Is it possible to raise horsepower?

[Guest Pauro]

Hey guys, I have an 82 riv with a 4.1 v6, and it just does not move as fast as I want it to. I used to own an 84 with a 5L v8 and this car seemed MUCH quicker. is there anything that can be done to increase horsepower? or is the 4.1 just a slow engine?

[RivNut]

Your 4.1 is the same engine as the 3.8 except for a larger bore. The cylinders are siamised like a Chevy 400 small block (no water jacket between cylinders.) You should be able to perform the same mods to a 4.1 as you do to a 3.8 to obtain more power. Here's an article I found by Googling. This guy raised a 3.8 from 125 to 240 hp with some simple mods. You might be able to do the same with your 4.1.

Note: Buick used the 4.1 V6 in its 1983 Indy Pace Car convertible. They got some power from it somehow.

Here's the link:

Buick V6 motor

Ed