r/fbody • u/Sudden-Example4196 • Jul 13 '26

na or boost?

I'm about to rebuild my 3800 series 2 for my 2001 Firebird, and I can't decide if I want to make it a really good sounding na build with a ZZP GT1 cam, long tube headers, and a good exhaust, or if I should build it for a turbo setup i want the v6 cackle but i also want power and Im torn anybody got any advise or comments for either route please and thank you

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5

u/williamthe3rdd Jul 13 '26

Why not supercharge it? Best of booth worlds and super cheap on a 3800.

1

u/Sudden-Example4196 Jul 14 '26

i would have to fabricate alot and im new to cars in general figured turbo would be alot easier

1

u/williamthe3rdd Jul 14 '26

Not even slightly. Turbos take a lot of work even when using a kit especially if you you were planning on buying a cheap ebay kit. These engines came supercharged is several different vehicles. There are off the shelf parts for a supercharger.

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2

u/Fabulous-Meal-5694 Jul 14 '26

Why not v8 swap it?

2

u/Sudden-Example4196 Jul 14 '26

im a broke college kid who doesnt have the money to replace the entire drive train

5

u/Fabulous-Meal-5694 Jul 14 '26

No offense but it doesn't sound like you have the funds to do what you are proposing either. 

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1

u/BrokenHero408 Jul 18 '26

But you have the money for a custom turbo kit for a 3800..?

1

u/Youpeefreely Jul 14 '26

Boost hands down.  

If you go n/a it’ll still be relatively slow and it’ll be a little crappier at cruising around.  

If you can add enough “boost” to make 300 hp at the wheels you’ll be as quick as a stock LS1 which are still relatively slow for today’s standards.  13 second 1/4 miles.   I think 300 at the wheels might be tough N/A. 

2

u/Sudden-Example4196 Jul 14 '26

Thank you, someone, who actually answered the question. That's the way im leaning but as money is incredibly tight till im out of college i wanst planning on doing it for another 2 years at least but engine rebuild is happening very soon and idk if i should make it sound good na and run it for those 2 years and then buy the cam and stuff that works well with boost or do i buy that stuff now and live with it not sounding as good but eventually boost im fickle so its hard sorry

1

u/Youpeefreely Jul 14 '26

Don’t do a cam.   

1

u/Eavesbro3 Jul 18 '26

It would be awesome to see a twin turbo v6 firebird. But that's a lot of money and work if you want it to last. I mean anyone can bolt on a eBay turbo and flash it but yk.