The Most INDESTRUCTIBLE Engines: GM 3800 V6

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[@joshuaking34]

You cannot talk about the 3800 without mentioning it's direct parent, the Buick v6. A legendary engine that humbled v8's.

[@lclnbm]

Same thing

[@thetruthspeaker1978]

Not the same thing at all..the Buick 3.8 is NOT the baby's daddy

[@Iamthestig42069]

You can’t talk about the Buick v6 without talking about the 215/rover v8. They all distantly related

[@lclnbm]

@@Iamthestig42069 funny how both lasted for so long. Built right from the beginning

[@Sak-zo1ui]

Well it humbled v8s of the time. Showing more ways to make consistent reliable power that totally never broke tranis lol.

[@steelbluesleepR]

"A GM engine will run poorly longer than most engines will run at all."

[@jomelbo]

Ha!!!!!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Funny, but only the v6 versions apply.

[@FonicsSuck]

I always said a similar thing about Volvos as well. Maybe not the newer ones but definitely the older ones (pre Ford). Volvos from that time don't die, they just get old and eventually retire. Especially the 240 series.

[@skylinefever]

@@FonicsSuck I consider the Volvo Brick to be the 3rd toughest car of all time. 1st: Mechanical injection Benz diesel 2nd: Ford Crown Vic 3rd: Volvo brick

[@Cemi_Mhikku]

@@skylinefever Find a different car than the Vicky for your list, they're not as good as you think or there'd still be more left. Not to mention they'd have a spot on the Million Miler lists. And put the 240 in first. How many other cars will run for another six months after an idiot runs it out of oil, and COMMONLY run over a million miles without a rebuild? Not many that don't have a redblock in 'em. First and third highest mileage cars both have that mill, and the second has an M-B diesel (as does the eighth).

[@iDrive4fun93]

Truth. I’ve got a c1500 with a blown headgasket on a 350 small block, it’s been blown for 15k miles. Did a 12 hour roadtrip in it earlier this year, half of that with a 16’ tandem axle trailer. Used about 1/3 a bottle of coolant. Just loaded up the bed with firewood this past weekend and did 2 deliveries in it. I built a new engine for it but haven’t had time to swap it in. Still going strong despite everything. It’ll also turn its 33” tires into clouds of smoke still.

[@victorjohnson7512]

Some of those Buicks with the 3800 V6 actually got 30mpg on the highway. The simple low RPM design hit optimal efficiency at 65 to 70mph.

[@justinanderson9126]

Truth my 1996 only has 110k. Good looking car still. An yes 29.8. Mpg. An 21mpg Goin 55 to 60

[@josuepaz9446]

ive gotten 35 on an 04 LeSabre

[@johnny19505]

I got 30mpg sometimes 31mpg on my 98 grand prix gtp. I would still have it but my brother's grand prix caught on fire randomly sitting in the parking lot. So I gave him mine.

[@thetechlibrarian]

Yup I had a delta 88 loved that car lots of low in torque and I would get about 28 to 31 on the highway

[@nicholasking4676]

My 2004 3.8 grand prix got over 30 mpg and was running great at 408000 with no oil consumption and haddecent power

[@joncutt872]

Just be sure to swap the plastic 90° coolant fittings with the metal doorman replacements.

[@drewstaf2955]

Welp found the guy who really had one of these 😂

[@95NV35OO]

Just did this last week.. After last month going through the 4t65e thats behind it🤣

[@joncutt872]

@95NV35OO better now than in December, driving to work and wondering why your heat isn't working.

[@nickyv1629]

Don’t forget about the lower intake manifold gasket leaks! Repaired mine and as a bonus the “new” coolant elbow o rings blow on me on the first drive after tearing the top end apart. Other than that. It was a mint engine

[@teefill]

​@@nickyv1629 that gasket spitting coolant into the intake is the only thing that will kill this engine I think.

[@allq7138]

3800 Don't die The vehicle might be resting in half, but the Engine is still going strong.

[@blackdragon46819]

You ain't lying bro. My mom had a 94 Pontiac transport minivan and had that engine. When it was bought the heads needed rebuilt. After that the trans went out in 1998. Once that was replaced, it spun a rod bearing and we kept lucas oil in it until my brother was using it and the trans went out again in 2014-15. After that he scraped the van

[@bullithedjames937]

Will run like s*** longer than these new engines will run?

[@redlight3932]

​@@blackdragon46819hilarious I ran one for 2k with a spun cam lobe to and from work

[@morgant5427]

@@bullithedjames937 0 000000000

[@August_210]

Man Amen to that. My last car was a 99 buick Lesabre. I did so much stupid shit in that car yet you couldn't kill it. The amount of abuse that car went through and didnt complain was mind blowing lol.

[@sstevocamaro]

160hp wasn’t bad for a V6 in ‘88

[@Cab00v]

Right, Subaru's H6 output 145.

[@isaiahprieto9751]

Especially considering a base model camaro with a 305 tbi only made 160 I believe that year or 170 in 92

[@swankshire6939]

Toyota inline 6 at the time was the 7m with 175hp NA.

