Supercharged 3800s ?? - Great Lakes 4x4. The largest offroad forum in the Midwest

Mr.Green again · September 18th, 2012, 03:52 PM

I am considering getting a Grand Prix GTP or possibly a Bonneville with the supercharged 3800. Anyone have any experience with this motor? What about the GTP? I have a Grand Am with almost 270,000 miles and the thing is still a nice car. It has the 3.6. Anyway, I want to find a fun, cheap decent gas mileage american car, and prolly a 4 door.

montecarlo33 · September 18th, 2012, 03:58 PM

cousin had a 2002 gtp that got beat on very hard and still made it over 200k miles, it was a great car he drove it though high school and his brother drove it after that. I believe he was on his 2nd supercharger tho, first one got noisey bearings and he got a replacement and finally he threw a rod bearing but I believe its only because he wanted a new car, they never took really good care of it IMO, they always tried to be cheap and run regular gas though it. I would drive one, they are really nice cars. My step dad just bought a 2006 grand prix 4 door with the 5.3 and that thing is way bad ass, and he gets really decent mileage for a v8.

BlooMule · September 18th, 2012, 04:10 PM

Neighbor had a Park Avenue with the supercharged 3800, it would get that boat down the road pretty damn quick. X2 on blower bearings, but if it does start to howl you can pull the belt to get home without any problems.

974x4Taco · September 18th, 2012, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlooMule

Neighbor had a Park Avenue with the supercharged 3800, it would get that boat down the road pretty damn quick. X2 on blower bearings, but if it does start to howl you can pull the belt to get home without any problems.

We had a customer at work that drove with no belt on the super charger for better than two years lol

They are a good motor....they have intake gasket issues just like most any gm motor but other than that they are pretty solid

Chinski · September 18th, 2012, 04:42 PM

I had a 97 SSEi. I liked that car. Lots of room under the hood to work and a good motor. I’d get 25mpg mixed driving and 28mpg on the highway. After going to 10psi I still was getting 22-24 mixed & 26 hwy. I was on a couple forums related to that car and can’t recall any SC bearing issues but then again the people on those forums tended to maintain their vehicles which included changing the SC oil when needed. The SC coupler was known to get some play in it after a while but IIRC it isn’t too tough to replace.

boggin-machine · September 18th, 2012, 04:45 PM

a friend of mine has a mine 06 gtp 2 door manual for sale if interested with around 60k on it.

also another friend has a 06 gxp four door auto with around 60k on it as well forsale.

wilesin · September 18th, 2012, 04:47 PM

They seem to last quite awhile once you replace intake gaskets and change the SC oil once in awhile.

RivMan · September 18th, 2012, 04:48 PM

I've had a 99 GTP, a 95 Riviera (with a Series II Supercharged swap) and a 99 Regal GS.

The GTP went 12.9@104 with bolton's, sold it with 100k and it ran better then new.

The Riviera went 12.9@107 with a bunch of work, and I put 30k on it without a problem

The Regal went 220k miles with some boltons before it blew a headgasket. I swapped a low mileage trans and engine into it and drove it until it hit 290k miles. Sold it to a buddy that's at 330K+ and still driving daily.

These motors will take almost anything you throw at them, and keep going. I'm actually in the market for another GTP. They are starting to develop rust issues, so a southern car is probably worth the drive.

-Rob

MonkeyBiz · September 18th, 2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilesin

They seem to last quite awhile once you replace intake gaskets and change the SC oil once in awhile.

X2. Ask the seller when was the last time they had the SC oil changed. If they look at you funny, walk away. The oil, when I had mine (it was an 02, had it from 04-06) was dealer only and changed every 4 oil changes. It's not cheap.

jeepfreak81 · September 18th, 2012, 06:47 PM

My mom has an '02 Bonneville with the S/C 3.8. That is a fun car, but if you have big feet your toes clip the bottom of the dash all the time and it is aggravating, Neither that or their old wagon with the 3.8 have ever had issues. Their old wagon had close to 400k on it went it went to the boneyard still running and driving. The body rotted off around it.

Blakemore00XJ · September 18th, 2012, 07:23 PM

gtps are great, I had a 2002 pretty well built. here is a couple picks of it.

distant75 · September 18th, 2012, 08:18 PM

I've had both.

The GTP is great because of the sport suspension and handling. Sold with 125,xxx

The SSEi was just and great but i really liked the soft suspension and less wind and road noise. Totaled with 210,xxx

Only bad thing is they both ran on premium fuel

zook94 · September 18th, 2012, 08:34 PM

Buy anything you want with the 3800 in it, I have the M90 SuperCharger fully rebuilt, 75k warranty standing on my back porch. Drop it on and scream.

The 3800SC is a hearty motor, and expect with moderate use of the supercharger at full output to go 200k miles with only having to rebuild the supercharger. Drop it in a Fiero.

