3.8l buick lesabre
Posted by ToxiicZio@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 20 comments
Hey have a buick lesabre with the 3.8l v6 and was wondering what would need to be done to bulletproof it? After bulletproofing it is done i plan to build it some how and possibly get the super charger kit for it!
I_amnotanonion@reddit
Coolant elbows and new lower intake gaskets.
If I remember correctly, the supercharged 3.8s have different heads and pistons so that’s something to consider.
Otherwise, these don’t have a lot of problems and can handle a lot of power on the stock internals
Shouty_Dibnah@reddit
Another weak point is the timing/water pump gasket . Fails right behind the water pump under the coils. I’ve had 3 do that. Keep an eye on it for seeping. It’s a bit of a job.
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
Is there anything else that you would recommend to go ahead and change the car has low miles and i just want it to last forever lol
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I’ll consider the things for the super charger a little later lol ima get the air ride and interior finished first!
rational_overthinker@reddit
I have a 1992 Buick Park Avenue with the 3.8 with 88k miles and be warned these things can have issues with not firing up
I'm dealing with that problem right now and it's driving me crazy
I've already done the anti theft bypass, the crank positioning sensor, the fuses, the ignition module
I'm ready to give up
CognitiveRedaction@reddit
Fuel pump working? Ignition coil? Those and starter are the stupidly easy things but often it is one of those with the 3.8. I worked on one a few years back and did all those plus security bypass and it still wouldn't go. Turned out I hadn't properly attached some wiring when I put in the new starter. My fault entirely. The best thing to do is just go back and double check everything you did so far was connected properly and all the really easy stuff (like listening for the damn starter motor...something I didn't do and wound up fixing things that were never broken and didn't need it) such as battery/terminals is done. Best of luck!
rational_overthinker@reddit
thanks yeah the last thing I need to check is the fuel pump, hoping that solves it. I've replaced the coil twice already.
_Forsaken_Durzo@reddit
As has been said, coolant elbows upgrade and lower intake gaskets. From there, the biggest flaw isn't the engine itself but the transmission. It can only really hold around 300hp. That being said, if you are looking to do forced induction, there is actually a kit you can but to turbocharge it.
I was looking to do this on my 2001 Monte Carlo SS before it was totaled.
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
from what i’ve heard people are just telling me to swap a already supercharged engine and i’m considering that if i can find one in the future. And what can i do to the transmission to make it better any parts that should be changed or looked over?
_Forsaken_Durzo@reddit
ZZPerformance makes a ton of great stuff for the 3800 platform.
An engine swap on these isn't super easy. To do it right, you have to drop the subframe engine chassis. I did one through the hood, and it was a pain to get everything lined up correctly.
The trans specifically, if you don't already have the HD version, you want to upgrade internals to the HD components. I don't have the list anymore, but essentially, it changes certain chains to gears and reinforces the trans to handle up to that 350~ hp mark
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
Perfect man can it be installed at home or is it like a needs a shop install?
_Forsaken_Durzo@reddit
Depends on how comfortable you are at taking it all apart. You have to jack it up, take off the passenger wheel and cv axle, and then take apart the nose and replace those parts. Fairly straightforward but labor intensive.
Makabajones@reddit
3.8 buicks are pretty tough but better to find a 3.8 that was built with a supercharger or keep the NA 3.8 NA if you want it to be bullet proof
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
what would I need todo a swap? I know the cars with the supercharged 3.8s are usually rear wheel drive instead of front wheel just don’t know if that would make much of a difference or not
Trogasarus@reddit
In the us market, all of the supercharged ones are fwd.
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
That’s good to know thank you!
Trogasarus@reddit
The 3800 is a great engine for what it is. Im looking to get one in my 1st gen s10 as a daily driver. It will bolt to my trans (t5) so besides some wiring, ill have to fab some exhaust and piece together some mounts. I already have some rwd 3800 stuff i picked up from a yard a few years back, like intake manifold and oil pan etc.
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
That’ll be sick man! Goodluck with it I hope it all goes well. My buick has been great I bought it in january with 109k miles and nothing but good from it so far!
IronSlanginRed@reddit
They're already bulletproof if you've got the intake gasket and coolant elbows done.
You cant just slap forced induction on an engine and make it last. They almost always have different heads and pistons atleast.
If you do just slap forced induction on it of any appreciable power increase... usually the extra heat expands the rings and pistons more and cause cylinder scoring.
ToxiicZio@reddit (OP)
Got it someone suggested I just go for an engine swap when im ready to go supercharged so i’ll take all that into consideration as well