[@unicornsteaks6769]

I remember GM touting the Quad 4 for making V8 power with half the cylinders. It made 180 HP.

[@myadhdSquirel]

@@isaiahprieto9751 92 3.4 V6 Camaro had 160hp and 200ftlbs torque. L32 same engine I have in my 82 S10 right now.

[@roguewarr4662]

As a retired GM tech for 47 years , this guy talking is correct . 3.8 (231) Buick engine was very strong . Yes it had some issues along the way ,but did it come to be a real powerhouse in the Grand Natural's . Strong bottomed end was it's greatest part.

[@shantyburton6854]

As an owner of a vin code 7 Buick, the turbo charged 231 made 245 horses in ‘87. Yes, updating the engine and refining it is fine, but by ‘95, it should have had well over 320 horse. The grand NATIONALS were amazing cars.

[@iDrive4fun93]

I hydrolocked one twice and once I got the coolant out of the cylinders and repaired the leaks, it started and ran like absolutely nothing happened, as smooth as ever. I had a 3800 in a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT coupe. Now I have a 2007 Impala with the 3500 OHV with variable valve timing and that’s a tough engine as well.

[@texasvet54]

@rogue, I recently bought a 2020 Buick Enclave Avenir with 13K miles on & cherry, only to find that the newer 3.6 V6 has timing chain issues & that I need to change to oil every 3-4,00 miles to avoid this. Why did GM go to these newer VVT engines if the 3.8 was so solid? Was it an emissions & mpg thing driven by green nutjobs?

[@roguewarr4662]

@@texasvet54 They ran the course with the 3.8 . Then they ran with the 2.8 which morphed into 3.1 then 3.4 then 3.6 but it has direct injection ,which has cause a bigger issue with carbon build up on the valves , ported injectors cleans the valves were direct does not. Most timing chains issues are related to the chain tensioner and not just the 3.6 (but unfortunate for you) . Hell even Harleys twin cam engines have timing chain tensioner issues . Nothing wrong with changing you oil at 3-4k in fact you will be saving you engine for the long haul ,providing it does not breaks in between .Remember the 350 small block chevy engine .they ran the course with it ,and designed the LS series of engines , which has turned out to be great engines (minus some issues along the way . DOD .) Are some of the engineers (nutjobs ) yes , but anything that is design by man and made by man ,can and will break at some point .(challenger shuttle) Electric cars batteries overheating catching fire . You do have options , look into the timing chain issue and fix it ,or drive it till it breaks ,or buy another car ,which may have more issues then you bargain for . good luck

[@texasvet54]

@@roguewarr4662 Thanks for the reply!!! My wife likes her Avenir, which surprises me because she drove a Suburban for 35 years. I drive a Z71 & I personally don’t like something as small as the Avenir. If it was me, I’d buy a Toyota Highlander, but it was her choice. Her friend buys a new Avenir every 3 years & she never has any trouble with them since she only drives 4K miles per year.

[@2strokefather863]

We have these in Australia in a rear wheel drive configuration an we absolutely love them. An old Aussie saying goes. Ya never late in a 3.8

[@kiwi8.]

Still not as good as a intec

[@pakjohn48]

Hey mate! I'm an old Holden man - first car was an FB and current is a VE SV6 but I've never heard that saying. I reckon you made it up.

[@JosephPetherick-cb5ol]

@@pakjohn48 the original saying is never late in a 308.

[@lincoln579]

@@kiwi8.They’re at least better than their successor, the alloytec 🤮

[@kiwi8.]

@@lincoln579 true

[@hughmann1537]

Had one of these Bad Boys in an old 99 Park Avenue. Was Supercharged and it hauled ass. Never had any major issues with it, ever.

[@robertmacpeek424]

Yeah the S/C'd 3.8's were Great and would surprise a Lot of people 😁 Had GM put a beefier better auto behind the S/C'd cars they'd have had a real FWD performer on their hands

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

My dad had the same car . It ran pretty damn smooth and strong .

[@thomaswippick6930]

ultimate grandma sleeper car

[@2strokeFORever]

My pap had a park avenue ultimate. Was fun surprising people with it

[@volvorules100]

I had one in a 96 park avenue without the supercharger and it ran great. Transmission was what killed the car

[@demented_cycles]

My parents had a 91 Oldsmobile eighty eight with a 3800. It was a great motor with decent power for the era

[@johnhinston958]

My parents did too. 30 miles a gallon on the highway.these engines go 400 to 500k miles

[@micahsozanski2682]

Had 91 bonneville and it was great. Sounded mean with just a muffler delete

[@SoI_Badguy]

Incredible fuel mileage for what they were too. I've heard from people that they would get 35mpg+ on the highway.

[@dirtyaznstyle4156]

@@SoI_Badguyfuel efficiency depends on how much you open the throttle, a lot of that has to do with driving style and transmission gearing, and your final drive ratio. You could make anything get 35mpg on the highway with enough transmission gears at the proper ratios to ensure it’s driveable and an appropriate final drive ratio.

[@OldsmobileCutlass1969Va]

My 91 almost got to 300k before a deer finished off the car. Still have it for a parts car for the 90 (280k) and 89 (160k). I'm on the hunt for a series 2 supercharged motor.

