# 3800 sc performace **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [September 8, 2014, 8:04am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522 "2014-09-08T08:04:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 8:04am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/1 "2014-09-08T08:04:56Z")
Ok so most of you all know I purchased the 3800 s/c cavy on here. Well I’ve been enjoying racing the snot out of her and blew it up. I’m really hoping it is a head gasket, there is oil and coolant mixed up in the pan, no metal parts that I can see. Not leaking any fluid but it did blow the dip stick out and cover the engine bay in oil/coolant. That being said, I’ll pull the heads off and see what she looks like inside. I’m curious on what I should do once inside. I don’t know a ton about the 3800 but its a push rod so it can’t be that bad. Main questions I have are in relation to compression ration and blower output. I’ve read where people put on a thinner head gasket and run less boost but make more power. I was also thinking about running a thicker head gasket and more boost? Thoughts? I will probably start spraying the car with a 75-125 hp shot of nitrous for fun so keep this in mind. LS6 springs, ls7 lifters - raising the redline to 6800rpm or so. Good head gasket… with copper spray. Head studs? Maybe some 1.9 rockers down the road. Car already has intake, exhaust, tb spacer (no coolant to TB) and runs about 10psi. This is a semi budget build and I’m really hoping to keep the repair under $500 if possible (doing it myself of course). ---
**Author:** ![LUC1F3R](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luc1f3r/32/7299_2.png) [@LUC1F3R](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUC1F3R)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 8:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/2 "2014-09-08T08:24:43Z")
I would get the heads pulled and see how bad the carnage is before making any plans. As far as the headgasket/decking goes, are you using anything for tuning? thinner gasket/decking will get you more power without tuning. If it was just the headgasket that blew you’ll wanna get the heads decked. However the last headgasket I blew took a chunk of the cylinder with it in the process… If you lower compression and run more boost youll need a tune to take advantage of the lower compression. You’ll be able to get more timing into it without detonating… ---
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 8:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/3 "2014-09-08T08:54:10Z")
I’m really hoping I didn’t take anything else with it. Fingers crossed. I’m not ordering this stuff, just want to get all my ducks in a row. ---
**Author:** ![jay\_g](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jay_g/32/111288_2.png) [@jay\_g](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jay_g)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 9:09am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/4 "2014-09-08T09:09:37Z")
Did you pull the plugs yet? If a tip is bent or gone on one you chipped a piston. I still cant believe its running a 3.25 and has made it this fair. Usually you don’t drop that low unless you do rockers and headers. As far as the heads and block if its junk then just get a junk yard motor and toss it is and repeat. Heat and to much timing can blow the head gasket. If you want to make power ZZP are the guys to talk to. [www.zzperformance.com](http://www.zzperformance.com) I sold my gtp 5 years ago. I was running cam, headers, Intercooler, ported blower, north star throttle body, a 3.0 pulley … as my DD. It was a strong runner and the guy I sold it to is still driving it. ---
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 9:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/5 "2014-09-08T09:22:09Z")
That’s awesome. I’ve already found a few pull outs for ~$300 I’m just really not in the mood to pull the engine, especially since I just did the clutch. I’ll pull the plugs tonight, depending how I feel maybe the heads. Might just run a little thicker head gasket to be safe and spray her balls off. ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 9:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/6 "2014-09-08T09:39:55Z")
E85 this? ---
**Author:** ![ubengineering](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ubengineering/32/5171_2.png) [@ubengineering](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ubengineering)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 11:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/7 "2014-09-08T11:16:21Z")
Waiting to see carnage ---
**Author:** ![neonglh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/neonglh/32/4951_2.png) [@neonglh](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/neonglh)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 11:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/8 "2014-09-08T11:36:28Z")
Pay studderin to make it fast. He actually has a bunch of ported 3800 heads and other parts at the moment you could probably pick up for cheap. Really though, he’s the only one you should talk to about the 3800 platform. ---
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 11:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/9 "2014-09-08T11:55:32Z")
pm me his number I don’t have it anymore ---
