Question about the 3.4 vs 3.8

This summer Im getting a v6 4th gen. I need a daily driver and I want a 4th gen soo... How much faster are the 3.8s than the 3,.4s? Im getting a 5 speed either way.

I saw RKSport v6 headers which I will probably get. Also will a normal catback system work with some fabbing?

3.4 stock 1/4 = high 16
3.8 stock 1/4 = mid/high 15 depending on gears

Catbacks made for Z28s and 4th gen v6's will both fit your car that you will get.

Rksport headers supposedly have a bad leaking problem, and need a lot of welding to be sealed.

Also, 3.4 - more low end and 3.8 - more high end.

I have a 3.4 and its slow, nuff said.:o :p

Originally posted by spootydinkcamaro94
3.4 stock 1/4 = high 16
3.8 stock 1/4 = mid/high 15 depending on gears

Catbacks made for Z28s and 4th gen v6's will both fit your car that you will get.

Rksport headers supposedly have a bad leaking problem, and need a lot of welding to be sealed.

Also, 3.4 - more low end and 3.8 - more high end.

I have a 3.4 and its slow, nuff said.:o :p

thats pretty good...

and as for catbacks.. a stock z28 catback has a 2.75in. I-pipe, sotck v6 has a 2.25 in. I-pipe so its a decent improvement.

Just a little info on the Rk headers. What was said earlier is correct about the leaking problem. The way to solve that is to simply re-tighten the bolts after around 100 miles or so after installing them. That way they can't warp on you. Apparently the headers don't have sufficient flange in order to seal on the exhaust manifold. If you don't mind waiting for headers on backorder, I would recommend looking into getting the Pacesetter headers. I ordered mine early November and I just called this past Tuesday and was informed that they should be coming in and shipped out next Thursday. I have my fingers crossed. I've heard a lot of good things about the Pacesetter headers.
I'm sure the Rk ones are decent as well, but if you install them correctly, use the necessary gaskets, and re-torque the bolts often you shouldn't have a problem.

BTW...go with a 3.8. I'm sure you'd be a lot happier with it in the end rather than a 3.4 It seems that most 3.4 owners wish they had a 3.8. I dunno...maybe it's just me??;)

well 1 second difference isnt that bad. I would rather have the 3.8 BUT it depends on my money situation. I want to get a car as soon as possible. My 88 doesnt have AC, idles rough, drinks gas, and i need a daily driver.

where can i find the pacesetters headers?

I did have the lo3 in my car....so I bet the 3.4 is as fast or faster than that. The lo3 is a 170hp 305 it was lame especially with the rear i have. The lo3 was slightly modded but not much. With headers, intake, k&n would a 3.4 car be in the mid 15s?? also what if you did these mods on a 3.8? would it be in the 14s?

I have driven a 96 bird with the 3.8 SLP package...seemed like it was good down low but i thought top end SUCKED. but im comparing it to my car....350+carb+2.73=150mph id say.

Originally posted by kahouna23
BTW...go with a 3.8. I'm sure you'd be a lot happier with it in the end rather than a 3.4 It seems that most 3.4 owners wish they had a 3.8. I dunno...maybe it's just me??;)

I don't wish I had a 3.8, I wish I had an LS1.;) You will probably want to go with the 3.8 but the 3.4 isn't that bad. 3.4's also sound a lot better too.

I also think 3.4s sound better. Mine sounds like a 8 cylinder when on camera :)

Id rather have the 40hp bonus you get with the 3.8. Im not getting this car to make it fast or anything but I wouldnt mind a toy I can mod just alittle. Not gonna do anything that will sacrafice drivability. so bolt on only. My 88 gets the real mods :D

do any companys make cams or anything like that for these cars?

Yes companies make head/cam packages for both cars.Also check the car out before you buy it,some 3.8's can't get out of the 16's even with mods.Good luck either way and both are good cars.
Kevin

LO3's may not be HP monsters but they will still kil a 3.4, 170HP ans 255FtLbs vs 160HP and ?200FtLbs?


Most 3.4's run a very high 16 or a low 17

As for mods one second takes alot to make up for.

And if a set of headers has flange problems they belong in the garbage.

Get a 3.8......:)

Get a 95-97 3.8 :)

Get a 3.8, you'll be happier. I have a 3.4, my brother has a 3.8, and his feels faster than mine. It pulls much stronger up top as well. My 3.4 is stronger down low, but it's not a huge difference over the 3.8.

