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What cars did GM put the 3800 in?


The General Motors 3800 engine, known for its reliability and performance, has been a staple in various GM vehicles for decades. This article explores the range of cars that featured the 3800 engine, highlighting its significance in the automotive industry.


Overview of the GM 3800 Engine


The GM 3800 engine, also known as the Buick 3800, is a 3.8-liter V6 engine that was produced from the late 1970s until the early 2000s. It became popular for its smooth operation and fuel efficiency, making it a preferred choice for many GM models.


Vehicles That Featured the 3800 Engine


Throughout its production, the 3800 engine was installed in a variety of GM vehicles across different brands. Here are some notable models:



  • Buick:

    • Buick Regal

    • Buick LeSabre

    • Buick Park Avenue

    • Buick Century



  • Chevrolet:

    • Chevrolet Impala

    • Chevrolet Monte Carlo

    • Chevrolet Lumina



  • Pontiac:

    • Pontiac Grand Prix

    • Pontiac Bonneville

    • Pontiac Grand Am



  • Oldsmobile:

    • Oldsmobile Intrigue

    • Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme




Legacy of the 3800 Engine


The 3800 engine is celebrated for its durability and ease of maintenance, contributing to its long-lasting presence in the automotive market. Many of the vehicles equipped with this engine have become classics, cherished by car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.


In conclusion, the GM 3800 engine has left a significant mark on the automotive landscape, powering a diverse range of vehicles that continue to be appreciated for their performance and reliability.


Frequently Asked Questions

What cars did GM put the 3800 engine in?


The 3800 wouldn't make its way into another Chevrolet until 1998, but in the end, it actually wound up in more Chevrolets than Buicks. That year, it was an option for both the Chevy Lumina and Monte Carlo models, except it was not for the base-level iterations and instead for their higher performance models.



What was the biggest GM V8?


ZZ632/1000 crate
In 2021, Chevrolet Performance presented the largest and most powerful crate engine in the brand's history—the ZZ632/1000 crate engine. It is a naturally-aspirated, 632 cu in (10.4 L) V8, producing 1,004 hp (749 kW) and 876 lb⋅ft (1,188 N⋅m) of torque. The motor itself weighs 680 lb (310 kg).



How many miles will a 3800 engine last?


3-400k miles
The GM 3800 was probably the best one. It was developed from the Buick-designed 231 then 3.8, It was so reliable GM used it in Pontiac and Olds at the time as well as Buick. It's been known to go 3-400k miles if properly maintained.



What car has a forged 3.8 L V6?


The 721 hp Forged 3.8L V6 is an engine originating from the 2017 Nissan GT-R Premium.



What was the last year for the 3800 V6?


2008



Is the 3.8 V6 a good engine?


Reliable, but slow. One positive is that the 3.8 is a pushrod engine, it's very easy to work on and has a lot of space around it with most things being easy to get to. I'm in the very small minority that actually prefers the 3.8 over the old 4.0.



Is the 3800 V6 a good engine?


GM 3800 V6 Engine Is Very Reliable, Says Mechanic: Video. In the pantheon of great GM engines, the 3800 V6 might not be the first powerplant you think of.



When was the 3800 discontinued?


August 22, 2008
Quoting from a Wikipedia article on the “Buick V6 Engine”: “Production of the 3800 V6 engine officially ended on Friday, August 22, 2008 when plant 36 was closed.” Plant 36 was the engine manufacturing part of the Powertrain Flint North complex, known as “Buick City”.



What cars have the 3800 series 2 engine used?


Affected vehicles include: 1997-2003 Buick Regal; 2000-'03 Chevrolet Impala; 1998-'99 Chevrolet Lumina; 1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo; 1998-'99 Oldsmobile Intrigue and 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.



How long do GM 3800 engines last?


The GM 3800 was probably the best one. It was developed from the Buick-designed 231 then 3.8, It was so reliable GM used it in Pontiac and Olds at the time as well as Buick. It's been known to go 3-400k miles if properly maintained.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.