Any engine upgrades available for the Buick Enclave?

[Greyroom]

Hi all. I've settled on a Buick Enclave to haul our first kid around in. I remember Buicks being nice, with a soft ride and low road noise, so the Enclave is what I'm going to buy. But it's going to be a lower mileage 2013-2017 model. I like the way those look, and I need to like the way my vehicle looks.

Apparently these had the 3.6 liter LTT v6 in them. So the timing chain issues were fixed by then. The engine has 288 hp and 270 tq. Some people may deem that to be "good enough". I would like to see it somewhere around 340 hp and 310 tq. But I realize this might not be possible, since my search doesn't show many people doing this to a Buick. Also it might not be possible if I want to keep the engine reliable. (as well as smooth and without excess noise)

I doubt there are performance parts sold for this engine. The Ai says:

"Companies like TRIFECTA Performance sell ECU reprogramming (flash tuning), offering improved throttle response, up to +32 horsepower, and enhanced shift characteristics for the transmission, with the ability to switch between performance and stock modes on the fly".

Would that be a good idea? Or would I just shorten the lifespan of the v6 by 120k miles?

If that won't harm this thing, what else can I do to make it all the way to my power goal of 340 hp? (reasonably safely and reliably, no adding nitrous lol)

Thanks!

 

[4WD]

Hi all. I've settled on a Buick Enclave to haul our first kid around in. I remember Buicks being nice, with a soft ride and low road noise, so the Enclave is what I'm going to buy. But it's going to be a lower mileage 2013-2017 model. I like the way those look, and I need to like the way my vehicle looks.

Apparently these had the 3.6 liter LTT v6 in them. So the timing chain issues were fixed by then. The engine has 288 hp and 270 tq. Some people may deem that to be "good enough". I would like to see it somewhere around 340 hp and 310 tq. But I realize this might not be possible, since I don't see anyone anywhere upgrading these engines. Also it might not be possible if I want to keep the engine reliable. (as well as smooth and without excess noise)

I doubt there are performance parts sold for this engine. The Ai says:

"Companies like TRIFECTA Performance sell ECU reprogramming (flash tuning), offering improved throttle response, up to +32 horsepower, and enhanced shift characteristics for the transmission, with the ability to switch between performance and stock modes on the fly".

Would that be a good idea? Or would I just shorten the lifespan of the v6 by 120k miles?

If that won't harm this thing, what else can I do to make it all the way to my power goal of 340 hp? (reasonably safely and reliably, no adding nitrous lol)

Thanks!

I’d probably spend the money on tire and brake upgrades, Dad

 

[Greyroom]

I’d probably spend the money on tire and brake upgrades, Dad

Hmm, your reply would seem to indicate that I would use a Buick Enclave to play around in, or otherwise feel like I'm driving fast. I have a Mustang that is plenty fast for that job. I can assure you I have no intention of doing anything like that in a lumbering SUV beast.

When I pass something on the highway I want the job over and done with, no lingering. The SUV's I've driven that were in the 280'ish horsepower range all felt kind of... lacking.

 

[Revving2Redline]

Upgrade to boutique fluid, get blue prints which ive done all the work for you.

Heres K&N, Afe, and AEM performance air filters.

Below is your exhaust setup and measurements, get ahold of Borla or MagnaFlow with the dimensions of the factory mufflers. I would get mandrel bent piping after the factory resonator 1/4" larger, dont use crush bent. You can upgrade the resonator to a Vibrant Quietflow in the appropriate size. I usually go up .25" on everything. At very least replace mufflers with Borla and get high flow air filter, upgrade oil and transmission fluids to Redline, Amsoil Signature Series, or High Performance Lubricants and be done.

 

[ripcord]

I'ma gonna let my inner crumugen out and say, "What the heck, son?" Kids in the car, why are you even contemplating high rev, pedal to the floor driving? Time to embrace responsibility including driving habits, Dad. Right or center lane, speed limits observed, and little to no passing gets kids there in one piece.

Spend that money on starting a college fund instead of soupping up your car. That's for kids and retired people.

 

[Revving2Redline]

Upgrade to boutique fluid, get blue prints which ive done all the work for you.

Heres K&N, Afe, and AEM performance air filters.

Below is your exhaust setup and measurements, get ahold of Borla or MagnaFlow with the dimensions of the factory mufflers. I would get mandrel bent piping after the factory resonator 1/4" larger, dont use crush bent. You can upgrade the resonator to a Vibrant Quietflow in the appropriate size. I usually go up .25" on everything. At very least replace mufflers with Borla and get high flow air filter, upgrade oil and transmission fluids to Redline, Amsoil Signature Series, or High Performance Lubricants and be done.

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In this case, I would buy the Borla muffler and probably get two 1793 vibrant resonators replacing those two kitchen sinks Buick calls resonators.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Hmm, your reply would seem to indicate that I would use a Buick Enclave to play around in, or otherwise feel like I'm driving fast. I have a Mustang that is plenty fast for that job. I can assure you I have no intention of doing anything like that in a lumbering SUV beast.

When I pass something on the highway I want the job over and done with, no lingering. The SUV's I've driven that were in the 280'ish horsepower range all felt kind of... lacking.

Your wants make it seem like the easiest route to satisfaction means dropping the “uick” from your wish list and upgrading it to “MW”.

 

[Lubener]

If your area has emission inspections, there's not much you can do without affecting your ability to pass the inspection.

 

[JTK]

What that 3.6 offers in OEM form is more than enough for that 6spd AT to handle. That will be the weak point.