Just get the 3.8, man :)

Originally posted by TheV6Bird


Just get the 3.8, man :)


Nuff said

get a 3.8, i am not sure about the #'s on the 3.4 but the 3.8's have 205hp, and 230lb ft torque, and thats more than the 3.4 i can tell u for sure. And as for track times, the best stock 3.8 i have seen is a 15.7 with a good driver. But why not just pay 8 to 10 grand for a used LT1, thats what i did and i think it was worth it............


Chris

The 3.4s are 160HP and 200lbs of torque, talk about power!

15.7 is not that great of a time for a 3.8l
i went to the track about 2 months ago.. i have a 96 3.8 with slp CAI and catback exhaust.. some suspension mods and the factory 3.42 lsd.. and for weight reduction i just took out my spare tire, and system..
it was a cool night.. about 40-50 degrees
my best run was a 15.1 without a serpentine belt..which was a bad move since in just 1 run my engine almost hit red zone by the end of the pass and i had to shut it down to cool it off before i returned... 15.3 was my best with it on and my average was about a 15.5... 15.8 was my highest time
my buddy with a 97 v6 with just exhaust ran a best of 15.7

take it from me...a guy that has had both. i had a 95 3.4 now i have a 98 3.8, you want the 3.8

either way you will have fun. if your looking for mods id say that there are the most for a 95-97 3.8

when i had my 3.4 i wanted a 3.8 now i have it and i wouldnt mind having more but im 19

Im not getting a lt1 car....one reason is snow driving. I know a v6 camaro wont be the best snow car but it would be much better than a lt1 car. I already have a project car...I hope to see 12s this summer with my 88 after the head swap and cam.

The v6 is just for a daily driver...I might be getting a DSM now Im not sure. AWD would be nice for snow thats for sure. Plus those DSMs run high 14s stock which is faster than most any v6 camaro/firebird (except the TTA).

The 3.8 have 200 hp and 225 ft lbs not 230 ft lbs, And i dont care what you think your 3.4 doesnt sound like a v8 its a v6 and no matter what it wont sound like a v8 in all honesty, you just cant get that v8 rumble.

hey i have a 3.4 and it isn't that bad it is brought up to be! Yea everyone is right about the top end (N), but my little 6 banger can accelerate pretty damn good. With just a few minor mods I could take a 3.8 though the 1/4 with ease! and i also have flowmaster 80 series, and sounds pretty good!





95 3.4 A4 Camaro
Hooker Headers
Flowmaster 80 Series
K/N Filtercharger
Msd Ignition
PP3

I've had my 3.4 since October 2000, and it's been great to me. Raw numbers, the 3.8 has more power. For pure speed, the 3.8 is definitely faster. And the LT-1 is faster than either, of course. :D In my case, insurance cost, winter driving, etc., didn't allow the good 'ol 5.7L route, and although the numbers aren't as high as, say, a 3.8L Bonneville, the looks, handling, driveability, and other aspects of the F-Body are all in full-force. You'll be happy with either, I was originally looking at third gens and found a great 3.4L, so I went with it, and I have no regrets. Get what you can afford for now, and know that you can always mod it to your liking! Happy car hunting!

I wont be modding this car much if at all. Like I said Im gonna do some crazy **** to my 88. I already have a good basis with it. Brand new 350...all kinds of good stuff. I just want a normal car with AC to drive everyday and while my 88 is in 1000 pieces.

Originally posted by CODY BEHNKE
LO3's may not be HP monsters but they will still kil a 3.4, 170HP ans 255FtLbs vs 160HP and ?200FtLbs?


Most 3.4's run a very high 16 or a low 17

As for mods one second takes alot to make up for.

And if a set of headers has flange problems they belong in the garbage. well... i have a 3.4 and beat a 92 305.... by a few cars... and got him outta the hole........ 3.4s are awsome outta the hole.... hang with alot of things.... but after 40 they suck........

305 TBIs are turds. A 305 TPI is alittle better but a 5.7 is always better. I have seen some supercharged 305s running good times tho.

Im still looking and so far looks like im only going to be able to afford a 3.4 car...

Originally posted by Slowmaro1988
305 TBIs are turds. A 305 TPI is alittle better but a 5.7 is always better. I have seen some supercharged 305s running good times tho.

