I want an upgrade ready to go in my 86 GT when the 2.8 gets tired enough. Today I located a 2005 3800 out of a wreck from a trusted source. Under 70,000 miles. He wants 450 dollars. This just sounds to me like a darn good deal. Other than needing manifolds and such from an earlier engine, am I barking up the right tree? Is there any reason why the 2005 would be the wrong choice? I've been torn between the 3800 and the 4.9, and have had no luck finding a low mileage 4.9 at any price. My 2.8 is strong and smooth, but I want to be ready for the swap.

SC or N/A? Sounds like a good deal depending on what comes with the engine.

I paid 600 for a 2001 60,000 mile series II supercharged out of a GP WITHOUT accessories (no ac, alt, starter), that was the best i could find for a month or so around here.

N/A, but I could care less. I can always dig up the SC stuff if I find the need for speed. Shouldn't this thing be around 210 HP?

Yes it should be around 210 hp. As far as adding a SC to it, I personally wouldnt do that because the pistons,rods and pins in an NA are not as strong as the ones in a SC version. Also if you do swap everything out and use the heavier parts, you will also need a custom flywheel if it is a manual tranny.

If I had it to do all over again, I would try for a 3500 or 3900 which are the new engines that have replaced the 3800 NA and the 3800 SC. They have about the same power as their older counter parts and seem to be a little bit easier to install mounting wise. Only drawback right now seems to be the fact that no one seems to be able to burn a chip , mail it to you and it work like it should.

Hope this little bit of insite helps,

Steve

I'm thinking NA with my current 4 speed. The auto is available, and I like that just fine, but I also have 3 adult boys crying stick shift all over me. I can take or leave a supercharger.

quote Originally posted by JumpStart: As far as adding a SC to it, I personally wouldnt do that because the pistons,rods and pins in an NA are not as strong as the ones in a SC version.

This is a falsehood. The difference in the rods, pins and pistons is in the compression height, compression ratio and ring land thickness. It's all the same materials. Otherwise, good info.