I have lurked on this website for many years, reading posts and trying to soak up some info on these little V6's. Its kinda cool to finally be able to contribute something. One of the shockers I found after purchasing this Intimidator was how bad the aftermarket is on the 3800's these days. Back in the day I could have sworn there were at least 5 companies out there. Now it seems there are 2 which lack important parts and then theres Milzy, which seems from their reviews is a good place to get scammed even on easy to obtain parts. Its kind of a real bummer considering I am in the 3800 game now.
Plans for the car have changed as I have forked over the cash to build it. Initially I wanted to do an intercooled M90 VS cam car, just a good running car type deal that wasnt boring to drive. But it seems like I might not be happy with that decision and as always, I will just end up wanting more, so I upped my goals. I want this thing in the solid low 12's at the very least and I want to do it with an M90. I know a turbo would make things easier, then I just have to get a transmission built, but I REALLY dig the whine and it reminds me of a few nasty V8 cars ive owned. Besides, the 3800 doesnt exactly sound like my kind of car so the blower is a nice offset for a poor exhaust note.
So far I have purchased quite the starter kit. I know I have probably wasted some money, but lets see how bad.
As you can see, ZZP has gotten a bunch of my money so far and honestly I have mixed feelings about them. I am used to being in the classic car scene where companies have awesome customer service, I can call whenever and parts are in stock and ready to be shipped. This hasnt been the case with ZZP and it seems like its ran by kids. That worries me. However, ever since Ryan and I have been better acquainted, things have gotten better. Ryan has actually been going out of his way lately to help me out with parts, so were making progress lol. Heres a rundown of whats in the pic above as well as a couple things that aint.
HP tuners software with credits
ZZP FSIC with front mount and pump
Deka 60's with ZZP fuel rails
AEM E85 fuel pump and "high flow" filter
1.9 rockers that are about to be returned for a cam and cam kit.
3" down pipe
3" resonator for a custom exhaust I am getting built by a local shop using mandrel bent 3" stainless
Autolite 103's
ZZP MPS with a 3"
Pulley puller
180 degree thermostat
ZZP 4" intake kit (not pictured as its on the car)
ZZP plug wires (also on the car)
GM PCM tray
Longer belt but soon to buy a belt wrap pulley kit.
So how bad am I doing so far?
The decision to ditch the 1.9's and go to a cam was a good decision. I just need to decide which cam to run. Im torn between the S1X, XP and then me just being me, wanting to port the heads, the LIM, then add an XPZ and shoot for 400 wheel using a ported Gen III. Id have gone Gen V but I cant find any at the moment that dont need a rebuild and I intially purchased the Gen 3 intercooler for a 1.9 rocker build. I honestly dont think id be giving up too much with a ported gen 3 over a 5 but thats just my uneducated guess. I am going to install all this shit after I get the exhaust done, which is scheduled in 2 weeks.
Plans for the car have changed as I have forked over the cash to build it. Initially I wanted to do an intercooled M90 VS cam car, just a good running car type deal that wasnt boring to drive. But it seems like I might not be happy with that decision and as always, I will just end up wanting more, so I upped my goals. I want this thing in the solid low 12's at the very least and I want to do it with an M90. I know a turbo would make things easier, then I just have to get a transmission built, but I REALLY dig the whine and it reminds me of a few nasty V8 cars ive owned. Besides, the 3800 doesnt exactly sound like my kind of car so the blower is a nice offset for a poor exhaust note.
So far I have purchased quite the starter kit. I know I have probably wasted some money, but lets see how bad.
As you can see, ZZP has gotten a bunch of my money so far and honestly I have mixed feelings about them. I am used to being in the classic car scene where companies have awesome customer service, I can call whenever and parts are in stock and ready to be shipped. This hasnt been the case with ZZP and it seems like its ran by kids. That worries me. However, ever since Ryan and I have been better acquainted, things have gotten better. Ryan has actually been going out of his way lately to help me out with parts, so were making progress lol. Heres a rundown of whats in the pic above as well as a couple things that aint.
HP tuners software with credits
ZZP FSIC with front mount and pump
Deka 60's with ZZP fuel rails
AEM E85 fuel pump and "high flow" filter
1.9 rockers that are about to be returned for a cam and cam kit.
3" down pipe
3" resonator for a custom exhaust I am getting built by a local shop using mandrel bent 3" stainless
Autolite 103's
ZZP MPS with a 3"
Pulley puller
180 degree thermostat
ZZP 4" intake kit (not pictured as its on the car)
ZZP plug wires (also on the car)
GM PCM tray
Longer belt but soon to buy a belt wrap pulley kit.
So how bad am I doing so far?
The decision to ditch the 1.9's and go to a cam was a good decision. I just need to decide which cam to run. Im torn between the S1X, XP and then me just being me, wanting to port the heads, the LIM, then add an XPZ and shoot for 400 wheel using a ported Gen III. Id have gone Gen V but I cant find any at the moment that dont need a rebuild and I intially purchased the Gen 3 intercooler for a 1.9 rocker build. I honestly dont think id be giving up too much with a ported gen 3 over a 5 but thats just my uneducated guess. I am going to install all this shit after I get the exhaust done, which is scheduled in 2 weeks.