5 First Mods for your 3800 Powered W Body
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- 5 First Mods for your 3800 Powered W Body
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/ nc_gtp - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I spent 27 years in the US Army and on retirement I was bored to death. So I bought a 2002 Regal GS with a blown engine. Went to Summit Racing got a new long block and starting modding it like a teenager with a new apartment. First thing was ZZP stage 2 IC. And threw away the entire exhaust system and bought again ZZP full header setup. 2.5 catback. dual exhaust. Took the Supercharger , sent it to Jokerz Performance they rebuilt it with new coating on the rotors and and ported it. Took out the brand new cam that came with the long block and slid in a XP cam. Modular Pulley system with a 3.0 pulley and a Aeroforce gauge, just to make sure I wasn't going to grenade the engine. Swapped out the stock 33# injectors for Siemens 80#. After breakin and a tune and finding no KR my brother took it to the drag strip here in Charleston and ran 12.9-13.2 on street tires, then broke the input shaft fixed that with a beefier shaft. Now I have the heads off but haven't decided what to do next. I know nothing about the suspension in these FWD cars and this one feel good but will take it in for work, I'm 6'5" so lowering it is out of the question....Happy Modding
Love stories like this me an my brother are learning an all i keep sayin is they didn't have youtube back in the day an made beautiful cars ! Motor swaps all kinds of crazy stuff im here stressing like i needa learn how to do Motor swaps my self!
In the l67 or 3800SC make sure youre running 93 octane to help avoid issues with KR you dont want to run a lower grade fuel inthese engines
Next (5) Mods = Strut Tower Braces, 8.5mm Spark Plug Wires, Cold Air Intake, High flow Fuel Filter, TRans Cooler.
What does the spark plug wires do when they are 8.5 mm? Do
strut tower brace is super smart, my strut tower welds blew and the whole thing starting leaning in towards the engine
3800 is my favorite Chevy motor! Ms here!
*Buick*
Definitely need a part 2 to this, very informative.
SHIFT KIT goes really well with a tune. Even better doing the tune and the shift kit at the same time. I was blown away at what difference it made with highway merging.
Good point
What's a shift kit? They make that for automatics?
@@ArlowFarrell yeah it's basically some springs that go in the accumulator of the transmission to delete the smooth shifts and make the shifts more quick.
I really enjoyed your video on the mods. I did a lot of the same upgrades on my 04 Monte Carlo when i bought it about a year ago. First I changed all the fluids, did brakes and a tune up on it. later i zz performance stage 1 kit with headers. made a big difference in performance and gas milage. next upgrade i want to do is the F body brake swap. thank you for all the great videos and help.
This is such a great video and such useful facts. 20 plus year old cars have suspension that's shot and breaks that are worn. The first thing people want to do is make the motor faster but the temptation to drive it with subpar safety is high.
Okay thanks for the info. Everything you state is common sense and reasonable. I was putting a parts list together and you covered it even the 180 thermostat. I’m not really familiar with the Series II and best mods. I had a pristine stock 01 SSEi Bonneville once until a knucklehead rear ended me at a traffic light. I just recused a Gen 4 96 Camaro off a hot Texas street from a owner that let it sit for a long time. I jumped it and it started right up and drove okay. Everything you said would benefit this 25 year old car. Gen 4 F body especially the 3.8 cars are really inexpensive and overlooked.
I live in the north and run a 180 thermostat. As much as I like having one of very few cars left on the road with iron heads, they are not good at dissipating heat at all. I was flying up and down the Allegheny mountains and thought I was going to blow up the motor when the heat gauge started climbing lol.
I used to owed 97 gtp and 2004 impala ss ..best mod for me were a 3" Dp , 3.5 pulley & CAI ..this will make this car feel like a rocket under 500$
3 dp ? Cai ?
I have a 04 Chevy Impala SS L67
@@calvingissendanner619 downpipe and cold air intake
I was thinking of doing these 2 and a pulley
Brake motive brake kits are a good buy. I've used 2 kits on my 04 Impala 3.8L.
