Look pretty much it's all about tune.... If the motor is built right and has the "right" tune it will perform..., (Jason White - perfect example) Bare minimum is going to be a forged crank, good billet rods, good pistons, and definitely a girdle. Bare minimum to even consider it... But yes... the 3.8 can handle it... I can remember when they said it would never go past 10's, then break 9's, then never hit 9.50's then never break low sub sub 9's..... Now where is it at? Looks like people are setting the bar... I'm a firm believer in... "if they can do it... So can I"... So now I want to "play"