If I could offer a suggestion, I would go with a 2018-2023 Traverse. They have the better LFY 3.6, better 9spd AT, pretty much better everything vs the 2017 and earlier versions of this chassis.

 

[97prizm]

Hmm, your reply would seem to indicate that I would use a Buick Enclave to play around in, or otherwise feel like I'm driving fast. I have a Mustang that is plenty fast for that job. I can assure you I have no intention of doing anything like that in a lumbering SUV beast.

When I pass something on the highway I want the job over and done with, no lingering. The SUV's I've driven that were in the 280'ish horsepower range all felt kind of... lacking.

You can try exhaust intake and air filter but highly doubt that it'll make any more power if you put it on a dyno. A number of years ago a tuner magazine tested an Infiniti G35 and even with some upgrades made very little horsepower gains until either ypu went TT or supercharged. There's no aftermarket tuners available for Buick suvs other than what others listed.

 

[andrew_j]

Buy a quicker different SUV if used or learn to live with it. Good luck

 

[John105]

I'm sorry but I feel the need to speak up. Avoid this vehicle at all costs, and look for something else. We had ours 13.5 years and now that it's gone, I will say it's far below average for reliability, and I simply feel the need to do my part and help folks to make better decisions than we did. The thing that it does do well is cargo--115 cu. ft. Not too many vehicles can provide that, I get it. We drove around with the 3rd row almost always folded, so we got used to the 66 cu ft. that way. Just avoid. If you wan to know what its issues are, google will reveal them.

If you decide to get a Buick Enclave anyway, that's ok too.

 

[John105]

You can try exhaust intake and air filter but highly doubt that it'll make any more power if you put it on a dyno. A number of years ago a tuner magazine tested an Infiniti G35 and even with some upgrades made very little horsepower gains until either ypu went TT or supercharged. There's no aftermarket tuners available for Buick suvs other than what others listed.

This vehicle has so many other problems the abover money would not be well spent. Even the salvage yard is going to simply crush them. I got factory OE 19" rims for $47 to $65 each shipped, there are so many out there. They're almost $600 each from the dealer. The exhaust is one piece from the cat back, to the two resonators, and there is no aftermarket exhaust that I know of for performance. Save up for the CATS as they are $2,100 each. Just search P0420, P0430, and Traverse/Enclave/Acadia.

What is interesting is it's only $990 list OE for the 2 CATS on a GM 6.2, so why $4200 for an Enclave? $1900 for the GM 5.3.

One issue that isn't talked about is the power steering failure, and it's known. I lost my link to it, GM offered a 10 year/120k extended on it, BUT cleverly excluded coverage if the dealer could cause I mean find a leak. That's over $3k to fix.

If my rant causes just 1-10 people to avoid this car, that's great, we all win!

 

[John105]

Upgrade to boutique fluid, get blue prints which ive done all the work for you.

Heres K&N, Afe, and AEM performance air filters.

Below is your exhaust setup and measurements, get ahold of Borla or MagnaFlow with the dimensions of the factory mufflers. I would get mandrel bent piping after the factory resonator 1/4" larger, dont use crush bent. You can upgrade the resonator to a Vibrant Quietflow in the appropriate size. I usually go up .25" on everything. At very least replace mufflers with Borla and get high flow air filter, upgrade oil and transmission fluids to Redline, Amsoil Signature Series, or High Performance Lubricants and be done.

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Our muffler failed at age 13, as did the front Y pipe, and most shops today don't do custom fabrication--if they do? $$$$$$$$$$

The Walker muffler was $47 at rock auto--there is no expectation that it will last more than 18 months. That's fine for the price, but not the labor. Also, direct fit, does not fit. It's too short. I could go on but please don't get a Walker exhaust, just junk the vehicle as that is cheaper in the long run lol (factory I believe was $1800 for the part).

Lastly we all know these cars meet Calif. emissions, so best of luck on that one lol (with respect to aftermarket)

 

[Mainia]

Buy a Toyota or a Honda. I would even buy a Kia Teluride over your choice.

 

[repairman54]

Lingenfelter is the only choice for performance in a SUV family tank.

 

[ATex7239]

What that 3.6 offers in OEM form is more than enough for that 6spd AT to handle. That will be the weak point.

If I could offer a suggestion, I would go with a 2018-2023 Traverse. They have the better LFY 3.6, better 9spd AT, pretty much better everything vs the 2017 and earlier versions of this chassis.

This. Our ‘12 had the tranny replaced at 100K miles under the extend warranty. Did fluid changes and didn’t dog it. Still didn’t last long. When we got rid of it at 200K the replacement tranny felt like it didn’t have much longer left. Not a good vehicle to soup up.

 

[nickaluch]

I had 3.6 Enclave and Traverse plenty of passing power just floor it

 

[Egg_Head]

We had a 2012 Acadia. Great family hauler, comfortable ride, solid feel and plenty of power. As mentioned previously, they can (and will) be a "box of chocolates" for issues. Also as mentioned previously, save your money for other items like a new water pump or upgraded tires/brakes. If you do get one, opt for the 2nd row captain's chairs config.

 

[John105]

This probably explains my question on why $4200 for CATs while a new Tahoe 6.2 is < $1,000.

It was $600 ea 11 years ago, not over 2 grand each. But demand should push the price down. Still don’t believe $2.100 is reasonable. Bank 1 is by the firewall. The one that’s more difficult to replace (drop subframe). May as well replace the failed trans engine mount at the same time.

https://www.enclaveforum.net/posts/195365/

Also back then $2473 (this is one of two cats). That’s a steal in 2025.

https://www.enclaveforum.net/posts/195556/