198

The Buick Division, concerned about high manufacturing costs of their innovative aluminum 215 V8, sought to develop a cheaper, cast-iron engine based on the same tooling. They settled on an unusual 90° V6 layout that was essentially the architecture of the '215' less two cylinders. In initial form, it had a bore and stroke of 3.625 in × 3.1875 in (92.08 mm × 80.96 mm), for an overall displacement of 198 cu in (3.2 L). It weighed about 35 lb (16 kg) more than the aluminum engine, but was far cheaper to produce. Dubbed the Fireball V6, it became the standard engine in the 1962 Buick Special. In their test that year, Road & Track was impressed with Buick's "practical" new V6, saying it "sounds and performs exactly like the aluminum V8 in most respects."

225

The bore was increased to 3.75 in (95.25 mm), and stroke increased to 3.4 in (86.4 mm), increasing displacement to 225 cu in (3.7 L). Since the engine was similar to the popular small-block Buick V8—now with a cast-iron block and displacement of 300 cu in (4.9 L), the engine was made cheaply at the same factory with much of the same tooling. This engine was used in Buick's intermediate-sized Special and Skylark models from 1964 to 1967 and Oldsmobile's mid-sized F-85/Cutlass models for 1964 and 1965, including the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser and Buick Sport Wagon.

1964–1965 models featured a single barrel Rochester MonoJet, producing 155 hp (116 kW). In 1966–1967, the 1-barrel was replaced with a 2-barrel Rochester 2GV, giving the engine a 5-horsepower boost to 160 hp (119 kW).

The V6 was dropped after the 1967 model year in favor of a conventional 250 cu in (4.1 L) inline-six engine built by the Chevrolet division, and the tooling was sold to Kaiser-Jeep.

Dauntless

In 1965, Kaiser-Jeep began using the Buick 225 in Jeep CJs. It was known as the Dauntless V6 and used a much heavier flywheel than the Buick version to damp vibrations resulting from the engine's firing pattern. Buick sold the tooling for this engine to Kaiser in 1967, as the demand for the engine was waning steadily in an era of V8s and muscle cars. When American Motors (AMC) bought Jeep, the V6 was replaced with AMC straight-6 engines, but the ownership of the V6 tooling remained with AMC.

Applications:

• 1966–1971 Jeep Jeepster & Jeepster Commando
• 1966–1971 CJ-5
• 1966–1971 CJ-6

231

The 1973 oil crisis prompted GM to look for more economical engines than the V8s of 350, 400, and 454/455 cubic inches that powered most General Motors cars and trucks during that time. At that time, the only "small" engines generally offered by GM were built by the Chevrolet division including the 140 cu in (2.3 L) OHC aluminum inline-four engine used in the subcompact Chevrolet Vega and a 250 cu in (4.1 L) straight-6 used in smaller Chevy, Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac models, whose design roots dated back to the 1962 Chevy II (Nova).

One quick idea was tried by Buick engineers—taking an old Fireball V6 picked up at a junkyard and installing it into a 1974 Buick Apollo. The solution worked so well that GM wanted AMC to put the engine back into production. However, AMC's cost per unit was deemed as too high. Instead of buying completed engines, GM made an offer to buy back the tooling and manufacturing line from AMC in April 1974, and began building the engines on August 12.^[1] With production back within GM, Buick re-introduced the V6 that fall in certain 1975 models—a move made possible by the fact that foundations for the old V6 machinery were still intact at Buick's engine assembly plant in Flint, Michigan, so it was easy to put the old tooling back in place and begin production at least two years ahead of the normal schedule that would have been required to create new tooling. The bore was enlarged to 3.8 in (97 mm), identical to the Buick 350 and Olds 307 V8s, yielding 231 cu in (3.8 L) displacement. 78,349 units were installed in Buicks for 1975.^[2]

Due to difficulties with the new fuel economy and emissions standards, the engine produced just 110 hp (82 kW).

