Re: 3.8 V6 OMC tune up questions.
Thanks Vintage Blue!!
I picked this boat up real cheap and I'm hoping to fix it up. Its a 17 foot ski boat with a 3.8 stinger 800. It had a bad carb on it when I got it so I put a new marine quadrajet on it. What kind of Horsepower should that make? What is WOT RPM for a 3.8? I think my 21 pitch prop is not steep enough because the engine would spin as fast as 6000 rpms if i let it!?!? Yikes.
Should go pretty good once i get it running good and cooling good.
thanks again for the specs.
i aslo looked for camaro, elcamino specs before i posted here but didnt find anything usefull. do you have a link to any good OMC info sources?
I'm not sure about the horsepower numbers for that engine, my guess would be in the 140-160 ballpark when they were new. I have to admit that I've been pretty easy on my boat and I don't push any WOT runs. I have had it up close to 47-48mph, but that was in perfect conditions and according to the original speedometer. My boat had its original prop in place when I bought it and it was a 14.5 x 19 pitch. I've tried a 21 pitch, but the 19 seems to be the best all around for my needs. It's good enough for pulling me up on skis, I'm 6'2" and 205. It's also been a fine choice for just cruising. I usually run at 25-30mph.
As far as car engines go, I'm know the RWD 3.8 came in the 85 Monte Carlo, and likely whatever it's Buick counterpart was at the time. Regal maybe? And if you're looking for info resources... this place is it! Use the search feature and don't be afraid to ask questions. I've been lucky and I haven't had to post too much, I'm always able to find my answers in the archives. Oh, and get yourself a manual if you havent already. I've got a Clymer that is decent, but if you can come up with an OMC service manual, you'd be golden!
Good luck!