Ryder4864

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!

teke184

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

Javier97Z28

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.

Chrisz24

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!

valter

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

lucky19

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.

MikeJules21

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.

HAZ-Matt

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

Ryder4864

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!

IdahoLT1

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 . 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

Camabird

Oh yes, they do and they are sweet.

IdahoLT1

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

Ryder4864

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!!!

Camabird

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.

lucky19

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