3800 GT N/A...S/C vs T/C

Hey guys. I've got my '04 GT Grand Prix, obviously with the 3800 N/A engine in it. Well, as I start modding my car, I've come to the decision that eventually, I'm going to want more power in my car. Now obviously GPs are made in GTP with the supercharger, but I was just wondering...If I want to really up the power on my car, am I going to want to go with a Supercharger or a Turbocharger?

Are either compatible with my car?
From a stock engine, which would be cheaper for a total install?
From a stock engine, which would be easier for a total install?
Which one will provide more output?

Thanks for all the help guys. This will be in the long run, but it'd be really nice to know what all I'd need for each install. Again, thanks in advance for your input.

Originally Posted by TJeno

Now obviously GPs are made in GTP with the supercharger and the 5.3s are made with the turbo (GXP),

gxp's are 5.3l ls4 v8. no turbow.

Originally Posted by Odi

gxp's are 5.3l ls4 v8. no turbow.

For sers? I always thought GXPs had turbos in them.

Oh well..edited accordingly.

Supercharging is way easier and cheaper.

Lol and super limited and eventually cost more

turbo is probably an easier install on a N/A but then built trans is needed. supercharged is cheaper but more work to install considering swapping crank pulley, heads LIM, adding all the other pulleys, etc

There fore, turbo > blower any day of the week

Overall, what's gonna be cheaper? And which will provide more output?

Cheaper with what goals in mind?

Originally Posted by matt5112

Cheaper with what goals in mind?

To be able to install one or the other..I'm not thinking a full out mod, but for future reference, which is going to end up costing the least to put in safely?

you dont NEED a built trans if you go turbo...
you can make a modest amount of hp with a turbo in order to save money for a trans or w/e else.
it depends on how much power you want OP.
i say if your goals are a near 300 whp car, just top swap and follow where the mods take ya. probably a cammed/3.3 setup (depending on what blower you go with/how your car reacts to those mods).
if you want more than that, i would just start it off right with going turbo. it'll cost more NOW but in the end it will be cheaper.

Originally Posted by TJeno

To be able to install one or the other..I'm not thinking a full out mod, but for future reference, which is going to end up costing the least to put in safely?

Price it out.

Turbo and call it a day. More power, turn boost up...blow up engine, replace engine, rinse and repeat.

isntead of doing something to your current engine, buy a junker to use for a build. build the engine for some serious power on its own, then slap the turbo on there. and then get a built tranny and whatever else for the power. bet if you did that you could get at LEAST 500whp out of it.

Turbo would be better unless your goal is under 300whp. Also a built tranny is highly recommended for any set up around 300+whp regardless of s/c or turbo. A non-intercooled turbo set up making 6 psi should be fine with a stock tranny.

NOTE: Driver mod is the most significant factor for transmission longevity.

Thanks for everything guys. I'm not really sure how much power I'm truly looking for out of my car. I'm definitely not looking for a crazy 700whp or anything like that, but something that'll let people know it's not stock when I pin it. I can definitely do a built transmission if that would be in order, but I'm not really sure if it will be or not. Maybe I'll just go with the top-swap and cammed 3.4 setup, I dunno. But again, I do appreciate the input you guys are giving here. I guess I'll start small and see where it takes me, I don't have to make any huge decisions right away.

I went with a top swap on my 98 GT and half way trough i decided to go with turbo. best decision ever

Top swap is a waste if you are wanting 350whp or more. You need to set a goal for yourself and go from there. I went turbo a bit ago and have yet to regret it. Love the power especially top end. Will never do extensive mods to a 3800 S/C again.