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Need more low end torque in series 1

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Old 01-01-2004, 12:43 AM
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Default Need more low end torque in series 1

I bought a 1993 Olds 88 in May. Great car but very slow off the line, especially in hot weather. I replaced the cat, bosch plugs, and run mobil 1. Still little has improved. I am new to this forum and glad to see a sight deticated to GM'* big sports sedans. I'd like to find a way to improve my low end torque. Any suggestion would help.
Old 01-01-2004, 01:36 AM
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Hey, Welcome aboard fellow Minnesotan.

Try changing your plugs to NGK V-power or AC Delco Platinums.
Do a complete tuneup on your car (i.e. fuel filter, air filter, pcv valve, clean throttle body, etc..)
Also, did you use a Bosch o2 sensor? Our 3800 engines do not like Bosch items.
For more power try a Cold Air Intake (CAI), high flow exhaust system, MSD coil packs, Taylor or MSD plug wires.
Another thing you could try is running 91+ premium unleaded fuel. I know in my 1994 Bonneville SLE (has the same engine as your Olds) if I ran anything less than 91 it lost a lot of power, response and smoothness. Gas mileage was also up 3-4 mpg with premium compared to regular unleaded.
BTW, we have a member here from Lakeville. His name is Jason (user name BonneMeMN) and he drives a purple 1993 Bonneville SLE. WARNING ---- JASON IS A POST-*****.
Old 01-01-2004, 01:36 AM
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Opening up the intake and exhaust will do wonders. There'* some on here that are making them. You might PM BonnieMeMN and ask him what'* up. For the exhaust, do a search on here for Magnaflow or Flowmaster. There is a wealth of information of Series I N/A guys that have done this mod. Good luck!...
Old 01-01-2004, 04:38 AM
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Not making any right now..... Intake and exhaust are good bets. L27 has one of the lowest torque range of any 3800 though.. :?
Old 01-01-2004, 01:38 PM
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I've heard that the series 1 has the best torque, thats why I'm confused. It fells almost like a turbo with serious lag. Its very fast at the high end of the powerband. For those who live in Lakeville probably know about the hill on highway thirty- five heading into Burnsville from the cities. I have to make the tranny kick down in order to maintain speed while climbing. Cruising with the torque clutch engaged makes me lose speed.
Old 01-01-2004, 02:29 PM
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You don't have more torque than the Series 2, but you get your torque at a lower RPM. Try cleaning your Throttle Body to increase throttle response. That may be where your 'lag' is coming from.
Old 01-01-2004, 05:00 PM
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For those who live in Lakeville probably know about the hill on highway thirty- five heading into Burnsville from the cities. I have to make the tranny kick down in order to maintain speed while climbing. Cruising with the torque clutch engaged makes me lose speed
I know that spot....drive it everyday. I think a lot cars have to shift there, well at least mine does too.
Old 01-01-2004, 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by zzzzzeke
For those who live in Lakeville probably know about the hill on highway thirty- five heading into Burnsville from the cities. I have to make the tranny kick down in order to maintain speed while climbing. Cruising with the torque clutch engaged makes me lose speed
I know that spot....drive it everyday. I think a lot cars have to shift there, well at least mine does too.
There'* a big hill around here I climb sometimes, a 55mph highway. When my car is on cruise, all it does is apply more boost, with the TCC still engaged and it'* good.

What am I talking about, "big hill"?!!? I'm in Kansas, for God'* sake...
Old 01-02-2004, 12:37 AM
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Originally Posted by fantastic88
I've heard that the series 1 has the best torque, thats why I'm confused. It fells almost like a turbo with serious lag. Its very fast at the high end of the powerband. For those who live in Lakeville probably know about the hill on highway thirty- five heading into Burnsville from the cities. I have to make the tranny kick down in order to maintain speed while climbing. Cruising with the torque clutch engaged makes me lose speed.
I live in lakeville!!! I'm in mankato during school @ MSU but lets hook up!!
Old 01-02-2004, 11:47 PM
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Random thought: Seeing all these MNers on here, I wonder why so many members are up North?


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