I think it'* more along the lines of, how much money do you have. You can build anything to handle whatever you want, but you need the money for it. The real question is, is this a FWD or RWD application?

Well, we have the obvious differences here...

3800 Series is mostly FWD, except of course if you count cars like the GNX.
Ford 3.8 is mostly RWD from what I've understood (do correct me if I'm wrong)

I've heard many times that FWD can only handle so much, then it'* obviously beneficial to switch over to RWD. So let'* just imagine here that we switched the 3800 Series to RWD, which engine do you think would do better? I know the block has to set some limits am I right? Basic design can only be changed so much?

Don't know on the Ford'* "max" hp. This site is showing a shortblock good for "over 550 hp". I guess the question is how far over? They have a Mustang running 10'* on a really simple setup, runs NA most of the time but they add a 125 shot. 125 shot isn't even that much and they're running 10'* w/o a sc or turbo.
Grant
http://www.supersixmotorsports.com/p...Shotblocks.pdf

I do not know the limit of the engine.... I'd guess it'd come down to the block since everything else can be upgraded.... I just know in the Thunderbird body, you can lay down 450hp and run 11'*.

I agree (for obvious reasons) . Seriously though, a smallblock Windsor can easily run with any SBC or SBM (they are lighter, too).

As for the Ford 3.8, no experience so I can't say.

Its like comparing a Golden Apple to a rotten one (Fords 3.

The last SHOs, which were the oval themed ones, actually had a Yamaha sourced V8, and were quite fast and reliable Had a friend who had one, and never had any problems at all.

Uhmm...those are the ones that are the most dead...ever heard of the Cams? They weren't welded correctly..go look it up...just about every Ford Taurus SHO with the V8 has had that problem unless the person was knowledgeable enough to go get the cams welded...

Back on topic to 3.8 vs 3.8...

Actually Mike, to say it correctly, they werent welded period. The sprocket was swedged on the cam, which is a common practice nowadays, but not in motors that regularly see 8000 rpms.


WELDING them is the solution.


The V6 SHO engine (3.0 and 3.2) however are known to be bulletproof.


Also, I'm going to put my two cents in on the 3.8 vs 3.8 theory...

You can't compare two motors just because the displacement is the same...

Lets take for instance the 5.0 Chevy (305 Small block) vs the 5.0 Ford (302 Small Block).... The differences are night and day.


I'm a Ford guy. I'll say it once, I'll say it again. Do I think the N/A Ford 3.8 is a good motor?

It depends. The throttle body and carbuerated versions were bulletproof but had NO power (just like the carbed Buick 3.8 )... 88-95 Fuel Injected motors? No. I stay away from them like the plague. Head problems, Rod Bearings, Oil Pump failures... They were cobbled together in a hurry by Ford, and the consequences were dire.

Now, the 3.8 Split Port in the Windstars, that'* a great improvement. 200 hp/ 240 tq, those numbers were a bit more respectable, not to mention the engines were more reliable.

Now, */C 3800 vs */C Ford 3.8? I'd take the Ford hands down, any day. The aftermarket is greater, I feel the platforms they were offered in were better, and they are a much more reliable engine than the N/A 3.8.


In the end, every company has it'* weaknesses and strong points. Making stupid comments because you're biased only proves how inept you are.

The 3800 has it'* own flaws too, but it its a great engine.

very well put.

i prefer gm, but they did make the celebrity. (sorry tallbump) lol.