Awesome vid man. Thanks for sharing
I like everything you said and I'm going to do everything you said cuz that's what I started to do to my Buick thank you
I like everything you covered. Definitely helps.
thanks
@@SalemDoyle what's a good brake upgrade, pads and rotors I'm doing mine next week
Try anything made by ebc. There stuff is great
exhaust is key add on.
not for just power but will help ro reduce knock. the fastest u get the gas out will limit knock. the best heat reduction is header wrapping all the exhaust.
thanks v
Awesome advice, thanks. 1992 Regal Presidential, 65k miles. It's not fast or quick but she's got long legs. First I figured I'd delete (hollow out) the cat, install a throaty exhaust (maybe flowmaster or the likes) then a simple cold air intake, plugs too. It has the "soft ride" option on the build sheet but I may lower it too. Not racing, showing or anything like that though it's in really good shape, few whiskey dents in the chrome bumpers but it's fine.
Sounds nice
I've noticed a lot of older buicks are in remarkable condition, mine lived in a garage on Cape Cod from new until 5 years ago when the old lady died and it went to auction. Back seat has never been used. Ever lol. Until recently hahaha.
Just picked up a 04 Bonneville se for cheap with 64000 miles...super clean inside and out..no rust anywhere even underneath. Got it for a back and forth work car cuz i totalled my truck..but im realizing this has potential to be much more.
Yeah. Those are nice
I have a 2001 Bonnieville mint with 115k Miles. Only second owner.
I expected to see all the nonsense possible but you proved me wrong. First 2 steps are a must.
Unfortunately I learned the hard way in regards to headers/downpipe. I purchased and installed the downpipe first and then realized they weren’t compatible with headers (so I figured next best thing was to get power logs and save a little cash)
Btw,your fuel pump video helped me. The snap ring gave me hell at first.
Glad it helped
Actually a decent video. I was expecting you to list a bunch of things that would not be applicable to my Series I 3800 Powered W Body car but everything you've listed is a sensible thing to look at regardless of the generation of the car in question. The older the car, the more likely you've already looked at many of these things.
Thanks
That 180 degree thermostat is a great idea for texas driving.
Got a bonneville SSEI, I know it's a H body, but I'm rebuilding the engine since it was rod knocking, can't wait to get into modding the 3800 sc
All the 3800s are basically the same anyway. Make sure you look up info on the mains on these. Best bet is to leave them alone unless you line bore the bottom end. These blocks like to twist when the main caps are removed.
I got the special edition 1997 bonneville super clean rides like new I'm looking for my first mods
will these mods work on a buick park ave ultra supercharged 2003
Great video! Appreciate your insight (2000 Regal GSE)
Most header kits like the one I bought from SLP come with the 180 thermostat
I had a buddy in high school that had a 2004 gtp coupe I don’t remember what he exactly what he had done but I went with him when he got it dyno tune he made 340 whp
Like temp one. Here in Brisbane Australia even winter hot cheers
Everything you said is spot on! My sentiments exactly! Great video! I'm about to look Into buying a 02 GTP/GXP and I'm trying to grasp all the info i can get before purchasing....
GXP was only from 05-08 the brakes on a GXP is upgraded from a GTP, factory bilstein shocks are no longer made for it. So you have to either go aftermarket or be very specific with the place you buy shocks from. Only GXP shocks will fit due to bigger rims. Only way to go smaller is to change the wheels width. Smaller rims will not fit due to bigger brakes
Hi Salem, idk y but your gtp's sound so much better than our commodores im thinking its the length.
Could be
Good video. Thanks for the Tips
thanks for watching
Planning on getting the zz performance supercharger swap kit for my 02 monte carlo somewhere down the line. Also would like to do some fun exhaust stuff.
nice job ! Ill be doing some of this to my 95 REGAL with 55 km on it!!
Nice
got a nice beat up gp with lots of mods up for sale in il lol.
need the money ro get my NHRA gp finished.