**Author:** ![svtcobra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@svtcobra](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/svtcobra)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 1:08pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/10 "2014-09-08T13:08:14Z")
studderins still around? I miss all that old cam only drama ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 1:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/11 "2014-09-08T13:10:18Z")
he’s lurkin around in rochester… I mostly see him posting kitchen renovations on facebook ---
**Author:** ![neonglh](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/neonglh/32/4951_2.png) [@neonglh](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/neonglh)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 1:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/12 "2014-09-08T13:10:36Z")
> [@svtcobra](#): > > studderins still around? I miss all that old cam only drama Still around, and still cam only. ---
**Author:** ![misteroman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/misteroman/32/7423_2.png) [@misteroman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/misteroman)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 4:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/13 "2014-09-08T16:53:22Z")
Figure out how to build then put it in my new Z! ---
**Author:** ![Jam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jam/32/7235_2.png) [@Jam](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jam)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2014, 9:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/14 "2014-09-08T21:47:37Z")
I love the fact that the dip stick blew out, that is just awesome im looking forward to some teardown pics! ---
**Author:** ![Mankthetank19](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mankthetank19/32/5295_2.png) [@Mankthetank19](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mankthetank19)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2014, 7:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/15 "2014-09-09T07:05:16Z")
I love the 3800 - one of the best FWD GM motor IMHO ---
**Author:** ![Wahoo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/wahoo/32/8265_2.png) [@Wahoo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Wahoo)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2014, 7:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/16 "2014-09-09T07:28:50Z")
I plan to swap a series II 3800 in my buick T-type, such a better motor than the series I’s that are in the grand nationals and turbo buicks. cant wait to see what you do! ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2014, 7:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/17 "2014-09-09T07:39:04Z")
> [@Wahoo](#): > > I plan to swap a series II 3800 in my buick T-type, such a better motor than the series I’s that are in the grand nationals and turbo buicks. > > cant wait to see what you do! lollll what? The 3800 is better than the Turbo GN motor?? ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2014, 7:44am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/18 "2014-09-09T07:44:14Z")
I would assume it’s better being so much more modern. ---
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2014, 8:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/19 "2014-09-09T08:25:15Z")
Its not a bad engine really, many stock short blocks have gone 9s. I’ve been chatting a bit with Studdering to see what I can get together. If I’m going to do this I’m going to do it. 😉 Is it running rich or lean??? LOL ![http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/BC90F40A-A91D-45D8-AFBE-27479CBB0D03_zpscjgbemgs.jpg](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/BC90F40A-A91D-45D8-AFBE-27479CBB0D03_zpscjgbemgs.jpg) ![http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/714E6574-7A2B-452F-B571-2C26D404C0F1_zpsyjzep8yg.jpg](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/714E6574-7A2B-452F-B571-2C26D404C0F1_zpsyjzep8yg.jpg) ![http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/B663950D-9867-4815-87EE-E256928ED041_zpsf4i88v51.jpg](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/B663950D-9867-4815-87EE-E256928ED041_zpsf4i88v51.jpg) Some metal the throttle body stopped from shooting out the intake lol. ![http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/BB3AAC62-9360-43D5-AFA5-BFB6A8647B42_zpsnxta3v2v.jpg](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/BB3AAC62-9360-43D5-AFA5-BFB6A8647B42_zpsnxta3v2v.jpg) Oil and coolant running out the blower /intake. ![http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/0126E5D1-6A97-4B67-9557-A012B59229E2_zpsapbwfclh.jpg](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/0126E5D1-6A97-4B67-9557-A012B59229E2_zpsapbwfclh.jpg) All over like wooooh ![http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/9F094688-8548-439B-825D-5C41C65B3196_zpsuefnw4jl.jpg](http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk320/ultradriver10000/1994%20Z24%20Cavalier/9F094688-8548-439B-825D-5C41C65B3196_zpsuefnw4jl.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![LZ1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@LZ1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LZ1)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2014, 8:26am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522/20 "2014-09-09T08:26:09Z")
Did you ever have a wideband on it? [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/3800-sc-performace/270522.md?page=2)