3.5 vs 3.8 Intrigue

[Rolm]

I own a 99 3.8 and the other day I drove a 3.5 intrgue All I can say is the 3.5 is much much faster I found the 3.5 very jerky with quite a bit of torque steer. Over-all I like the 3.8 much better it has a nice smooth power curve vs the jerky 3.5. Just my 2-cents worth.

[LittleHoov]

I agree with you on that one, the 3.5 is much more inconsistent in power delivery, jerky is a good way of describing it.

Both engines are underrated in my opinion, which GM typically underrates them anyway.

I think 3.5 may also have more torque management in the PCM than the 3.8 versions, this would also explain some of the jerkiness, because the PCM initially holds back some on the power, then gives it back, takes it away and so on.

Which is why Ive always said for driveability give me a 3.8, but the 3.5 is more fun to drive like a banshee.

Im crossing my fingers for that Tranzgenic FWI, I just got off the phone with the guy and he said he thought they might still be backordered...I really hope not.

[355smallblock]

3.5 Is A Baby Northstar Overhead Cam Engine That Requires Alot More Maint.i One Saw A 3.8 In A Bonneville That A Customer Drove For Three Day With The Oil Pressure Light On When We Lifted The Car There Wasno Drain Plug In The Oil Pan And Not A Drop Of Oil In The Engine When We Added A Drain Plug And Oil The Engine Ran Flawlessly...................amazing

[kmohr3]

I don't know why a 3.5 would need more maintenance than a 3.8. They both should have oil changes and coolant changes at regular intervals. I think they both call for plugs at 100k. Also, the 3.5 doesn't seem to have the intake manifold problems that the 3.8 motors do.

It would, however, be a much bigger job to do an engine overhaul or headgaskets or timing chains, but this doesn't seem to be a big issue with the 3.5

[355smallblock]

To Replace The Head Gaskets On A 3.5 Is A Task Compared To The 3.8

[LittleHoov]

considering neither engine blows head gaskets, I dont see how thats really an issue.

I have never heard of a head gasket failure on any 3.8 ever, thats including the LN3,L27,L36, L67, L32, and any other L's i forgot that have to do with the 3.8. They simply dont have head gasket problems.

The same applies to the 3.5, I have never read anyone having any serious internal engine problems with their Intrigue or Aurora.

Theyre both extremely well-built engines, and with proper maintenance should still be running when the transmission dies...because thats usually what happens in these cars.

[355smallblock]

Dude I Live In Dayton Ohio And I Have Seen More Head Gaskets Blown On Arora Engines Than You Can Shake A Stick At.well Designed But When Abused And Neglected Anything With Give Up 4.0's Don't Have Internal Engine Problems Come Spend A Week Where I Work And You Will See The Light

[dizzle1]

I think the 3.5 will always roll on the 3.8 in a race but the 3.8 runs out of breath were as the 3.5 pulls harder. I've been in both and the 3.8 is nice around the city but for highway the 3.5 is more fun faster and its just the economy and rpms that might be different like my 3.5 intrigue does 80mph at 2000rpm whats the 3.8?

00 intrigue

[LittleHoov]

If they are both geared the same, they should theoretically turn the same rpms, if not very close.

Most all Intrigues have the 3.05 ratio, the 3.29 was also available, but is somewhat uncommon.

But yes, in a race the 3.8 would probably get a jump off the line, but the 3.5 would continue to pull long after the 3.8 ran out of steam.

I was so pissed the other night because while racing some punk in a Maliu I kept bouncing off my 112 limiter. I think he was doing the same thing but he had a jump on me because he "cheap shotted" me by passing where I had to slow down for another car. Anyway, my point is, my car IS capable of running that 140 on the speedo, but I cant do it.

[dizzle1]

Yea same thing with me my limiter kicks in at 110 or 112mph I seriously hate it i agree with you it can be capable of 140mph. When I hit the highway I can get it to 110mph a few times and between traffic I think it could of done 130mph but 110 and the limiter boucing was off shutting the power down. I don't do that alot but like too my radar is hooked up and if my gut feeling tells me their aren't any cops ill do it. I have a few questions to ask you about your mods whats in the GMPP kit and 12inch front rotors do impalas have them stock I've seen a couple wbody impala's at the slavage yard a few weeks ago

[LittleHoov]

The GMPP kit is seen here http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...ber=pk12456148

As stated, it contains larger front and rear swaybars, a front strut tower brace, and rear tubular trailing arms. I would also recommend either MOOG or Energy Suspension front swaybar endlinks instead of the rubber ones, the rear endlinks are pretty sad too, but the front ones have a more noticeable impact.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results...umber=12498644

That is the retail version of what I have, but I went about it in a much cheaper fashion.

Most 2000 or newer Impalas and Monte Carlos have 12 inch rotors stock. If you can find one with 12 inch rotors, snag the caliper brackets, get yourself some lifetime warranty rotors, and youre good to go.

http://clubgp.com/cgi-asp/mods.asp?modid=3

theres another article that explains what is being done. If your salvage yard will let you, take a tape measure and see what size the rotors are on the Impalas in the yard. Monte Carlos are also an option. As are certain cadillacs. I did a post long ago called "want better brakes?" that has more info in it, and im almost certain most of it is true, even though GM says that Monte Carlo and Impala "may" have that package installed. Dont pay the 300 or more bucks for the kit, its worth it, but not THAT worth it. It is worth the 100 bucks or so you might have in the project by the time you buy a set of rotors.

The only way you could find the handling package used would to be buy it from someone who is demodding, or to find a police issue Impala with the 9C1 handling package.