Question about the 3.4 vs 3.8
12-19-2002, 07:26 PM
#17
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Commerce, MI
Posts: 136
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
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
12-19-2002, 08:03 PM
#18
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: INDIANA
Posts: 680
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
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
12-19-2002, 09:03 PM
#19
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Barboursville, WV, USA
Posts: 37
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 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).
12-20-2002, 02:28 AM
#20
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: windber pa
Posts: 608
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.
12-20-2002, 02:05 PM
#21
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Lubbock, Tx
Posts: 8
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
95 3.4 A4 Camaro
Hooker Headers
Flowmaster 80 Series
K/N Filtercharger
Msd Ignition
PP3
12-20-2002, 07:32 PM
#22
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Suburbia, IL
Posts: 1
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. 
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!
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!
12-21-2002, 12:28 AM
#23
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Barboursville, WV, USA
Posts: 37
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.
12-21-2002, 02:13 AM
#24
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Collinsville IL
Posts: 162
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.
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.
12-21-2002, 12:35 PM
#25
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Barboursville, WV, USA
Posts: 37
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...
Im still looking and so far looks like im only going to be able to afford a 3.4 car...
12-21-2002, 12:39 PM
#26
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Collinsville IL
Posts: 162
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...
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...
12-23-2002, 12:24 AM
#27
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,719
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.
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