[@trevor5933]

Worked in a gm dealer from 2000-03, they were the best running, longest lasting, reliable and easy to work on motors coming in our door. Sparkplug wire shorts leading to fouled plugs causing SEL complaints were the most common, but honestly it happened mostly because someone took the big plastic cover off and didn't get the plug wires back into their clips, and rubbed through down after a few years. The 100k service was a LOFX with plugs, wires, PVC, serp belt and general inspection. Still had a few lower or upper manifold leaks, but generally after 150k miles. Awesome motor from it's original design of the Buick v6.

[@tyhyhh]

Idk man you're acting like the honda 2.3 didn't exist

[@JR-sf6ws]

@@tyhyhh It leaked a lot from the balance shaft seal.

[@brick6517]

The fact you just dissed the greatest v6 engine to ever set foot in a commodore has essentially led you a death sentence in Australia

[@mtmesa390]

Tbf it does sound like absolute ass, and let's be real the falcons 6 was always better

[@mikejones2542]

​@@mtmesa390you're insane

[@Gavs_rc_hobbies]

My old '94 Holden Commodore has one of these. Little things around it fail like the fuel pressure regulator or the ignition module but the engine itself keep on running.💪🏻

[@adzz8012]

The coil packs usually crapped themselves from heat (2&5 centre one was usually the first to go) yank off that silly plastic cover and that helps a bit.

[@mackerel1875]

Buy a Falcon.

[@jaygallagher8064]

I have owned 3 3800s. 1989 Pontiac Bonneville, 1992 oldsmobile 98, 1997 Buick LeSabre. All went over 300k with no issues. The cars wore out, but the engines were still running strong when retired to the scrap/parts yard. These were nearly the first factory "roller" motors ( roller lifters and roller rockers).

[@JR-sf6ws]

'88 bonerville here! I sold it off because the rest of the car was wearing out, the engine was a cruiser, only messed up when the trans got stuck in first and I over revved it and lost the magnet on the cam sprocket.

[@Bluefiresea]

As an owner of a 3800, I can say the engine would start in -60 fahrenheit sitting outside cold and the pulleys would squeel due to the grease freezing. The thing was amazing.....apart from a glaring issue that got a recall on it due to engine fires. The 3800 had a cast iron block which made it a work horse. Problem is, they stuck a f*cking aluminum intake on it, which would warp and cause oil that passed through to leak on the iron block. Another glaring issue the toddlers of engineers did, was put a plastic air manifold on it, that passed coolant through a passage way with about 3mm plastic divider, so it would leak/burn coolant. Amazing engine, but when marketing/budget got involved, wiped a finger across a perfect cake.

[@RollingStoneZzzzz]

Can you explain? I have to add coolant and I have no idea where it goes? Not leaking. This information is very important. Thanks 👍🏻

[@wyrdo1501]

​@@RollingStoneZzzzz good chance you have a bad lower intake manifold gasket, fel pro makes a better than stock replacement and it's not too bad of a job. Some engines also have some plastic elbows for coolant that you can get metal replacements for. If you Google your engine with these problems you should be able to quickly find discussions about it on some forums that will tell you everything you need to know. If your car is slowly drinking coolant tho I imagine it's the gasket.

[@RollingStoneZzzzz]

@@wyrdo1501 Drinking Coolant? But where could 🤔 it be going? I appreciate you taking the time to answer! This car I have is a Chevy 2003 Malibu. When I got it 4 years ago it had 62,000 miles. Today I noticed it at 87,000. I changed the water pump a couple years ago so I assume the mechanic installed new elbows. I also heard it could be the resivour Cap...allowing evaporation. Thanks Again! 👍🏻

[@wyrdo1501]

@@RollingStoneZzzzz ya if you are going thru coolant and it's not leaking it out, it's only got two other places to go, it's getting in your oil or getting Into your cylinders and burning off. If your oil was contaminated with water it would be easy to notice by looking at it and I doubt that's what it is. If it's a slow leak Into the cylinders it will burn it off as the motor runs and you won't notice any smoke from the tailpipe like a blown head gasket dumping a lot of water. Could also be leaking down by the exhaust manifold and burning off slowly so you never see an actual leak on the ground. The best time to check is go for a good drive that gets your car up to temp and then park it somewhere quiet so you can lift the hood and look around for any bubbling around the head/intake manifold while listening to see if you can hear it. I don't know what all years are effected or if they ever fixed it from factory but a lot of these engines have crappy lower intake manifold gaskets that eventually start leaking. If you just have to add a small amount of water once a month or so it's not the end of the world just have to stay on top of it, to be honest small little leaks like that can be a pain in the ass because it's hard to figure out where the problem is, i would start with checking around the intake manifold tho, but if it's leaking internally you just have to rule everything else out. Sucks man but good luck on it and try to pay attention to the temp so you don't accidentally overheat it, freaking car problems always suck.

[@davbzz]

They were bad about getting a small hole in the plastic intake manifold which allowed coolant into the cylinders. If you were unlucky like me and many others, and it stopped in just the right position, coolant could leak into a cylinder while it was off and when you tried to start it you got a hydro lock situation that that could bend a rod. If you’re loosing fluid and can’t figure out where, replace the plastic intake manifold.