LD5

The original, carbureted turbocharged LD5 from a 1978 Regal Sport Coupé

In 1978, GM began to market the 231 as the 3.8 liter as metric engine sizes became common in the United States. The RPO Code was LD5, though California-emissions versions were called LC6. Starting in 1979, the engine was used in the front-wheel drive Buick Riviera, though still with a longitudinal mounting. Larger valves and better intake and exhaust boosted the power output for 1979.

A turbocharged version was introduced as the pace car at the 1976 Indianapolis 500, and a production turbo arrived in 1978. The turbo 3.8 received sequential fuel injection and a wasted spark Distributorless Ignition System in 1984. In 1986, an air-to-air Garrett intercooler was added and the RPO Code became LC2. The LC2 engine has a bore and stroke of 3.8 in × 3.4 in (96.5 mm × 86.4 mm). The horsepower ratings for 1986 & 1987 were 235 and 245 hp (238 and 248 PS; 175 and 183 kW), respectively. The limited production GNX benefitted from additional factory modifications such as a ceramic turbocharger, more efficient Garrett intercooler, low restriction exhaust system and revised programming which resulted in a 300 hp (304 PS; 224 kW) factory rating.

The turbo 3.8 liter was used in the following vehicles:

• 1978–1987 Buick Regal Sport Coupe, T-Type, Grand National, and GNX
• 1978–1980 Buick LeSabre Sport Coupe
• 1979–1980 Buick Century Turbo Coupe & Sedan
• 1979–1985 Buick Riviera S-Type, T-Type and less than 100 Convertibles
• 1980–1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Turbo
• 1989 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo 20th Anniversary Edition

The turbocharged 1987 Buick Regal Grand National GNX was called America's quickest automobile, and the model continues to be collected and appreciated today.

LC9

A smaller version of this engine was produced in 1978 and 1979 for the Century, Regal, and Chevrolet Monza. The bore was reduced to 3.5 in (88.9 mm), resulting in an engine of 196 cu in (3.2 L) piston displacement. The RPO code was LC9. Initially this engine produced 90 hp (67 kW), but in 1979 it received the same improvements in the cylinder heads as did the LD5, and therefore power increased to 105 hp (78 kW).

LC4

In response to rising gas prices, a larger 252 cu in (4.1 L) version of the 3.8 liter LD5 V6 was produced from 1980 through 1984 and marketed as an alternative to a V8. The bore was enlarged to 3.965 in (100.7 mm), yielding an output of 125 hp (93 kW) and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m). This engine was used in many large rear-wheel drive Buicks, and in some models from each of GM's other divisions, including Cadillac which offered the "big" Buick V6 in several models from 1980 to 1982 as a credit option to the troublesome V8-6-4 engine used in 1981 and early versions of the aluminum-block Cadillac HT-4100 V8 introduced in 1982. It was also the standard powerplant in the front-drive Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado from 1981 to 1984. Additionally, the 4.1 block was used unsuccessfully at Indianapolis for racing. Its only weakness was the intake valve seals. This was the first naturally aspirated GM V-6 to feature a 4-barrel carburetor.

LK9

A small 181 cu in (3.0 L) version of the Buick V6 was produced for GM's 1980s front-wheel drive cars. Introduced in 1982, it was a lower deck version of the 3.8 designed for transverse application in the new GM A platform cars such as the Buick Century and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. It shared the same bore size as its larger sibling, but featured a smaller stroke of 2.66 in (68 mm). It used a Rochester E2ME 2-bbl carburetor and the VIN code for the engine is E.

Applications:

• 1982–1985 Buick Century
• 1982–1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
• 1985 Oldsmobile 98
• 1985 Buick Electra

LN7

The LN7 is a multiport fuel injected version of the LK9. It was introduced for 1985 and used the VIN code: L. It was replaced in 1989 with the 3.3.