I own an 05 Monte Carlo SS. One of the best mods I've done is to install a true cold air kit. My filter sets just outside the engine bay and gets real cold air. I sealed the bay from the filter and could tell a real difference when I drove it.
Nice
best brake upgrade impala / m.c. front caliper bracket. will bump u up the rotor size.
Just a friendly reminder to change your Cam Shaft Sensor after about 200,000 mi. if you haven't already. SOB went out on me during Atlanta traffic. Really frustrating.
Thank you
1: start with Keith Black 1-1-2 ring pack pistons
2: Cam shaft
3: colder plugs
4: inter cooler plate
5: 180 degree thermostat
6: wheels/tires (245/35-ZR20) of the low roll tech variety
7: BREAKS!!!!! of the bigger variety with multi piston configs.
8: coil over Struts
9: tubular control arms
10: body make it lighter
11: exhaust with down pipe
then the very last ting you do is
11: change your sc pulley at this point 3.0 in for h body 2.5 for w body
I’m using all these videos for my Buick lesabre
Awesome
A topical stage one or two kit from zzp is parity much everything u said there if u just get the 1.0 PCM from there u ain't got to do much tuning to it till I start adding more power then the tune can handle...makes shifting points stiffer while reprogrammed the shift points from stock to "WOT" at 6k rpm...
IV got a 04 GP GTP COMP G tuning pretty stock but k&n cone filter with 4" short ram setup with factory box as cold air box...ngk tr6 plugs 3.4 supercharger pully with 1.9 rockers and zzp 1.0 PCM...
It don't cost much to have them tune it as I already know but yes hptuners are amazing
Where about a u from cuz another video I saw u went to Farmington and we'll I live about 30 min from there
In mocksville. We are planning a few runs at farmington on fri. The 18th with some other 3800 guys. Look for triangle 3800 group on facebook.
What about some nice rims and tires with the brakes upgrade? Which is the best rim size and type of tire to fit a healthy and sporty 3.8 sc? Cool video Pontiac friend
Wheels deff. Help the look of the car a lot. I did 18s myself. But 17s look good too
I upgraded my GTP with the GXP but I still have my 3 gtp cars and my impala ss that is SC and I just added another GXP to my Pontiac family
Nice fleet
Just bought a 2000 gtp Daytona and wondering if anyone has a driver seat cover and side body skirts? Also, is this a future collectable, just having fun with it for now. Thanks.
I jus brought a supercharged ss with 202k miles and I don’t want to do to many mods to it I have a idea what I’m going to do but looking for extra tips can’t drive it until around July 22nd getting major issues fixed first
In oz a tune is @ least $1000 im so envious of u guys $150 so cheap.
I started a project of swap a 1995 grand Prix se and I putting 3.8 super change engine and transmission any tips
I’m doing this to my 3100 v6
Wondering about some nice polished stainless mufflers with dual tips per muffler. Any ideas? Those stock oval exhaust tips just don't "do it" for me.
Zzp has some nice ones
Would you recommend like a little simple cold air Intake as your first mod 🤔
If you want some more sound, sure, but you wont make any noticable power
Will this work for a 2004 Buick lesabre
I need all the info I can get for a 1996 Buick park avenue. I know it’s a series 2 with the 4R60 trans. Please help I need it to have more power. Yet safe power as for it’s a budget build. But I want to do it right over time. But basically plan to buy a 98(ish) camaro and throw the 3.8 in it
I have a 2002, two door GTP. Someone please help me find a link to get the OE rocker cladding/ground effects. I find them for four door. I can't seem to locate any for two door.
My 01 GTP is getting a new/reman ATK/VEGE engine this weekend. Gonna do the P-log and exhaust soon after. Can't decide on the on the 2.5 or 3 inch, don't want too much drone. What do you think about stage 1 intercooler ? unfortunately sold but ZZP does have stage 2. I live in GA. so i understand the heat issue :) Luv your vids man!