[@thumbusthimbus7540]

I love 3800s they’re plentiful and make great power for a 6 cylinder. In my opinion it’s one of the most underrated engines gm has ever made

[@pop_LMP]

Got a 3800 series III rn at 193k miles. Still going strong

[@treverdyrkacz5052]

Got a 3800 in my Monte Carlo at roughly 375k I abuse the hell out of it and I think it likes it

[@captainmorgan5449]

08 Grand Prix 3800 at 217k . Running strong.

[@steampog]

The 3800 Gen 2 was the best, hands down. Had mine stock supercharged but switched out pulleys and air screws for way more power. Thing was a fckn beast.

[@vtecbanger3180]

Air screws as in the parts that compress the air into the head?

[@patrickdunner39]

Exactly that was the best 3800 supercharged engines ever. I had fun with that 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP car.

[@miloetter9942]

Had a 99 Bonneville, made it 325000 miles before the body rusted out but still ran like a top.

[@Mark-xh9ne]

Never should have been discontinued. Simple, reliable, good gas mileage, and enough power to get the job done. Can't say that about your high feature V6.

[@photondebuger45]

That's why it was discontinued, they need your money not the loyalty well kinda that too I would say but if the engine don't die well they can't charge you an arm and leg for engine work. They can get away with electronics but bad engines well people won't buy if the engines are bad too. Jokes aside but not really they do it like that at times or possibly like it's old and can't like keep up or anything so they need to make and new one that WILL fail at like 110k miles

[@wphh7272]

Nah… it’s all about emissions. The old reliable engines just couldn’t be made to run clean enough with their larger tolerances. That’s why many new engines require 0-20 weight oil. Closer tolerances = less emissions but is less forgiving of extended oil change intervals.

[@pinkpony265]

I had to high feature v6s woth no issues they are actually very good engines

[@nicholasking4676]

Exactly gm could have kept the 3.8 added aluminum heads to lighten the weight for the new models and added a turbo intercooled option instead of the 2.8 and 3.6 hi feature engine

[@nicholasking4676]

@@pinkpony265 I have cts high feature 2.8 a worker has cts 3.6 both of our cars have oil consumption issues both engines same except displacement and oil changed every 4500 miles using 5 30 synthetic dexos3 rated . I have owned 2 other pontiacs 3.8 series 2 and series3 no oil usage in 5000 mile changes . Also own a 3.5 ecoboost f150 it seems same engineers designed the gm multi timing chain and the multichain 3.5 f150 lolol

[@jgetscensored7837]

And when you mesh it with a t5, it fits in a Miata with no cutting or hammering. The supercharged variant is absolutely perfect in the Miata, and it doesn’t make any significant change to the weight distribution. Also, you can use the supercharger off some Australian ford product (it’s still an m90 and bolts right on) to get a side entrance supercharger, instead of a rear entrance supercharger like the gm model.

[@JETZcorp]

Is the 3800 all-aluminum? Because if not, I struggle to imagine it wouldn't make a Miata more front-heavy. Those little iron BP engines are a bit chunky, but most modern aluminum V6s are still a bit heavier. And if we're talking NC or ND Miata, those stock engines are LIGHT.

[@jgetscensored7837]

@@JETZcorp to my knowledge they are all cast iron. I think all the way up to their final run. But don’t quote me on that. I will say with confidence, 90+% are cast iron. It weighs less than the LS though. And only weighs a smidge more than the 1.8 iron block that came in the Miata. Plus you need upgrade the transmission, which, while centered, adds a bit of weight to the middle, somewhat counteracting the weight distribution changes

[@jgetscensored7837]

@@JETZcorp oh and I was referring to the na and nb miatas. I don’t have much interest in anything after the mid 2000s

[@JETZcorp]

@jgetscensored7837 I think you'd appreciate the NC, which is the one I have. Aside from an electronic throttle, it's no less direct and analog than an NB. But, it has ridiculously better chassis rigidity, awesome suspension geometry inherited from the RX8, an extremely superior powertrain, and space for a non-Japanese human to sit without looking over the windshield or steering with your knees. It's like 150lbs heavier and could use a good set of shocks, but it's a great platform. The ND is great too, but there's definitely a modern numbness creeping in there.

[@jgetscensored7837]

@@JETZcorp don’t get me wrong. I appreciate its performance and I can’t argue that it’s better than the first or second gen in every merit. It’s just not as “Miata” as it’s predecessors. I think I like the basic interior, compactness, minimalist approach over the more refined third gen and up

[@carllinden533]

A common thing that puts these engines in the junk yard too soon is a misdiagnosed head gasket leak. For whatever reason when the *intake* *manifold* gasket fails, coolant is ingested causing many to falsely assume an expensive repair :(

[@RollingStoneZzzzz]

Tell me more? I find i have to add coolant to the resivour. Not leaking and I scratch my head...where does the coolant go? Not leaking! Weird! Das 😎 all.

[@Malibu-cs7ox]

My dad has a '97 Buick with the 3800, it has a little over 480,000 miles and it's his daily driver. He puts 50 to 100 miles a day on it.