Applications:

• 1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88
• 1986 Buick LeSabre
• 1986–1988 Buick Skylark
• 1985–1987 Buick Somerset
• 1985–1987 Pontiac Grand Am
• 1985–1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais

3.8 FWD LG2/LG3

In mid-1984, the 3.8 liter LD5 engine was modified for transverse-mounting in smaller, FWD vehicles, and equipped with multi point fuel injection (MPFI). 1984-1985 models used a distributor and a distributorless wasted spark ignition system was added for all engines produced in 1986 and later. In 1986, it received sequential fuel injection (SFI) and it was initially produced in two forms, the LG2 with flat lifters (tappets), and the LG3 with a roller camshaft and lifters. The latter was offered in various models through 1988. From 1986, the 3.8 had a revised, crankshaft-driven oil pump which eliminated a longstanding problem with pump housing wear and loss of prime. Power produced by this engine was:

• VIN code B (LG2): flat lifters (tappets)
  • 140 hp (104 kW) at 4,400 rpm, 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) at 2,000 rpm
• VIN code 3 (LG3): roller lifters (tappets)
  • 125 hp (93 kW) at 4,400 rpm, 195 lb⋅ft (264 N⋅m) at 2,000 rpm (1984–1985 MPFI)
  • 150 hp (112 kW) at 4,400 rpm, 200 lb⋅ft (271 N⋅m) at 2,200 rpm (1986–1988 SFI)

Pre-Series I

LN3 Naturally Aspirated

An LN3 installed in a 1989 Pontiac Bonneville with a later ICM and Coilpack upgrade instead of the original Magnavox Ignition System. This engine produced 165 hp (123 kW) and 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m) of torque.

Introduced in 1988, the 3800 LN3 would later be loosely considered the Pre-Series I, although the older 3.8 SFI (LG3) was still available that year in some models. Designated initially by VIN code C, the multiport fuel injected 3800 LN3 was a major redesign, featuring changes such as a balance shaft, on-center bore spacing, use of a 3×/18× crank-trigger system, and other improvements. This generation continued in use in several GM products into the early 1990s. It produced 165 hp (123 kW) and 210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m).

The LN3 is very closely related to the Series I L27 and Series I L67 Supercharged. In fact, supercharger-related hardware can be fitted to an LN3 without changing the cylinder heads. However, the ECM would have to be reprogrammed. The L27 has a two piece, upper plenum intake and lower intake, the LN3 is all one piece.

Applications:

• 1988–1990 Buick Electra
• 1988–1991 Buick LeSabre
• 1988–1990 Buick Reatta
• 1988–1990 Buick Riviera
• Formula Holden (motor racing category)
• 1988–1991 Holden Commodore (VN Series I)
• 1988.5–1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88
• 1988–1990 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
• 1988–1990 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan
• 1988–1990 Oldsmobile Toronado
• 1988–1990 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo
• 1988–1991 Pontiac Bonneville

3300 (LG7)

General Motors 3300 V6 (VIN N) in a 1990 Buick Skylark Luxury Edition.

A smaller 3.3 liter 3300 was introduced in 1989 and produced through 1993. It was effectively a lower-deck version of the 3800, with a smaller bore and stroke of 3.7 in × 3.16 in (94.0 mm × 80.3 mm) for 3,340 cc (3.3 L; 203.8 cu in).^[3] Like the 3800, it used a cast iron block and heads, push rods, and hydraulic lifters. Unlike the 3800, however, it used a batch-fire injection system rather than sequential injection, as evidenced by the lack of a cam position sensor. It also did not have a balance shaft. Power output was 160 hp (119 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m) at 2,000 rpm with a 5,500 rpm redline.

Applications:

• 1989–1993 Buick Century
• 1989–1993 Buick Skylark
• 1992–1993 Pontiac Grand Am
• 1992–1993 Oldsmobile Achieva
• 1989–1991 Oldsmobile Calais
• 1989–1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera

Series I

L27 SI Naturally Aspirated

A 3800 Series I L27 naturally aspirated engine installed transversely in a 1995 Buick Regal.