Thanks. Yeah an intercooler would be a great upgrade. Its not the simplest but one of the best
@@SalemDoyle Thanks for the speedy reply!
enjoyed the video brother!!! I have a 97 grand prix gt. N/A. I can still get this "ol girl" tuned at a shop? will an aftermarket chip be a good idea??
Computer tuning can help with shifting and stuff, you wont gain much power without mods, but it can make it feel tighter
ok I'll definitely look into it. I am looking for another 30-40 hp if I could find it from somewhere. if not I am thinking about going with a cam, heads, and headers. Any ideas without having to deal with the "big three"? I just need a lil more HP so my daughter can merge with confidence. 😂 (new driver)
I’m finna have my 98 Bonneville SE sound like a Charger lol
Do any of these work on a stock 2000 Buick Lesabre?
Just added a 2006 Gran prix gt to our family it has the super charged 3800 in this video you mentioned a cooler plug do u have a recommended plug to go with
I like ac delco and ngk
I'm still in the plain old "fix it" phase so I have to change the oil pressure sender now that I've done the wheel bearing and that's all square. I also have to get a fender and inner fender since it's destroyed/gone.
Mods I can afford and seem like they'd make the most difference for my $$ are ZZP front power log, u-bend delete, and drop in filter. Some day I'd want to get the ZZP ECU as well. Would these be worth doing? I bought the car for $500 and can't afford a lot that's not going to make a ton of difference. I hear the rear header and the crossover pipe are not big restrictions.
Dude just drive it and keep it maintained. If you are broke, putting money in to fun stuff is crazy.
@@jerbear7952 I'll sell it to ya if you want and maintenance is all I've really done besides wheels/tires and filter box mod
Hey guy love your stuff on the W bodies. I have the last great GP (2008) in 9.5/10.0 condition. Wanted to send a pic of it. I am very interested in your post on putting GTO grilles in. Where is the best place to locate a pair? Several horror stories Ive seen about ordering and having poor fit and using zip ties to hold them loosely, ...etc. thanks for any advice. I check posts regularly.
These are acctually called spo grills. I misspoke. But they arent made anymore. There are usually some for sale by owners though.
@@SalemDoyle CAN you tell me anything about coolant drain plug on a 2008 Grand Prix 3800 series 3? I need to fully flush the cooling system. Thanks for any help.
I meant to specify the drain plug on the engine block.
Its on the bottom of the radiator on the drivers side
@@darenflowers4128 oh, i dont think there is one.
What size brake calipers do i need for my 04 buick lesabre,got the plugs done looking to get rid of the stock air filter box and replace it with intake cone filter,and also do i need bigger rotors or just stay stock rotors
Rotor and calipers need to be a set, you cant mix and match. For stock rotors stay with stock calipers
Oh-Six, Tin Indian, needs puter(s), what's best option ?
By colder plugs, what do you mean? I'm looking at doing initial maintenance on my new to me 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP.
Spark plugs are available in different heat ranges. A common thing to do is go 1 heat range colder
I have a stock 04Comp G . I tuned all the KR out. Would it still be an advantage to go 1 step colder on my plugs or should i keep the stock ones.
If you have no kr, it wouldnt be necessary, but might be extra insurance if you are close
Do you need the Sub frame cup washers for the struts on the 04+ front struts?
It helps
What type of suspension would you recommend for a 2000 impala LS 3.8? I just want a nice clean low look that covers the wheel gap. Please help.
I am still testing settups and havent found a great one yet, my next option to try is zzp springs
I have a 2002 Monte Carlo SS with 3800 but I am wanting to take a supercharger off of another one and put on it do you know if I could do that without a lot of extra parts or what would I need out of the other car to make it work in the one that doesn’t have the supercharger
Look at zzps top swap kit. That is the easiest way
Would some of these mods work on my stock 03 buick regal ls? Just found ur page today and been watching ur vids for an hr now
Thats awesome. Yeah anything you can do to a non supercharged grand prix, you can also do to your car.
@@SalemDoyle ok thx great to know i've been doin alot of maintenance on mine and getting close to done with it before i start modding it.
Can you do this for the N/A car?