[@no_bull]

Had one in my Holden Commodore made in Australia engine and car. Mang Mang limiter bashing lol

[@adzz8012]

Mang mang mang oh shit valley cover gaskets 😂

[@s4ss.m8]

​@@adzz8012**laughs in L67**

[@jeffhill3681]

And every auto magazine writer absolutely ripped GM about this "stone age" engine because it wasn't overhead cam and VVT. Gee the DOHC 3.4L Chevy and the Quad 4 was "so much better" aren't they? Now everything has 6' long timing chains and VVT and don't make it out of warranty without major issues $$$

[@johnca9095]

Now people are taking off the S/C and putting a turbo on it. The beast is rising again!

[@trump45and2zig-zags]

Love the supercharged ones!! Gimme a granny buick any day!

[@toenails.]

It did not sound like a turd. They were so ahead of their time when they were introduced. The powered millions of GM cars

[@spaceghost8995]

Compared to a V8 they sound like turds.

[@FonicsSuck]

They do sound like a turd because every single one of them developed an exhaust leak

[@jaydeecee421]

True. I think a lot of 3800s went to the wrecking yard with good engines. Bad 4T65 transmission, and the rest of the Impala/Monte Carlo/Park Avenue/whatever falling apart around it, but basically a good engine. (Once you have swapped the LIM gasket and coils)

[@c.mcdermo]

If it weren't for the trans and air ride systems going out so much, they'd be some of the longest lasting cars around

[@tmprillwitz]

Best American made motor ever. I still see cars on the road with this engine. Originals not rebuilds.

[@roguewarr4662]

As a retired GM Tech ,I think the 3.8 is or was the best V6 GM has built . No. 1 goes to the King of the hill .The Small Block Chevy Engine in all it's configurations .

[@Underpantsniper]

And the 4200 vortech is as good as the 2jz and the Barra. It just lacks after market support.

[@joethomas6457]

I hear that. they tested a dozen engines. running for 1000s of hours eventually draining the oil and running still. for days at redline. I just hated the shaft thru the oil pan for 4x4.

[@Underpantsniper]

@@joethomas6457 the 4x4 has a drive shaft through the oil pan??? What model was that on??

[@joethomas6457]

@@Underpantsniper trailblazer

[@Underpantsniper]

@@joethomas6457 Thanks, just looked at some pictures of the oil pan. That's insane that they have the half shaft going through the oil pan. Who thought that was a good idea?

[@joethomas6457]

@@Underpantsniper yeah crazy right I'm glad I never had to change an oil pan gasket

[@adriengrossfeld5660]

The 3100 SFI (engine code L82) from like, 1995-1999 were pretty damn reliable as well, being the series II 3800's "little brother". Sure, you had the issues with the intake manifold gaskets going bad over time due to one of the chemicals used in the OEM Dex-Cool coolant, but they are strong as hell too.

[@davidcaprio8919]

3100 was a 60° motor, based on Chevy 2.8, morphed into 3.4, 3.5 and 3.9. 3800 true smaller brother was a 3300

[@maxxlr8tion578]

I remember my moms old Bonneville, one of the first cars I ever drove, over 400k miles, three transmissions, had to be dragged back onto its wheels after sliding down a steep ditch in the rain and ending up on its right side... and that was at around 250k miles, lol, it was finally driven across the scrapyard scales, original engine still running strong, didn't even smoke.... leaked oil from every seal and gasket, but never gave up!

[@SuperPumkinX99]

I had a 05 grand Prix GT for my first car, and that 3800 was a fantastic engine, what's great little car

[@Wiseman189]

I had a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, that was 260 horsepower.. I added a smaller pulley on the supercharger throttle body spacer and cooler plugs and thermostat, I don't know the horsepower after that but I know I was smoking V8 Mustangs and Camaros and I kept breaking motor mounts transmission mounts to be exact 😂😂😂😂 I love that car and I shouldn't have sold it

[@wrathofjohn8266]

It's older than 88. My 87 Grand National had a turbo 3.8. I think it goes back to the 60s.

[@dannymccarty344]

It does. Buick had bad luck with it. They sold the whole engine line to AMC in the sixtys. Then they bought it back and put it in Buicks, in the mid seventies. It was redesigned in the eightys, and used in all divisions. Excepting Trucks and Caddy's.

[@davidlavalle7583]

In 87 it was a 3.8 not a 3800 that was the major revision. But the 3.8 was a pretty good motor also but alot were bolted to weak ass front wheel drive trans axles

[@motorcitywestauto4674]

Modified a supercharged 3800 for my boat. Love it.

[@Mtoutdoorsman]

I’ve always had great luck with Gm vehicles, my first vehicle was a 1974 Chevy Cheyenne super 20 with a 454 V8 and it is a awesome truck and I still have it to this day with the original engine and transmission at a little over 200,000 miles, I’ve also had numerous other Gm vehicles that I didn’t have any issues with besides transmission issues in my 04 Silverado and the 07 impala SS I used to have

[@pacomaciasarrate6809]

Good to hear that the original owner still has it, now that they're collectibles. It's an impressive vehicle.

