How would one go about it?
I've got an '84 3.8 out of a t-bird, I have a '88 coupe with no motor (originally 2.3L Auto). I would like them to get together (possibly) for a little fun time but am having problems finding the info I desire.
Carb or not to carb (sometimes dumber is better)
Do I have a choice? Is there a 3.8L distributor that would work with a carb?
EFI, which generation would provide the greatest usability? (certainly NOT the '84 CFI unit that is sitting on the motor now)
Heads? Combustion chamber sizes? I assume that they all have the same head bolt pattern.. (assuming is a bad thing I have been told).
I checked the tech section and 9.32:1 looks to be the highest CR the factory ever ran, but what is the max a person could run if they did some head swapping (dont the newer 3.8's have aluminum heads?) that are generally more forgiving (and require a little more CR)
How about the transmission area? some say that AOD's rob too much power from the engine.. Do the V6's use V8 manuals or is it closer to a 4cyl?
Theoretical redline? average shift RPMs? weight in different configurations, roller cams? what year did they start? best place to get headers? short or long? (what is the general preference?)
I recall reading something about the internal balancing of these motors, was there a time when they were externally balanced and if so what amount of weight did it take?
Somebody once asked me "cant you put a crank out of a newer 4.2 V6 into it and make a stroker?" well could I?
Lets pretend I wanna go low compression and find some of the smaller T3 (.48 or smaller AR) turbo's from a pair of 2.3L 4cyls, which (if any) factory electrical system is most easily adapted. Or should I just look for a M90 boosted car with a blown motor and take its goods?
you got answers I got questions.
-ron
