a picture of my car:

http://tinypic.com/orqgbc

Would you guys suggest buying a CAI or making one myself. I know that if I make one, I'll save myself some money, but I'd rather have a perfect fit the first time.

Would you guys suggest buying a CAI or making one myself. I know that if I make one, I'll save myself some money, but I'd rather have a perfect fit the first time.

I would say if you can make one yourself, do it as you will see the same performance gains. That is unless you like the style of the SLP's CAI (looks better than PVC IMHO) You CAN paint the PVC but you'll need to becarefull not to scratch it when you put it in. Don't worry the engine temps won't get anywere near hot enough to hurt the PVC.

Here's what you'll need, you can get all of this at any local hardware store.

- One, 3" to 3" Diameter Rubber Connecter
- Two, 90 Degree 3" Diameter PVC or Rubber Boot (If you choose Rubber you'll need to get Four 1" long 3" Diameter PVC Pipes to connect it to pipes/rubber...)
- One 13" Long 3" Diameter PVC Pipe
- One 2" Long 3" Diameter PVC Pipe
- One K&N or Rice Cone Filter

The most expensive part of this will probably be the Cone Filter but it's well worth it as you will beable to clean the filter when needed... Never have to buy an airfilter again... ever...
If you're still interested just post and I'll tell you exactly what I did, I'm just short on time right now... sorry...

Sounds like I can get most of the parts from Home Depot or Lowes. But as far as the filter goes, where can I get that one that you're telling me about? I'd like to get one that's good enough and will last me a really long time. You said something about not every buying an airfilter again, is that because this one can be cleaned easily?

Are there any website that have a tutorial on how to make one efficiently without trying to force pieces together and improvising to just get the job done. Thanks!

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=rr-3001

the k&n filters can be washed and reoiled (like new)....come on ryder...u could of asked ;) ......also remember that is u build your own u can do it how ever u want...

EDIT: not the needed filter...just a sug