How much horsepower does a 3800 SC have?
A typical 3800 SC engine puts out about 240 horsepower in its Series II form, rising to around 260 horsepower in Series III iterations. In general, you’re looking at a 240–260 hp range depending on the model year and tuning.
The 3800 SC refers to GM’s 3.8-liter V6 with a supercharger, used across several GM nameplates in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Horsepower output varied by generation, year, and specific model tuning, with newer versions generally boosting to higher numbers thanks to improved boost systems and intercooling.
What is the 3800 SC?
The 3800 SC is a family of 3.8-liter V6 engines equipped with a Roots-type supercharger. It powered a range of GM vehicles, including Pontiac Bonneville SSEi, Buick Park Avenue Ultra, Grand Prix GTP, and Lacrosse/Lucerne in different years. Over its lifecycle, refinements such as intercooling and boost adjustments changed the published horsepower figures, even as the overall engine layout remained familiar.
Horsepower by generation and model year
Below is a concise breakdown by generation to illustrate typical outputs. Note that numbers can vary slightly by testing standard (SAE net vs. gross), market, and specific tuning.
- 3800 Series II Supercharged (roughly 1996–2003): about 240 horsepower (SAE net) and around 280 lb-ft of torque.
- 3800 Series III Supercharged (roughly 2004–2007): about 260 horsepower and around 280 lb-ft of torque.
These figures reflect commonly cited values for the Series II and III supercharged engines. They can differ by model year and by the way horsepower was rated in that era, but they provide a solid baseline for most cars that used these engines.
Examples by model (typical outputs)
Several popular models used the 3800 SC, and their advertised horsepower generally followed the generation numbers above. The following examples illustrate typical outputs for common trims.
- Pontiac Bonneville SSEi / Buick Park Avenue Ultra: typically around 240 hp.
- Pontiac Grand Prix GTP / Buick Lacrosse Super: typically around 260 hp.
Keep in mind that exact numbers can vary by year, market, and specific tuning for a given model. For precise figures on a particular vehicle, consult the window sticker, build sheet, or official GM documentation for that year and trim.
How to verify horsepower for your car
- Check the original window sticker (Monroney) for the vehicle’s advertised horsepower.
- Use the vehicle’s VIN to pull build data or a factory service manual for that year and trim.
- Refer to GM’s official literature or service manuals for exact specifications by model and year.
- If you own the car, a dynamometer test can measure current output, with the caveat that wear, modifications, and fuel quality affect results.
If you’re researching a specific model (for example, a 1998 Bonneville SSEi or a 2005 Grand Prix GTP), cross-check multiple sources to account for variations in testing standards and regional differences.
Summary
The 3800 SC’s horsepower generally sits in the 240–260 hp range, with Series II around 240 hp and Series III around 260 hp. Exact figures depend on model year, trim, and measurement method. For the most accurate number, consult the vehicle’s original documentation or perform a VIN-based lookup for that specific car.