[@Mtoutdoorsman]

@@pacomaciasarrate6809 i won’t ever let that truck go, it used to be my grandfather’s and when I got my license he gave it to me since he lost his license that same year, and a couple years after he gave me the truck he passed away so that truck holds a lot of value in my heart, i often think about how valuable old vehicles really are just because of the memories that they’ve made, it’s so unique

[@spirovarelis9637]

I've seen people make these hundred sound amazing

[@Ohyou8one2]

I worked at a used car lot in 90’s, I loved selling the 3800’s, you couldn’t kill those things.. they lasted no matter what kid’s parents bought it I never heard a complaint in 15 years

[@brandonsizemore3619]

Man these were some good engines. I know of several 90s eras running around this area to this day with no more than oil changes in their history.

[@Omahaguy68131]

i bought a theft-revocery 98 Intrigue with the 3800 Series II with 75k miles for $700. i fixed it and drove it for years. i still have it with 130k on it and will never sell it. i need it to keep reminding my adult children that they are asking money from somebody who still drives a $700 car. it has been incredibly effective for over a decade.

[@ddvette]

The 3800 was a cheap way to get fuel economy by chopping off 2 cylinders from the Buick v-8. It always ran rough because of the uneven detonation but was improved with the split pin crank later . Was sold to AMC to put in Jeeps but due to a golf course conversation with a couple of Buick execs in the early 70s looking for fuel economy was brought back to Flint, the machining equipment bolted right down to the same positions and started making motors. It was improved and became one of the best engines ever made.

[@PistonAvatarGuy]

15 mpg: fUeL eCoMiNy

[@FlatPlaneCranky]

Do a video on the 4.3 GM. I have a 1993 Silverado that damn thing won’t freakin die!!

[@carlstephens1532]

My 98 1500 service truck has 360,000 miles on it still gets over25mpg as well

[@myadhdSquirel]

4.3 is based off the 3.8s design.

[@Cw0346]

​@@myadhdSquirel Couldn't be more wrong. 3800 is a transverse v6 designed for sedans with FWD. 4.3 is a V6 based off of the 350 small block. Exact same as the 350 just missing 2 cylinders Dropping the displacement from 350 to 262. Never used in a sedan to my knowledge. Light duty trucks, suvs and vans.

[@myadhdSquirel]

@@Cw0346 a 4.3 is just a bored out and stroked 3.8. 3800 is the same engine as a 3.8.

[@myadhdSquirel]

@@Cw0346 only thing that's different is the intake. Block and heads are the same.

[@GenesisRC]

My mom had a 2000 lesabre with one of these engines. Blew head gaskets after a couple years of owning. Transmission rebuild. Massive amount of money keeping that running

[@justisbartling5325]

I can guarantee you right now it wasn’t a head gasket it was a I take gasket. You’ll never blow a head gasket on one of these engines.

[@paisleyprince5280]

Series 3 had the better plenum design. I understand why the 90 degree v6 is a bad design but the replacements for the 3800 series 3 are total shit.

[@paisleyprince5280]

Also they were called 3800 to differentiate themselves from the Ford 3.8 which was a decent engine but loved to blow headgaskets.

[@sstevocamaro]

@@paisleyprince5280GM had a 3.8 before the 3800. I doubt they did it because of Ford.

[@robertmacpeek424]

Yeah the verbage around the "3800" name and back story is/can be murky...The "3800" or 3.8 V6 was originally developed by Buick, used the the base engine in their fleet. If you consider the "3800" (FWD 3.8 V6) to all be the same with the 3.8 V6 RWD configuration originally used beginning around '76 or '77 (late 70's) then No. The 3800 dates back further than 1988. From RWD configuration to FWD though the whole engine family of Buick 3.8 V6 engines though is quite impressive. Consider the bland early version RWD, 2 BBL 120ish HP version to the SFI Turbocharged 3.8 LC2 version we're all familiar with and love to the later style (3800 series III) used up to about 2004 or so in not only Buicks but Pontiacs as well as other GM brands... Great engine nonetheless 👍

[@duncandmcgrath6290]

3800 and 3.8 are not to be confused

[@independ4416]

​@@duncandmcgrath6290What's the difference?

[@kevinmcnabb168]

My sisters had 4 of them. They never let them down. I still see cars running around with these engines .Olds and Buicks.

[@jimmywhitlow2012]

My dad's 3.8 Buick Century had over 300,000 miles on it when he sold it, and it still ran good.

[@martinhajda2132]

The 3800 is the holy grail of engines. These things never died, had great torque, and fuel economy numbers better then a Tesla. Remember, your never late, in a 3.8.

[@scottschultz2001]

And they got 30 mpg

[@Omahaguy68131]

at 75/80 on the interstate, mine gets about 26sh. still way better than my odyssey van that gets 20ish.

[@user-vl8sw7kg7y]

I can get 32 or 34 mpg, if the wind 🍃 blows (push) my Buick Park Avenue.

[@fredkuhn165]

Not on the highway. Maybe going 50-60

[@nikhayes3396]

I can certainly attest to this… my little brothers first car had this engine, he didn’t do any maintenance and beat the living hell out of the car, and it lasted forever.