The LN3 was replaced by the 3,791 cc (3.8 L; 231.3 cu in) L27 in 1991-1992 and produced 170 hp (127 kW) from 1992 onward, this engine was referred to as the Series I 3800, or 3800 TPI (Tuned Port Injection). In Australia, the LN3 was also replaced by the L27 by Holden who used the engine in their series 2 (1991) VN Commodore range. However, the Australian L27 retained the LN3's one piece upper intake and lower plenum. Power was still boosted to 127 kW (170 hp) for the Holden L27, before being boosted to 130 kW (177 PS; 174 hp) in the revised VR Commodore in 1993. The L36 made its debut in 1995.

Applications:

• 1992–1995 Buick LeSabre
• 1991–1994 Buick Park Avenue
• 1991 Buick Reatta
• 1990–1995 Buick Regal
• 1991–1993 Buick Riviera
• 1992–1995 Chevrolet Lumina APV
• 1991–1995 Holden Commodore (VNII, VP, VR)
• Holden Caprice (VQ, VR)
• 1992–1994 Pontiac Bonneville
• 1992–1995 Pontiac Trans Sport
• 1992–1994 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
• 1992–1994 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
• 1991–1992 Oldsmobile Toronado
• 1991–1992 Oldsmobile Toronado Trofeo
• 1992–1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette

A supercharged 3800 (transverse mount) installed in a Buick Riviera for 1995, the last year of Series I L67 production. Power is 225 hp (168 kW)/275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) for this version.

Series II

Introduced in 1995, the Series II is quite a different engine. It is also by far the most popular of the 3800 family for its power, smoothness, fuel efficiency, and reliability, although the stroke for the 3.8 liter engine remained at 3.4 in (86 mm), and the bore remained at 3.8 in (97 mm). That said, the engine architecture was vastly changed. The deck height is shorter than the Series I, reducing weight and total engine package size. This required that the piston connecting rods be shortened 1 in (25.4 mm), and the crankshaft was also redesigned. A new intake manifold improved breathing while a redesigned cylinder head featured larger valves and a higher compression ratio. The result was 205 hp (153 kW) and 230 lb⋅ft (312 N⋅m), better fuel economy, and 26 lb (12 kg) lighter overall weight (to 392 lb (178 kg)). This 3800 weighs only 22 lb (10 kg) more than the all-aluminum High Feature V6 that currently dominates GM's six-cylinder applications, despite being an all cast-iron design.

The new intake manifold greatly improved airflow. To meet emissions standards, an EGR tube was placed in the intake manifold to reduce combustion temperatures.

The 3800 Series II was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1995 through 1997.

GM recalled 1.5 million vehicles with this engine on April 14, 2009 due to risk of fire from engine oil leaking under the valve cover gaskets onto hot exhaust manifolds. The fire could spread to the nearby plastic spark plug wire retainers on the valve cover and then to the rest of the engine compartment. GM fitted the affected vehicles with redesigned spark plug wire retainers.^[4] These engines were noted for having problems with the plastic upper intake manifold cracking around the EGR passage. The engine would then hydrolock. The lower intake gaskets and upper intake manifolds were revised, correcting all these issues.

L36 SII Naturally Aspirated

This engine was used in the following vehicles:

• 1996–2005 Buick LeSabre
• 1995–2005 Buick Park Avenue
• 1996–2004 Buick Regal LS
• 1995–1997 Buick Riviera
• 1995 California only, 1996–2002 Chevrolet Camaro
• 2000–2005 Chevrolet Impala
• 1998–1999 Chevrolet Lumina LTZ
• 1999–2004 Chevrolet Omega CD
• 1998–2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Z34, LT, SS)
• 1995–2004 Holden Commodore (VS, VT, VX, VY)
• Holden Caprice (VS, WH, WK)
• Holden Ute (VU, VY)
• 1995–1996 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
• 1995–1999 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
• 1998–1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
• 1996–1998 Oldsmobile LSS
• 1997–1998 Oldsmobile Regency
• 1995–2005 Pontiac Bonneville
• 1995 California only, 1996–2002 Pontiac Firebird
• 1997–2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

A variation of the L36 engine in a 1998 Holden VT Commodore

Another variation of the L36 engine in a 1995 Oldsmobile 88

L67 SII Supercharged

A 3800 Series II L67 Supercharged V6 engine in a 1998 Buick Regal GS.

