I am too lazy to go and fine the "200HP Realistic?" thread so I just decided to create my own. I was at the junkyard today and ripped apart a 3800 engine. You guys make the torque but not the HP. After looking at the engine, to make the extra HP you would have to go with a larger Throttle body, the stock one is too small. The intake manifold has small runners which is not good for HP. The intake ports in the heads are way too small. The exhaust is OK but has alot of backpressure which is where the torque comes from. Also holding you back is the flat tappet hydralic lifters, those rob alot of HP, changing those to roller hydralic would easily give another 20HP. Basically if you open up the engine you could gain the 50HP and some more torque. That'* my take for the person asking my opinion on the 3800 engine.

-Hector

To lazy to find my threads eh Hector?...LOL...just kidding

Oh well, I can deal with the stock 165HP, you mentioned that the TB was too small, does that mean I'm out of luck for your intake?

On my car the exhuast is done, so that added 10-15HP, performance plugs/wires etc, synthetic oil etc always helps. If I get your intake, then that will help a bit.

I appreciate the info tho. Guess I have to save my pennies and get a newer Bonne with more balls soon....evantually, I'm in no hurry to part with Bonnie.

Hector'* intake will work. It just might only need a smaller reducer. I think he'* working on a custom idea for the 87-91 now. Not sure. There'* alot going on!