3.8 rebuild machine work March 19, 2007, 10:14:51 PM Hello All, My son and I are doing a "father/son" rebuild of his 1988 3.8 V-6. He blew a head gasket so we figured while it was down we may as well rebuild it. Three of our sure to be many questions have to do with machine work. We're considering having the block bored .030 over and shaving the heads. Is this worth the time/trouble to get more horsepower? If so, are there any problems with doing this (cylinder walls too thin, etc.)? Finally what can we reasonably expect as far as how much more horsepower? Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated. Quote Selected
3.8 rebuild machine work Reply #1 – March 20, 2007, 12:33:54 PM Quote from: Byron1958;135347We're considering having the block bored .030 over and shaving the heads.Is this worth the time/trouble to get more horsepower?If so, are there any problems with doing this (cylinder walls too thin, etc.)?Finally what can we reasonably expect as far as how much more horsepower?No. Boring .030 gives you about 1.6% more displacement. That is just over 2 hp. Shaving the head won't give you much more power either, and my require moving up to premium gas. Only bore/shave if you need it for sealing.Baby Jesus cries when you try to mod an old 3.8L Quote Selected
3.8 rebuild machine work Reply #2 – March 21, 2007, 11:15:32 PM Last year I rebuilted My 3.8 in My Bird, and when opened, the "sleeves" looked so good, just honed the cylinders, and refaced the valves, and keeped the engine bone stock...I guessed trying to have 10-20 more HP from this engine will be more troubles for nothing, I finally rebuilted bone stock, and don't regret it...My 2 cent.Regards,Dom. Quote Selected
3.8 rebuild machine work Reply #3 – March 21, 2007, 11:45:07 PM You port that lower intake and port match it and you will feal the difference. I did. Quote Selected
3.8 rebuild machine work Reply #4 – March 22, 2007, 02:06:00 AM Quote from: CougarSE;135711You port that lower intake and port match it and you will feal the difference. I did.Depending of the planning of head, if only 10mil no really difference, but for a serious planning You need a special (thicker) gaskets, as well.I never modify a 3.8liter, it's a good engine stock, anyway, the "performances" parts for it is very pricey, end never put out 250hp(heheheh!) of it...Best way is to swap a 302, 351W or over in it (any V8 to do this simple)...Dom. Quote Selected
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