has this been done? How is it compared to the SC?

This may be my only option since i may be able to get a donor car with a low milage clean NA 3800

Im worried about overheating issues also

Not really any different than a SC....

Might want to target a bit lower HP per mods compared to the SC blocks.

Nothing wrong with that approach but the 9:1 compression ratio may limit the amount of boost to about 7 psi. I believe that Ryan from Sinister Performance ( Darthfiero) runs a 3800 N/A with a turbo. He is reporting performance similar to the 3800SC.
While the internals of the SC engine are stronger, there is no reason why you could not add a few lbs of boost to the N/A engine and achieve more power but you will need to use the 3800SC PCM program and add the 2 BAR MAP.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

There i no limits of boost.... Besides who cares about boost anyway, it has nothing to do with how much air you are getting into your motor. Boost is a very relative term related to your intercooling, cam, exhaust, intake, timing, etc.. It all plays a factor on how much air your motor pumps at what PSI.

The L36 bottom end is much stronger than you will be able to do to break it. It has been proven up to 550whp in a few situations, and will soon see well over 600whp.

The ONLY reason you would want to run a lower compression block is to help move the turbo efficiency range more to where you want it... which for nearly all turbos is in the 16-35psi range depending on what turbo you pick. Turbos have an efficiency map that goes with their compressors, you can look at them and help pick a turbo that flows what you want at what psi you expect to be at.

quote achieve more power but you will need to use the 3800SC PCM program and add the 2 BAR MAP.

That is very wrong, MOST turbo cars I have worked on/with use 1 bars, including the 10.000 second impala.

[This message has been edited by darkhorizon (edited 08-01-2009).]

everything i know about boosting an n/a 3.8 comes from the camaro/firebird 3.8.

a lot of people run fine with stock internals, but breaking a rod or piston is pretty common. i dont think ive heard of anyone breaking the crank though.

forged internals are available, and at lower compression too.

you could check out this guy's site; http://www2.turbov6camaro.com:443/home.htm

If you'd like more info on FI and the 3800 NA engine, check out this site: fullthrottlev6.com

The info you're looking for is in the GM Forced Induction and Nitrous section, and please search before asking questions. I promise there's enough info there to keep you busy reading for a very long time before you'll need to post.

quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: That is very wrong, MOST turbo cars I have worked on/with use 1 bars, including the 10.000 second impala.

If true, and if we're talking about running in speed density mode, then the tunes are "hacks" to one extent or another. He'd be much better off with the correct map sensor and a bin file that properly scaled VE for the actual MAP range that will be encountered. A one bar map sensor typically maxes out around 105kpa, under boost the map signal won't change and the ECM would have no idea how much airflow the engine is getting. The exception might be where you have a MAF only tune, but that wasn't stated.

Cheers

[This message has been edited by TiredGXP (edited 08-01-2009).]

quote Originally posted by redfieroman2: has this been done?

Yes, several times.

Here is one that was recently completed. It doesn't really say if the engine was a NA or SC though.. Or atleast I didn't see where it said one or the other.

[This message has been edited by Khw (edited 08-01-2009).]

im running 12 to 15 with little or no knock @ 9:1 compression
cylinder head design is also a determining factor

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87 Fiero GT 5sp with Vortec L35 4300 Turbocharged V6
Bully Stage 2 clutch
Syclone intake manifold and engine management with Moates adapter and chip burner
Air/water intercooler and Devil's Own progressive water/alky injection
50lb injectors, 3 bar map sensor, Walboro fuel pump and Jabasco Intercooler pump
LM1 wideband on custom manifolds and 3" stainless exhaust system
T31/T04B H3 turbo and a S10 caliper conversion.
Murphy's Constant Matter will be damaged in direct proportion to its value
Murphy's Law of Thermodynamics Things get worse under pressure.
Arthur C. Clarke "Any significantly advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"

quote Originally posted by TiredGXP: If true, and if we're talking about running in speed density mode, then the tunes are "hacks" to one extent or another. He'd be much better off with the correct map sensor and a bin file that properly scaled VE for the actual MAP range that will be encountered. A one bar map sensor typically maxes out around 105kpa, under boost the map signal won't change and the ECM would have no idea how much airflow the engine is getting. The exception might be where you have a MAF only tune, but that wasn't stated. Cheers

If I may make a comment that comes in midway between yours and Darkhorizons I would say that 1. watching boost levels on a basically stock 3800N/A with 9:1 pistons is a good idea. 2 The necessity of a 2 BAR MAP is determined by the PCM program and engine management system used. On speed density systems IMO a 2 BAR is an absolute necessity. On MAF based systems many of these default to Speed Density only when the MAF fails. Thats how I interpret your statement of a "MAF only tune.
Even with a MAF based system there are still benefits in adding a 2 BAR MAP. You might be able to get by without one but I believe that you are certainly better off with by adding one.
The 3800SC uses one for a reason. If it wasn't required GM would not spend the money to have one there.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "