GM Supercharged 3.8l, rotation? Issues?

[TwistedMetal]

A buddy "gave" me a 3.8l. I'm sure it will cost me a rollcage or more down the road, but it will get me rolling. Says it could probably use a refresh, but good to go and mostly complete.
I need to know if it's worth it for one. My original plan is/was a built 22r Toyota with about 220 reliable hp. Very simple motor, tough as nails and relatively light.
I also need to know if the 3.8 rotates the correct direction for a rear engine app(VW Bug). I know Kennedy sells an adfapter to mate it to an 091 bus box, so I assume so?

The guy with the motor also works/owns a race motor shop and he's pretty confident he can pull 350 hp from it relatively cheap, as well as keeping it driver friendly.

I like the idea of real power...but I also the fact that a 22r can be found RUNNING in any junkyard for a few bucks, upgraded for a few bucks more, and run for another 20 years.
Perhaps the 3.8 is as dependable, but I don't know much about them.
Thoughts?

[Ryno]

3.8 is a good motor, with the blower, or without. Very reliable. They were used in Buicks, Pontiacs, and Chevys, in mainly heavier cars. Only downfall is you'll pay for a custom ECM and harness.

[TwistedMetal]

Well...he's got the stock ECM...but I put a 4.3TBI in a Suzuki Sidekick with the stock brain/wiring once...yikes. If I feel like chasing wires for another 6 solid days I can save some money. But RIGHT after I did my swap my cousin stuck a 4.3 Vortec in his 4Runner and he spent the $400 for a harness from Painless Wiring...I think he had to hook up like 20 minutes, 4 wires and he was driving. D'Oh!

[reddman666]

I'm using a 3.8 supercharged buick for my build too. Have you found any good sources for more info on this semi-obscure motor? I have a buddy who has one and recommended sending my harness to his guy, but his always runs like $#!+, if at all, not what I want for my ride.

Are there any companies that specialize in Buick performance?

[TwistedMetal]

NOTHING. Even Painless Wiring does not make a harness for it, which means ya gotta dig up a bunch of headache-inducing schematics and play "chase-the-stripe" until your eyes cross.
I dumped the idea. I'm going for my cousin's built Toyota 22r that I traded a rollcage for. A few wires, a fuel line, drive.