Hi, Im new to this forum and i also just bought a 98 camaro 3.8L and your probably thinking why did i get a V6 well becasue im only 16 and its my first car and not to mention insurance isnt as bad oh and also it was $6500 and it only had 75k miles and it came with the RZ factory body kit. But back to the subject. Well i had 13k to spend on a car becasue thats all i had and since the car was $6500 i have some left over money for performance upgrades. So i was thinking i would get the whisper air induction lid, the Borla cat-back exhaust system w/ the RK sport headers. So i was just wondering what do you guys think of my set-up and what there be a noticeable hp increas and what kind of hp what im be putting out w/ the new set-up. Please help a noob out and any help os greatly apperciated and thanks in advance. BTW once i save enough money i am thinking about getting a supercharger so i just want to know who makes a good supercharger for the 3.8 V6.

 

Welcome. Which factory body kit was that?

Intake and exhaust looks good, I would ditch the RKSport headers. They suck...actually they leak. CIA headers are very nice but are also very expensive...might look into pacesetter headers. Before you ask about them though...use the search button, you'll find a ton of stuff to read about.

What are your ultimate goals for your car? What you want to do with your car will ultimately decide where your money goes. It all depends on you though. I can tell you that with those three parts you mentioned, you WILL notice very good gains...can't tell you exact #s, you would have to dyno it for that.

Supercharger info, might want to check into the forced induction board for some really good info. If all out speed is your goal, look into nitrous. Best $$$ I ever spent.

Good luck.

 

drop a v8 in it, dotn let the insurance company know botu it just always so its stock, thats all i did and im 15. (still workign on buyign the engine though) get soem heddman headers, flowmaster all the way back. thats my $0.02....good luck

 

Get the exhaust and the CAI, then put the rest of the money in the bank for the LS1 you're going to buy in a few years

Greg

 

I don't think anyone could give you better advice then Gregs. I'll just add that for insurance costs you made a wise decision and don't get your LS1 till you turn 21. I heard LS1 insurance for under 21 is just brutal. I cringe at my insurance bill and I'm over 30, married and have a good driving record.

Grats on your camaro bro and welcome aboard!

 

He said he was going to get a LS1?

 

No he never said he was going to get an LS1. This is purely speculation that in a few years (with a healthy bank account) he will feel the urge to get a LS1 instead of another 3.8. Since his camaro has 75k miles now he will probably be looking to trade it in by the time he turns 21 anyway.

I don't knock V6's. I spent my entire 20's driving v6 camaros and firebirds. They rock for what they are but I always secretly wished it was a Z28 or TA. Now that I have an LS1 I wish it was a Z06. You always want what you don't have and the grass is always greener on the other side. Well at least for me it is. But if I ever get a Z06 I'll be wishing it was a viper or lamborghini.

But no he never said he was getting an LS1 but when he's 21 and assuming he still has 5k+ in cash plus the V6 as a trade I would think a LS1 swap might be crossing his mind. I know it did for me but I never had cash to put down so that's why it took me so long. I almost bought a 96 M6 formula back in 00 but took the 99 3.8 camaro instead. I woke up the next day and smacked myself on the head and yelled real loud....

"I coulda had a V8!"

Ok I really didn't say they but I did pick the 3.8 because I wanted to wait till LS1's came down a bit in price and now I'm glad I did. 98-99 LS1's can be had for under 15k now. A few are under 10K.

again Good luck with your camaro.

 

Thanks for all the help and it helped my out greatly and thanks again.

 

yup...my 98 was 13K dead stock with 45K on it and every option except the GU5....

 

your exaust set up sounds good but dont forget the high flow cat... then get a cold air intake... then some 1.9 ratio rocker arms from intense-racing.com...with pulleys from zzperformance...then get some gears in the rear...some slicks...plus suspension...and go have yourself some fun