Mad science
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
Mad science
So uh I've had a fiero itch lately which lead to ridiculous amounts of research... then an idea that walks a dangerous line between ungodly and perfection popped into my head... what would it take to swap a 3800 into an 86 vette? I mean corvette stans shun the c4 as the ugliest and worst (... sledgehammer exists ...) so why not do something different with it. It's already light af and a 3800 is lighter than a 350 sooo I'm thinking compound boost with a blower and dual sequential Turbo set up. (Yes I'm insane) the block can easily handle it with head studs and some magic (cryogenic treatment).
I'm just curious how does one Mach up mounting points? For modifications of the k member. Or does someone make something that deletes the mono leaf spring for a coil over conversation for the front as a whole front end sub frame?
please fuel my curiosity and insanity thank you!
I'm just curious how does one Mach up mounting points? For modifications of the k member. Or does someone make something that deletes the mono leaf spring for a coil over conversation for the front as a whole front end sub frame?
please fuel my curiosity and insanity thank you!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 517
Likes: 142
From: Caribbean/Florida
Why a 3800 the better option would be a 4.3 Chevy V-6 it is basically, 3/4 of a 350... The Twin Turbo like the Typhoon and Cyclone GMC trucks... with todays turbo tech it will make a load of power. If there is enough room the Astro Vans came with 4.3L plus some where All Wheel Drive... The 4.3 has the same bellhousing and hooks up to the 700R4 as it was the standard transmission...
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 240
Likes: 33
From: MN
Waaaayy back, and I'm talking around 20 years or so, I saw an article and some photos of an '84 or '85 with a heavily-modified Grand National 3.8. So it HAS been done. Also found this thread. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...6-in-a-c4.html Maybe it's the same guy?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,327
Likes: 2,249
From: Central Maryland
The 4.3 was also used in a gazillion of the various vehicles that were based on the S10 chassis. Blazer, S10 truck, Bravada, Jimmy, etc. Most of the Chevy W/T (work trucks) were delivered with the 4.3 also. IIRC, many of the full-size vans were also so equipped.
As previously noted, the engine is indeed a 350 SBC with two cylinders deleted.
Live well,
SJW
As previously noted, the engine is indeed a 350 SBC with two cylinders deleted.
Live well,
SJW
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 449
From: NJ
The 4.3 was also used in a gazillion of the various vehicles that were based on the S10 chassis. Blazer, S10 truck, Bravada, Jimmy, etc. Most of the Chevy W/T (work trucks) were delivered with the 4.3 also. IIRC, many of the full-size vans were also so equipped.
As previously noted, the engine is indeed a 350 SBC with two cylinders deleted.
Live well,
SJW
As previously noted, the engine is indeed a 350 SBC with two cylinders deleted.
Live well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
Why a 3800 the better option would be a 4.3 Chevy V-6 it is basically, 3/4 of a 350... The Twin Turbo like the Typhoon and Cyclone GMC trucks... with todays turbo tech it will make a load of power. If there is enough room the Astro Vans came with 4.3L plus some where All Wheel Drive... The 4.3 has the same bellhousing and hooks up to the 700R4 as it was the standard transmission...
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
because that's boring? Why tf would I want to when everyone and their mom does that? There's no creativity in that. plus there's something about saying you smoked someone with a 3800.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 28
Likes: 6
Why a 3800 the better option would be a 4.3 Chevy V-6 it is basically, 3/4 of a 350... The Twin Turbo like the Typhoon and Cyclone GMC trucks... with todays turbo tech it will make a load of power. If there is enough room the Astro Vans came with 4.3L plus some where All Wheel Drive... The 4.3 has the same bellhousing and hooks up to the 700R4 as it was the standard transmission...
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 309
Likes: 127
Okay, so this isn't so much about strict functionality as it is about novelty. That's legit.
In that case, how about pushing your idea a bit farther and going with a Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5 V6? All aluminum so (a little) lighter than the 3.8 and they make pretty impressive power even in naturally aspirated form. Lotus uses them.
There's a guy on youtube who's claiming 330 RWHP in his MR2 with one, no turbo. So I imagine going the turbocharged route could yield all the power you'd need.
In that case, how about pushing your idea a bit farther and going with a Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5 V6? All aluminum so (a little) lighter than the 3.8 and they make pretty impressive power even in naturally aspirated form. Lotus uses them.
There's a guy on youtube who's claiming 330 RWHP in his MR2 with one, no turbo. So I imagine going the turbocharged route could yield all the power you'd need.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,327
Likes: 2,249
From: Central Maryland
Live well,
SJW
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,271
Likes: 6,464
From: Melbourne, FL
The 3800 in the F Body was garbage and a boat anchor. People who had them wanted the v8, not to try to do some crazy build.
You're obviously welcome to do what you want to be different, but sometimes being different just means spending a lot more money to get less bang for the buck.
You're obviously welcome to do what you want to be different, but sometimes being different just means spending a lot more money to get less bang for the buck.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 16,281
Likes: 104
From: Sun city CA
If you put a strong LS in your C4 I believe you would be very pleased once it was sorted out. Add to that, if you were to ever sell it the prospects would be pretty good that a buyer would be found.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 16,281
Likes: 104
From: Sun city CA
Maybe in Formula 1 where engines costing 100K plus and turn 18,000 rpm... Not going to happen on the street without major boost of 30 + lbs or more.
I will admit, Nascar engines are something special.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 517
Likes: 142
From: Caribbean/Florida
Correction, I saw that they made upwards of 500hp (not the earlier 650hp) and the Buick was one of the best performers... The Cyclone and Typhoon were very fast all-wheel drive turbo 4.3L,
V-6 Chevy. Looks like the V6 were used up until 1993 or 94'... Ford also campaigned a V-6, to be competitive this means that all had to be making 450hp to 500hp so there were no runaway winners. a Nascar 358 cubic inch small block with 14:1 compression ratio a single carburetor made 850hp and revved to 10,000 rpms, according to Wikipedia with no restrictor plates they produced over 1,000hp. Not bad no power adder but then again they were luck to survive 500 miles at a time...
The switch back to all V-8's in 1994 in the Bush Series was limited to only 9:1 compression ratio... Cheers.
V-6 Chevy. Looks like the V6 were used up until 1993 or 94'... Ford also campaigned a V-6, to be competitive this means that all had to be making 450hp to 500hp so there were no runaway winners. a Nascar 358 cubic inch small block with 14:1 compression ratio a single carburetor made 850hp and revved to 10,000 rpms, according to Wikipedia with no restrictor plates they produced over 1,000hp. Not bad no power adder but then again they were luck to survive 500 miles at a time...
The switch back to all V-8's in 1994 in the Bush Series was limited to only 9:1 compression ratio... Cheers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 281
From: Dyersburg TN
Back in the 70s my dad and his best friend transplanted a diesel engine that was originally paired with a generator into a F100 pickup. Was it the best idea? No. Was it easy? heck no. Did they have fun? oh yes. Even as a kid I remember them taking it to the local Ford dealer for an oil change. The great thing about this hobby is that if you can do it, and it makes you happy that is all that matters.