Im still looking and so far looks like im only going to be able to afford a 3.4 car... i bought my 94 firebird for 5,700 during of may of 2002........had 66,xxx on it.......

I don't know what the 3.4s have for traction control but the SGS (second gear start) on the 3.8 is a joke, plus it heats up the tranny. I lost way more control in my 3.8 with SGS then my LS1 with ASC or whatever its called. My point is the LT1 might have good traction control. If I was in your situation I would get the LT1 because it sounds like you want a moded 3.8l and why not just get the LT1, if its an option. If not the 3.8 is still a really good car, no matter what you do get t-tops.:)

Originally posted by thadoc
With just a few minor mods I could take a 3.8 though the 1/4 with ease!

:rolleyes: HAHAHAHAHA

Originally posted by shortdog273
:rolleyes: HAHAHAHAHA must be pretty fst 3.4 shorty right?

3.4 guys, don't take it the wrong way, but thadoc said he beat 3.8s WITH EASE! Mustangeater82's car is pretty quick for a 3.4, but I guarantee you he don't beat 3.8s with ease.

Originally posted by shortdog273
3.4 guys, don't take it the wrong way, but thadoc said he beat 3.8s WITH EASE! Mustangeater82's car is pretty quick for a 3.4, but I guarantee you he don't beat 3.8s with ease. yea im sure everyone knows this........

Sorry doc, but it would take more than just a few mods along with what you currently have to take a 3.8 with ease.

Filter, headers, muffler does not equal to the 40 HP difference.

Id rather have a lt1 car but I dont think Ill have the cash to spend on it. V6s come alot cheaper than v8s around here. Remember this car is a daily driver...

HEY SHORTDOG, I DIDNT TAKE ANYTHING THE WRONG WAY, SO DONT BE WORRIED ABOUT IT. THE ONLY THING YOU SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT IS THE FEW MINOR THINGS I FORGOT TO MENTION. WHAT I MEANT BY ECT. IS I HAVE SOME FORGED INTERNALS, 75-100 SHOT OF NITROUS, SUPPORTING FUEL MODS SUCH AS FUEL PUMP, SLIGHTLY BIGGER INJECTORS FROM A SS AND 3.73 GEARS!(ALONG WITH SOME WEIGHT REDUCTION) SO ARE YOU SURE YOU WANNA TALK NOISE ABOUT ME NOT TAKING 3.8S? LOL I HANG WITH GT'S SO I AM PRETTY SURE THE 3.8S ARE NOT A PROBLEM AT ALL!



:bow:

:rolleyes: You can turn your caps off anytime now. Anyways, lets go back to your first post. You said with "minor mods" you can beat 3.8s with ease. Lol, Now you're changing and making crap up trying to cover your azz. By the way, I also hang with AND beat GTs AND I'm NATURALLY-ASPIRATED! so I'm not worried at all with you sir. If you're ever in the St. Louis area, lets run em. :Owned:

non-aspired? i thought it was natrually-aspired or normal-aspired?

Originally posted by Green G0blin
non-aspired? i thought it was natrually-aspired or normal-aspired?

Oops.lol, I'll change it.

Damn you guys crack me up:

thadoc = :Owned:
All 3.4's have "some" forged internals.The connecting rods are forged steel.You should have just shut up while you were ahead.

shortdog273 = :think:
Be careful.Check the boards,there are a few 3.8's that can't make it out of the 16's even with mods.The 3.08 non-posi rear KILLS the V6's.Yours may be fast,but a stock 3.8 that's loaded with a 3.08 rear will get beat by a stock stripper 3.4 with a 3.23 rear,all things being equal.

Now let's all have a big group hug and get over which engine is faster/better.You guys should be taking out GT's and not each other! :cool:
Kevin

get a 3.8 u will like it a lot better. a 3.8 with a good clutch, exhaust (headers and cat-back), intake and gear will run in the 14's all day long.

Originally posted by djcam
get a 3.8 u will like it a lot better. a 3.8 with a good clutch, exhaust (headers and cat-back), intake and gear will run in the 14's all day long.

You left out the most important part,a decent DRIVER! Check the time-slips,there are VERY few 3.8's with those mods running even close to 14's.
Kevin

Originally posted by nikkev

Now let's all have a big group hug and get over which engine is faster/better.You guys should be taking out GT's and not each other! :cool:
Kevin

Preach on brother Kevin