I have the Fiero too.

brian76708 · September 18th, 2012, 08:58 PM

Currently got a 05 gp for the DD. put on over 40k this year (145,000 on it total) and only had to replace some plastic coolant lines (common problem). The only thing I have heard bad about the gtp or gxp is that the transmissions are not to strong. IMO if you want something fun get rear wheel drive... like the G8 GT.

zook94 · September 18th, 2012, 09:05 PM

Bull, the 4T60E transmission is strong enough for a 600HP small block, and they run 3800SC engines behind them every day. They put them behind Northstar V8's, and FWD 6.0 Impala's in LE trim.

adamzr2 · September 18th, 2012, 09:31 PM

heres my buddy ryans gtp. custom tune, custom cam, bad ass car for a heavy 4 door 6 cyl

2003 GTP - YouTube

Chinski · September 18th, 2012, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyBiz

X2. Ask the seller when was the last time they had the SC oil changewayf they look at you funny, walk away. The oil, when I had mine (it was an 02, had it from 04-06) was dealer only and changed every 4 oil changes. It's not cheap.

Are you saying dealer only to purchase the oil or dealer only to have it changed?

Well, either way, the oil can be purchased from non dealer sources and changed on your own.

JohnnyJ · September 18th, 2012, 09:56 PM

Wow, really surprised feva4u hasn't checked in yet.

zook94 · September 18th, 2012, 10:52 PM

Yes, all Eaton superchargers are made to be externally serviceable, and oil changes can be handled at home. The only process on them that can't be done at home is changing the rotor bearings at the back of the housing, those take special tools, and I don't know what they look like or I would have a set, and fixing them at home for salvage yards.

bdd1469 · September 18th, 2012, 10:56 PM

Great motor,just be carefull who you buy from.A bunch of these have been modified and had the shit beat out of them.
My nephew has a gtp that he daily drives in the summer,it runs 12.20s.

September 18th, 2012, 03:52 PM	#1
Mr.Green again I can levitate! Join Date: 11-29-05 Location: Nort Kawkalacky Posts: 6,853 iTrader: (6)	Supercharged 3800s ?? I am considering getting a Grand Prix GTP or possibly a Bonneville with the supercharged 3800. Anyone have any experience with this motor? What about the GTP? I have a Grand Am with almost 270,000 miles and the thing is still a nice car. It has the 3.6. Anyway, I want to find a fun, cheap decent gas mileage american car, and prolly a 4 door.

September 18th, 2012, 04:10 PM	#3
BlooMule Devout Atheist Join Date: 11-08-05 Location: A little North of Deetroit and a little South of Roseville Posts: 18,845 iTrader: (11)	Neighbor had a Park Avenue with the supercharged 3800, it would get that boat down the road pretty damn quick. X2 on blower bearings, but if it does start to howl you can pull the belt to get home without any problems. __________________ Don't die a virgin, there are terrorists up there waiting for you!

September 18th, 2012, 04:42 PM	#5
Chinski Senior Member Join Date: 06-16-06 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 365 iTrader: (2)	I had a 97 SSEi. I liked that car. Lots of room under the hood to work and a good motor. I’d get 25mpg mixed driving and 28mpg on the highway. After going to 10psi I still was getting 22-24 mixed & 26 hwy. I was on a couple forums related to that car and can’t recall any SC bearing issues but then again the people on those forums tended to maintain their vehicles which included changing the SC oil when needed. The SC coupler was known to get some play in it after a while but IIRC it isn’t too tough to replace. Last edited by Chinski; September 18th, 2012 at 04:47 PM.

September 18th, 2012, 04:45 PM	#6
boggin-machine Senior Member Join Date: 01-11-06 Location: bay city Posts: 11,412 iTrader: (30)	a friend of mine has a mine 06 gtp 2 door manual for sale if interested with around 60k on it. also another friend has a 06 gxp four door auto with around 60k on it as well forsale. __________________ 08 qcsb Duramax Ltz 02 tj with some parts laying around for sale 08 crf 450 with a few goodies

September 18th, 2012, 06:47 PM	#10
jeepfreak81 81 inches of fun Join Date: 11-10-05 Location: Owosso, Mi Posts: 11,513 iTrader: (20)	My mom has an '02 Bonneville with the S/C 3.8. That is a fun car, but if you have big feet your toes clip the bottom of the dash all the time and it is aggravating, Neither that or their old wagon with the 3.8 have ever had issues. Their old wagon had close to 400k on it went it went to the boneyard still running and driving. The body rotted off around it. __________________ The 1946 CJ2A "Project USS Hermitage AP54" The Freak YJ 1966 M416 1/4 ton Military Trailer

September 18th, 2012, 03:58 PM	#2
montecarlo33 Fuckin A Join Date: 08-23-07 Location: Otsego County 49735 Posts: 2,225 iTrader: (12)	cousin had a 2002 gtp that got beat on very hard and still made it over 200k miles, it was a great car he drove it though high school and his brother drove it after that. I believe he was on his 2nd supercharger tho, first one got noisey bearings and he got a replacement and finally he threw a rod bearing but I believe its only because he wanted a new car, they never took really good care of it IMO, they always tried to be cheap and run regular gas though it. I would drive one, they are really nice cars. My step dad just bought a 2006 grand prix 4 door with the 5.3 and that thing is way bad ass, and he gets really decent mileage for a v8.