The L67 is the supercharged version of the 3800 Series II L36 and appeared in 1996, one year after the naturally aspirated version. It uses the Eaton Generation III M90 supercharger with a 3.8 in (97 mm) pulley, a larger throttle body, and different fuel injectors, different cylinder heads, as well as different lower intake manifold and pistons than the L36 uses. Both engines share the same engine blocks, but compression is reduced from 9.4:1 in the L36 to 8.5:1 for the L67. GM listed the engine output as 240 hp (179 kW) and 280 lb⋅ft (380 N⋅m) of torque. Final drive ratios are reduced in most applications, for better fuel economy and for improved use of the engine's torque in the low RPM range. Like most 3800 V6s, the engine is well known for its reliability and low maintenance costs. The engine is a popular choice for aftermarket modification thanks to its very strong internals and impressive power gains from basic upgrades. The engine was built in Flint, Michigan, and was certified LEV in 2001.

• 1996 Buick Park Avenue Ultra (C-body)
• 1997–2005 Buick Park Avenue Ultra (G-body)
• 1997.5–2004 Buick Regal GS / GSE / GSX (SLP)
• 1996–1999 Buick Riviera (optional 1996-97, std. 1998-99)
• 2004–2005 Chevrolet Impala SS
• 2004–2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Supercharged
• 1996–1999 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LSS (limited)
• 1996–1999 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi (H-body)
• 2000–2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi (G-body)
• 1997–2003 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP / GTX (SLP)
• 1996–2004 Holden Commodore VS (series II), VT, VX, VY
• 1996–2004 Holden Caprice and Statesman VS (Series I, II, and III), WH, WK
• 2001–2004 Holden Monaro (V2) CV6

Series III

The Series III engines include many changes. The upper and lower intake manifold is now aluminum on the naturally aspirated models. Intake ports are mildy enlarged; 1.83 in (46.5 mm) intake valves (instead of 1.8 in (45.7 mm) as on Series II) and 1.52 in (38.6 mm) exhaust valves were introduced in 2003 engines, just before switching to Series III. Electronic throttle control is added to all versions, as is returnless fuel injection. Stronger powdered metal sinter forged connecting rods are used in 2004+ supercharged, and 2005+ naturally aspirated engines, instead of the cast iron style from Series II engines. Emissions are also reduced. In 2005, it was the first gasoline engine in the industry to attain SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) emissions certification.

Also note that Series III engines are the base for any 3800 produced for the 2004 year and up. This means the same block, heads, and connecting rods apply to any remaining Series II engines made after 2004 also. The difference is that Series III engines received the new superchargers (Generation 5 – Eaton M90 – if equipped), intake manifolds, fuel systems, powdered connecting rods, as well as larger intake valves, drive by wire throttle body and electronics.

L26 SIII Naturally Aspirated

L26 engine in a Pontiac Grand Prix

The L26 is the Series III version of the 3800. It is still a 3.8 L (231 cu in) design. Compression remains at 9.4:1 as with the L36, but the aluminum upper and lower intake (2004+) and stronger connecting rods (2005+) are the primary physical changes. The powdered metal connecting rods were meant to be introduced in 2004 along with the L32, but the GM plant in Bay City, Michigan that supplies the Flint, Michigan plant could not achieve the desired production dates in time for that engine year.

This engine was used in the following vehicles:

• 2004–2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
• 2005–2009 Buick LaCrosse/Allure
• 2006–2008 Buick Lucerne