Yes
2008 allure cold air intake the same
possibly, not sure about the allure
Quick question I need an idea on what to do with my exhaust. I currently own a 1996 Buick riviera supercharged it has the 3800 series 2 engine in it of course. What idea would you suggest I do with the exhaust that would make it sound nice. Thanks man and nice video also
Is yours single muffler or dual?
@@SalemDoyle it’s dual
A downpipe and some magnaflows would sound pretty decent.
@@SalemDoyle which zzp down pipe would work? The H body one or just the regular down pipe they offer and thanks man I really really do appreciate it seriously means a lot
Im not sure wich end would fit the riviera best. But an exhaust shop could make it fit easily
hey brother, can you do five upgrades for the naturally aspirated Grand Prixs please also???
I will see what i can do
thank you. I got a 97' Grand Prix I am trying spruce up. also can you give me kinda sorta HP the mods "could " make
Hey I appreciate your videos but have a question for you. Do speed daddy headers line up with the zzp catback?
Yes. Because they fit the stock catback. If you go 3 inch just get the 3" downpipe exit from zzp
@@SalemDoyle Thanks. Will be in touch
seeing that zzp doesnt have any 3'' catback would a 2.5'' work on it
Yes, it will fit fine
I have a 3.8 v6 3800 series 3 L26 not supercharged. And I want to put a supercharger on it. What would I have e to do.
Basically you have two options. Traditional top swap ( basically rebuild with l67 heads. Intake. Supercharger. Ect.) Or the zzp top swap kit
I can’t find suspension for a 2001 Bonnieville.
I dont think there is much aftermarket for those
I have a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville with a non supercharged version 3800, Is it possible to put a supercharger on it?
It is. But its a big job. You basically replace everything but the block. Zzp has a top swap kit that makes it easier. But its a little expensive
Since the Comp G doesnt have the ubend would it be better to get the front powerlog before downpipe? Theres a regular on the GP forums who always claims the front powerlog is useless over stock, but it could be a running inside joke that I missed at some point in history. At 110k do you think the cat is probably much more of a restriction? Waiting on that ZZP black Friday lol
Me too. But i think the 3" downpipe would be a good start. Still better than stock.
@@SalemDoyleDownpipe sounds like a fun project. 4 months and I'm done with all the basic maintenance and suspension. Just got my first mod in the looks department today. Had dual dual 3.5" SS exhaust tips welded on. Looks good, and found an awesome oldschool exhaust guy to go to when needed. Happy Thanksgiving
Awesome. Happy thanksgiving.
90% of people after they watch this: lol 3in pulley swap go brrrrrr
Lets hope not
What can I do with a none supercharger 3800 II in a 05 Buick Park Avenue SE if I wanted just a little more POWER?
Same basic stuff, exhaust rockers intake tune.
Thank you Sir!
Dealership under warranty did my motor mounts, my intake with gaskets and all new, new water pump new alternator, starter, battery’s oil pressure sensor, new transmission wheel bearings…etc’ appreciate It even more’ redoing my suspension and time for another paint job now with over 218k miles averaging 21.8 mpg….Hwy up to 31. to 34 mpg
How about an unsupercharged 02 Regal LS, would any mods from the GS be compatible with it?
All the brake and suspension mods are the same. Non boost related engine mods too.
@@SalemDoyle thanks dude 💯
1995 Buick Regal 3800 Series I, normally aspirated, with 32,000 miles. Nobody ever posts anything about them. Especially performance mods. Aftermarket performance parts are nonexistent. Thoughts?
Just not as popular a platform. There is still stuff you can do though
What if mine isn’t supercharged are these still good entry level mods? I wanna make sorta a sleeper outta my 96 regal custom it’s the 3.8L not supercharged
A lot of the same mods work for both engines
Hey, I know this video is 2 years old but I hope you can help me with some questions...
I have a 2005 monte carlo tony stewart and I was looking to do some mods to the car can give me some adives on what I should do first.
25k mils on it
I acctually have a video on this. But if you look at zzps site, there stage 2 is a good place to start.