[@armandovigil1542]

My first car was a 89 Buick with a 3800...had it for 20 years...ran like a champ...zero problems.

[@chrisjoseph9917]

Till they need head gaskets, and then come to find out you need the actual heads because they are cracked.

[@_.incredible_magnum._291]

This is a you problem bruh

[@pop_LMP]

That sounds like someone didn’t take care of their cooling….

[@_.incredible_magnum._291]

@@pop_LMP ive never had a 3800 blow a head gasket. Even if it did then it's a push rod so it's super easy to fix

[@zeropointzero]

I've been a tech for over 20 years, and have worked on a lot of GMs with these engines. I've never seen a head gasket failure. It's unheard of, even if the engine overheats. One would have to bake the absolute hell out of a 3800 to make it crack a cylinder head.

[@wymple09]

I've owned a bunch of these, and have one swapped into my Fiero. Never heard or saw one with a bad head gasket.

[@wazza33racer]

The Buick 3800 is a complete gem. They just dont give trouble and were very decent on fuel mileage.

[@direraven4123]

My 06 buick lucerne had one and the engine was unstoppable! Transmission is what did her in but for 4k ten years and 245k miles ago, she was an unstoppable monster

[@geoffmooregm]

Just wanted to throw in a little clarification. Some people think that the 3800 is just a 3.8L Buick modified for FWD use. But the 3800 name brought a lot of improvements. These improvements also make it incompatible with a lot of 3.8L parts. The block was completely changed by shifting the cylinder banks relative to one another in order to bring the cylinders on center relative to the crank throws. The distributor boss was removed, and the old cam driven oil pump was moved to the crank snout and no longer relied on the problematic aluminum cover to house the pump and force oil through the small passage ways. This change was also available on pre 3800 motors starting in 86. A roller cam was added along with a balance shaft in the lifter valley. The cam was a welcome upgrade. Many performance enthusiasts prefer to leave the balance shaft out. A roller cam was also available in pre 3800 motors with RPO LG3. But motors not designed 3800 never had a balance shaft. The bellhousing pattern for all 3800 motors used the GM Metric (Small Corporate) pattern. This was shared with the GM 60-degree-V6 and some 4 cylinders used in FWD applications. This is a big consideration when swapping into older RWD chassis. The TH-2004R never had this pattern, so you are limited to the TH-700R4 or compatible manual transmissions. On top of all this Chevy also had a 3.8L V6 for a short time but it was based on their V8 and completly different. It later became the 4.3l V6. They also had a 4.3L V8 🤯

[@rossallen5478]

LOVED IT Had one in my 97 Lumina 25 mpg And I kid you not Out run Crown Vics and a 1/2 ton Dodge P/U with a HEMI

[@andrewbanit4884]

Had 2 of these in leSabre and Bonneville apart from water pump and coil replacement no trouble at all. Buick one had a magnet torn off the sprocket for cam position sensor and still ran with engine check light on for 5 more years after. Used a mirror and removed the sensor to see find it. Not teardown. That's for haters so they don't say I tore it down to see that magnet was off. Both cars went over 300k. Loved it.

[@MrOnemanop]

Had a supercharged ‘95 Buick. Loved that engine. Loads of torque, smooth, quiet. Best feature on the car.

[@MrBdubsr]

I had a 1999 Monte Carlo with this engine and a 1998 Grand Prix with it also . Absolutely loved them and they ran forever.

[@devinball1564]

Dang, I miss my Pontiac Bonneville SSEI. That thing was the most comfortable and quick cracked frame pile of rust i ever owned.

[@daviddavid5880]

These engines are tough as nails. I seriously would not turn up my nose at anything with this motor. They just won't die.

[@SamslamminCars]

I drove my 92 LeSabre with the 3.8 overheating for 10 miles since late at night and no phone. It made it bellowing smoke from the engine. Started perefect the next day and never damaged the Head Gasket. Tank!!!!!!!!

[@WARD5KUSTOMZ]

My wife had an 04 regal with it. Odometer quit at 235k. Gave it to her son. Has probably close to 300k on it now. Wont give up

[@mccartneystuart]

97 Buick Riviera 3800 series 2 supercharged was one of my favorite cars I've owned. Super comfortable rode on a cloud and was no slouch. Got rear ended leaving Padre still made it across Texas with the trunk caved in.

[@sambananas4513]

I drove a Buick v6 around as a teen in winter with no coolant for weeks, it never missed a beat.

[@Blade_of_Violet_Chaos]

I've got a 5 speed 3800 powered camaro. It's actually kinda fun with 200hp. They sound good with the proper exhaust on them. You have to run duals with an x pipe. If you put a y pipe on these things they rasp more than a 60 year old chain smoker. They also love boost and nitrous

[@Singh_1989]

I've got one of those in my 89 GMC sierra. That engine never quits and gets great fuel mileage with the EFI and 5spd manual

[@stareluigi6702]

A whole bunch of Pontiac G6s out there that won't die

[@slipstreamvids7422]

I love the lore that guys attribute to inanimate objects, like they are people they like or don’t like.

