Hello all,

I've got a 91 SSE, and I've done all the basic mods to it, K&N air filter, custom exhaust, 180 temp, etc.

I'm looking to get some more power out of the engine. I've been around to all the performance shops around here, and they all say the same thing, NOS. None of them were able/willing to go into details about it, except from a wide price range of $1000 ~ $4000 CDN. None of the performance shops even think it'* worth while or possible to install a Turbo kit on the 3800 engine.

I've searched high and low for a performance chip for my car/engine, and have found none. I've pretty much given up on them. :(

I was hoping to get some info on what would be required for NOS and/or a Turbo system to be installed on my 91. Mainly price, required parts and pros/cons for both systems.

If you need to know any details about my car, please ask. The engine type is C, if that matters.
If anyone has NOS and/or Turbo kits installed in their 87-91'* please feel free to post or PM me your thoughts & experiences using your particular system.
Thanks

(I've searched the topics and read the posts about NOS & Turbos in previous articles, but I'm still unclear about them, hence my new post)

The cost for any system that is built well is going to cost a pretty penny..but the real cost is the engine rebuild required. I can get you a mild Nos kit that will not require a engine rebuild. How many miles on it right now?

I am sure you will get alot of people telling you to get a turbo or swap in a series 2 but most people you will encounter have not done this or are not qualified to be insured for the work they are talking about. A good builder costs money and that is the price of peace of mind and a professional job. That is why you have run into the 4000.00 price call that guy back and drop half the cash and you will find he is willing to tell you exactly what he will do. I am connected with a racing company who can also do this and to help I will give you a discount so you can have them rebuild your engine.

I can also get you a full engine rebuild with a 300-400hp output for around the same price as a proper built power adder.

I am sorry it may not be what you wanted to hear but that’* the basics. If you are capable of some of the work you can save some money but if you are not sure it does not pay to get a backyard mechanic to cause you more problems.

Ty

I totally agree Ty!
I'm afraid there is some "shop" out there that do not do a quality job when it comes to "rebuilding" an engine. I wish it was as simple as bolt on NOZ & drive it but, that'* a fantasy. Gaining HP can be acheived in many forms too. NOZ is only one option, others include: engine & trans swap; professionally rebuilding existing engine; and performance modifications. It all boils down to $$$$$$ & how much you are willing to spend to get that hp you dream of.

My engine has under 80,000kms on it.
Yes the car is a 91, but the engine was replaced in late 2000 with a brand new one from GM. Not a rebuild, but new, and dealer installed.

As for HP, I'm looking to get around 250 ~ 300 out of it.
I would estimate now that she'* just shy of 190hp.

Would you recommend getting the manifolds ported, polished and ceremic coated?

Thanks for the tips about NOS, since you didn't mention anything about Turbo, I'm suspecting you don't believe it'* worth installing in a series 1 3800.

As for the "rebuild" you are speaking of, what'* involved in that?
I've got a mechanic I've been taking the car to for 2 years now. He runs a foreign auto repair shop, normally only works on european and rice cars, but makes an exception for me. (I repair his computer, he fixes my car). He does excellent work on engines and I trust his work completely. He'* not cheap, but he does excellent work, and he'* honest. I'm just getting some ideas here before I go speak to him about it. I know he'* a big fan of Turbo'*, he'* installed them on his Toyota and his other cars.

I'm wondering if Turbo would give me the power I'd like. NOS would, but only in shots. And a rebuild / drivetrain swap definately would, but that'* big $$$.