I'm gonna install a new rack n pinion in my 2000 Grand Prix GT. Does the unit have to be centered?
It sbould come centered
@@SalemDoyle Thanks bro,I was hoping it was just Euro cars.
my '04 GT2 has now 2houndred thousand miles, when 1st start up say like over night it starts rt up but makes a little "rattle" sound 4 lake of a better word...am I having baringing issues or any othe physical engine issues 3800 na after that I acn start up w/out the sound...or is she just cold & old???
Could just be a lifter pumping up slow or something
is it possible to get from 200 hp on the impala ss to around 300 without boost
It would be hard
Whats a good cooler plug than stock?
Depends on the setup. Zzp has a list of plugs and applications on there site
I have a 04 grand prix GT what would be a good starting point for mods
Take a look at thhe zzp stage one stuff for ideas. Deff. A downpipe would be good
@@SalemDoyle thanks for the advice bro
What tuners do you recommend
I use hp tuners and like it a lot
I have a 2002 ssei and the only thing that has been done to it is the 180 degree thermostat and cold air intake. Will this help with KR?
The thermostat will a little.
Fender well intake, good insulation, cold air knocks less
@@DarkLinkAD colder air creates more boost, which creates more heat. The best intake dyno gains on these cars have always come from a filter stuck right on the throttle body. This will lower boost and create optional flow. Its all about making it easier for the engine to "suck bang and blow"
I'm not very bright so what is naturally aspirated engine?
An engine with no forced induction. Like turbo or supercharger
I have a 91 gs regal.... Series 1 😢 can I swap in a series 2???????
Its possible. Not sure what all would be involved though
Does this apply to 1997 lesabres? Not sure if it’s a w body car but it has the 3800?
The engine stuff is the same
Been trying to get ZZP headers for months. Been out of stock.
I’ve noticed that too. I’m on the hunt for poly engine and trans mount... same issue (outta stock)
Hopefully they restock some stuff soon
You do what you want with you're money. But I recommend not buying them. They're not worth it for the money.
Carnage 50X what do you recommend? The other headers on eBay don’t fit worth a shit.
@@flynnzero9282 I'm sorry to break this to you my friend, but they all have fitment issues no matter the brand. Why waste $1k when you can spend ~$200-300 and have the same problems. The only thing the zzp headers have over the SD is they look nicer and don't have the dip at the bottom. Whatever headers you may end up installing, I 269% recommend sending them out to get ceramic bead rolled in/out (different shops/companies use different terminology. The headers get put in a drum full of these ceramic beads. As the drum rotates and vibrates, the beads wear off into the service of the headers. In/out. Then it's cooked into an oven) Then wrap them with header wrap. The combo of those 2 things will keep under hood temps low, and more importantly, keep your trans cool. That coating service and wrapping is well worth the investment tenfold.
What’s plugs do you use??
on the 99 i use autolites. the others gey ac delco
What about smaller pully?
That requires supporting mods and a way to tune/ monitor kr
Crunchy sound from left side of engine with a slight stumble? Almost like ball bearings….
The belt size? If you could post a video of the noise it would help
First thing to do is read the tuner guide and get a scanner. YOU WANT ZERO KR! Second thing you should do is the intake manifold gaskets and aluminum coolant elbows. I've seen all of them fail. **Putting a 180 tstat in without fan tuning is a no no. Don't do it.** Lol
How do you do the fan tuning when you put it 180 thermostat in do you have to buy a special scanning tool
Hp tuners can do it
Yeah I'm just wondering seriously about this I have a 2004 Grand Prix GT base model I need to know how or even if it's possible to take a supercharger off of a GTP and put it on my car they're the same engine as far as I know so how difficult will this be and can anybody tell me please thank you basically I just want to know if I can make mine into a GTP by simple simple mechanic work LOL
It can be done but requires a lot of parts. If you google " 3800 top swap " you will find a lot of info
What is a good brand for breaks??
Bendix, raybestos, ebc
@@SalemDoyle thank you