[@msack6904]

My 98 Firebird would roast the tires and hang with Rustang 5.0's of those years, the 3.8l was definitely a good motor. Still ran good when I sold it with 175k.

[@ChristophDearden]

Buick 3.8's still coming into the shop for just oil changes. Legendary reliability.

[@rooster6461]

I’ve changed oil on 3800’s that went 100K miles between oil changes, the filters were completely packed with crud. That was 13 years ago and I still see some of those driving around with 350,000+ miles.

[@MidnightMechanic]

Might wanna check your history, the 3.8 came waaaaay before 1988, more like 1975. Buick bought back the rights to the V6 from AMC, and upgraded the bore to 3.8 litres. The engine saw many revisions, ending with the Series III before its 2008 cancelation.

[@julesballe463]

these engines showed up in Rivieras, sweet rides, beautiful interiors, nice.....

[@jeffl1460]

Your absolutely correct. I see a lot of these clips and everyone says a LS, 350 ect. But this 3800 they put into Pontiacs, Olsmobiles, Buicks, was truly a well designed and long lasting punch bowl of a engine. Series I, Series II and the Supercharged versions.

[@nallen1006]

Had a 3800 that went 425,000 miles when the odometer quit. The door panels were flapping in the wind, only one external door handle worked. But that car got us through some tough times. Was eventually sold to a dirt track racer who ran the car for quite some time after.

[@chackos123]

I think the 3800 sounds good, it gets good mileage and has plenty of power. It's a great engine and was an absolute blast in my Grand Prix GTP. What a blast!!

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Turd to you, reliable, trustworthy, and plenty powerful to me..thanks gm .🎉🎉

[@jandkwhite6459]

I jad a grand price with this engine and can confirm it just WOULD NOT DIE. Car fell apart and the engine still started right up

[@Paul-wc6yh]

It really is the best GM V6. I've had several cars with it and never had a problem.

[@RollingStoneZzzzz]

The same engine I have in my 2003 Chevy Malibu. Definitely still running strong. However 🤔 not thrilled with having to stop at the gas station as often... However I do appreciate it running strong after all these years! Almost like the Chrysler Slant 6 that was the engine of all engines. I had it in my old Doge Dart. Of course it lasted too long so"They Killed It"! Das 😎 all!😉👍🏻

[@JDub07]

Owned a 96 Buick Regal GS. Dual climate, leather, power everything. It was fast-ish, smooth, quiet.

[@Royboi1011]

I have a series 3 3800 in my 07 Buick with 270k on it. Still runs perfectly. Great engine.

[@fish509b]

I have that in my old Buick LaCrosse. I totally agree with your assessment. Very reliable and (mostly) easy to work on when needed.

[@stvwds61]

I rarely have any of them come into my shop for engine problems. Way fewer than other US and most foreign V6 engines.

[@beeepizzle]

LOVED the 3800 Series II in my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. I sure do miss that car…

[@workingclassless84]

My 98 Bonneville was still going strong in 2009 then I ended up with a blazer in my backseat and that was all she wrote.

[@alpha13dylan]

Don't forget about the 3100 series. That thing had great torque and amazing fuel economy. I had a 92 chevy Lumina with the 3.1 it was amazing. Great torque, great ride, Fantastic fuel mileage. One of the best passenger cars I've ever driven.

[@deanlaman3844]

All we had growing up was mid 90 Buicks. We replaced a trans at over 220k and still ran flawlessly. Those 3800series you can’t kill them

[@eazy_e.7153]

The 2007 3.5 in the g6 Pontiac is also just insanely reliable, the thing just won’t die lol the whole car fell apart around it before it was junked, motor was still good. 285k miles on it

[@Johnbobon]

My first new car was a Grand Prix GTP. I swapped out the pulley, PCM, intake and exhaust. It ripped pretty good with those mods, especially from 0 to about 40mph with all that low end torque. It was a fun car for a youngster. Seems like a former life at this point.

[@SizeableThoughts]

They were awesome engines. They would often survive 2-3 4L60e transmissions

[@jamesblanco7323]

My colleague at the automotive shop, who’s been a mechanic for decades, has always sworn by the 3800, said it’s the best engine GM ever made. Hell, it’s reliable and can clock 30 mpg highway in a full-size car.

[@No_Budget.Builds]

I always noticed the car body and electronics almost always quit long before the engine itself does. I see people beat the crap out of these and not maintain them and still own them forever.😂

[@shanestergamer6196]

Had a 3800 LN3 Pre series 1 and own another 3800. 1st one was in a 1988 Oldsmobile 98. Had it for 10 years, had 217k on it before I sold it. Paid $450. 2nd one is a 1994 Buick Regal Custom series 1 3800. Has 237k and doesn’t burn a drop of oil. Swapped out the plastic coolant elbows for the metal ones and bypassed the security system so it will start. Paid $700 for it. Definitely one of the greatest engines from gm

[@thejumbo]

The 3800 was the truth. My 1989 Delta 88 had 182k miles on it when my brother totalled it. Engine still ran perfectly.

[@ChuckBeefOG]

Wow. 240hp supercharged. Thrilling.