September 18th, 2012, 04:47 PM	#7
wilesin Senior Member Join Date: 04-16-09 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,119 iTrader: (0)	They seem to last quite awhile once you replace intake gaskets and change the SC oil once in awhile.

September 18th, 2012, 04:48 PM	#8
RivMan Senior Member Join Date: 04-18-10 Location: Belleville, Mi Posts: 153 iTrader: (1)	I've had a 99 GTP, a 95 Riviera (with a Series II Supercharged swap) and a 99 Regal GS. The GTP went 12.9@104 with bolton's, sold it with 100k and it ran better then new. The Riviera went 12.9@107 with a bunch of work, and I put 30k on it without a problem The Regal went 220k miles with some boltons before it blew a headgasket. I swapped a low mileage trans and engine into it and drove it until it hit 290k miles. Sold it to a buddy that's at 330K+ and still driving daily. These motors will take almost anything you throw at them, and keep going. I'm actually in the market for another GTP. They are starting to develop rust issues, so a southern car is probably worth the drive. -Rob

September 18th, 2012, 07:23 PM	#11
Blakemore00XJ Senior Member Join Date: 01-10-09 Location: fenton Posts: 402 iTrader: (9)	gtps are great, I had a 2002 pretty well built. here is a couple picks of it. Last edited by Blakemore00XJ; September 18th, 2012 at 07:32 PM.

September 18th, 2012, 08:18 PM	#12
distant75 Senior Member Join Date: 09-29-06 Location: Utica, MI Posts: 777 iTrader: (26)	I've had both. The GTP is great because of the sport suspension and handling. Sold with 125,xxx The SSEi was just and great but i really liked the soft suspension and less wind and road noise. Totaled with 210,xxx Only bad thing is they both ran on premium fuel __________________ The baddest mini Jeep around www.banishedcreations.com Yes its a work in progress.

September 18th, 2012, 08:34 PM	#13
zook94 Resident Jerkoff Join Date: 11-05-05 Location: Saginaw, Michigan, USA, North America, Earth, Milky way Posts: 1,962 iTrader: (6)	Buy anything you want with the 3800 in it, I have the M90 SuperCharger fully rebuilt, 75k warranty standing on my back porch. Drop it on and scream. The 3800SC is a hearty motor, and expect with moderate use of the supercharger at full output to go 200k miles with only having to rebuild the supercharger. Drop it in a Fiero. I have the Fiero too.

September 18th, 2012, 08:58 PM	#14
brian76708 Senior Member Join Date: 04-22-09 Location: Dexter Posts: 346 iTrader: (1)	Currently got a 05 gp for the DD. put on over 40k this year (145,000 on it total) and only had to replace some plastic coolant lines (common problem). The only thing I have heard bad about the gtp or gxp is that the transmissions are not to strong. IMO if you want something fun get rear wheel drive... like the G8 GT.

September 18th, 2012, 09:05 PM	#15
zook94 Resident Jerkoff Join Date: 11-05-05 Location: Saginaw, Michigan, USA, North America, Earth, Milky way Posts: 1,962 iTrader: (6)	Bull, the 4T60E transmission is strong enough for a 600HP small block, and they run 3800SC engines behind them every day. They put them behind Northstar V8's, and FWD 6.0 Impala's in LE trim.

September 18th, 2012, 09:56 PM	#18
JohnnyJ Low Range Drifter Join Date: 11-09-05 Location: Hartland, MI Posts: 4,986 iTrader: (35)	Wow, really surprised feva4u hasn't checked in yet. __________________ locked front and rear on 35s For Sale: 351M-400/T18/NP205 $500 73-79 Ford Parts

September 18th, 2012, 10:52 PM	#19
zook94 Resident Jerkoff Join Date: 11-05-05 Location: Saginaw, Michigan, USA, North America, Earth, Milky way Posts: 1,962 iTrader: (6)	Yes, all Eaton superchargers are made to be externally serviceable, and oil changes can be handled at home. The only process on them that can't be done at home is changing the rotor bearings at the back of the housing, those take special tools, and I don't know what they look like or I would have a set, and fixing them at home for salvage yards.

September 18th, 2012, 10:56 PM	#20
bdd1469 bdd Join Date: 04-12-10 Location: alto mi Posts: 1,962 iTrader: (1)	Great motor,just be carefull who you buy from.A bunch of these have been modified and had the shit beat out of them. My nephew has a gtp that he daily drives in the summer,it runs 12.20s.