Buick 3.8 liter V6
VIN designation: A (LD5), 2 (LC6)
displacement: 231 cid
induction: 2bbl. carburretor
Availability: all models
Horsepower: 105 to 115 at rear wheel dep. on year and model
Bore X Stroke: 3.800 X 3.400
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Normal Oil Pressure: 37lbs. at 2600 RPM
Firing Order: 165432
| Cylinder Numbering: | |
| LEFT | RIGHT |
| 5 | 6 |
| 3 | 4 |
| 1 | 2 |
| Note: Viewed from front of block top to bottom. |
Identification:
Well first off, it's the only optional V6 so that should be a dead
giveaway. As far as physical description, distributor is in the front
unlike an Olds motor. You can spot a V6 from about a mile away by the
fan shroud which is about 3 times the width of the V8 shroud. Note that
while in the past there were 2 different Buick 3.8liter V6's, an even-fire
and an odd-fire version, in the time period of 1978 to 1980, ALL V6's
are even-fire.
Upgrades:
Power Upgrades for the 3.8 liter Buick V6 include (but are not limited to
the following:
A 4bbl quadrajet intake from a 4.1 liter Buick V6 is a perfect fit. Also
4bbl intakes are available new from Edelbrock. A Buick V6 does benefit
(especially if you have installed a 4bbl) from extra airflow; an open
element breather will help some. A 3.8 liter CAN handle dual exhaust
but don't go crazy with things, 2 inch pipe is probably TOPS, and you
want a somewhat restrictive muffler or else you will LOSE horsepower for
lack of backpressure. Several companies do make power camshafts for the
Buick V6. The Buick 3.8 liter V6 has an undeserved reputation of having
a lack of power. My buddy had a 4 bbl. V6 powered '83 Cutlass that would
keep up well with my Olds 350 powered '84 Cutlass... and his revved up to
his power-band a lot quicker. If you want real tire-frying race-proven
power... and insist on a V6... your only REAL option is turbo-charging.
The Buick Grand National in the 1980's was powered by a turb-charged V6.
See the Turbo Buick Homepage for more information.
Oldsmobile 4.3 liter Gas V8
VIN designation: F
displacement: 260 cid
induction: 2bbl. carburretor
Availability: all models except California wagons and some MT cars
Horsepower: 105 to 110 at rear wheels dep. on year and model.
Bore X Stroke: 3.500 X 3.385
Compression Ratio: 8.0:1
Normal Oil Pressure: 35lbs. at 1500 to 3000 RPM
Oil Filter: PF45
Firing Order: 18436572
| Cylinder Numbering: | |
| LEFT | RIGHT |
| 8 | 7 |
| 6 | 5 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 2 | 1 |
| Note: Viewed from front of block top to bottom. |
For ID and Upgrades section Click Here!
Oldsmobile 5.7 liter Gas V8
VIN designation: R? (L34 on W-30 models)
displacement: 350 cid
induction: 4bbl. carburretor
Availability: 1979 Hurst/Olds and 1980 442 W-30 ONLY
Horsepower: 160 at rear wheels
Bore X Stroke: 4.057 X 3.385
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Normal Oil Pressure: 35lbs. at 1500 to 3000 RPM
Oil Filter: PF45
Firing Order: 18436572
| Cylinder Numbering: | |
| LEFT | RIGHT |
| 8 | 7 |
| 6 | 5 |
| 4 | 3 |
| 2 | 1 |
| Note: Viewed from front of block top to bottom. |
The 260 and 350 are produced by Oldsmobile and share a nearly identical
outward appearance. The distributor is in the back of this engine near
the fire wall. There is a tube coming from the top of the front of the
over the timing chain cover that serves for oil filling. The air
conditioning compressor (if optioned) is on the passenger side of the
engine. The alternator is on the driver's side.
Chevrolet 5.0 liter Gas V8
VIN designation: G, H
displacement: 305 cid
induction: 4bbl. carburretor
Availability: Available in all models except some high Alt. wagons
Horsepower: 160 at rear wheels
Bore X Stroke: 3.736 X 3.480
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Firing Order: 18436572
ID and Upgrades Click Here!
Chevrolet 5.7 liter Gas V8
VIN designation: L
displacement: 350 cid
induction: 4bbl. carburretor
Availability: Available ONLY in wagons and 1980 Brougham Sedan
Horsepower: 160 at rear wheels
Bore X Stroke: 4.000 X 3.480
Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
Firing Order: 18436572
Okay... so you think you have a Chevymobile (that's what we call Chevy
powered Oldsmobiles). The signs of (shake... shake...) having a Chevy
(sorta like having a disease... okay it's not that bad... they were
available stock) include: oil fill opening in valve cover (no tube on
front of block); if you have A/C you will find your compressor on the
driver's side of the car... and some big long ugly looking A/C lines
traveling over to the other side of the engine compartment; you will
find your alternator on the passenger's side of the car.
Come on... you've got a Chevy... hasn't your mind been totally
obliterated by Chevy this and Chevy that... well anyways... if
not... there are MANY MANY MANY magazines that you can pick up to learn
how to get the most from your Chevy. Also You might try these links:
Oldsmobile 4.3 liter Diesel V8
VIN designation: P
displacement: 260 cid
induction: Fuel Injection
Availability: all models except wagons
Horsepower: 90 at rear wheels
Bore X Stroke: 3.500 X 3.385
Compression Ratio: 22.05:1
Firing Order: 18436572
For ID and Upgrades section Click Here!
Oldsmobile 5.7 liter Diesel V8
VIN designation: N
displacement: 350 cid
induction: Fuel Injection
Availability: Wagons ONLY
Horsepower: 105 to 120 at rear wheels dep. on year.
Bore X Stroke: 4.057 X 3.385
Compression Ratio: 22.5:1
Firing Order: 18436572
The 260 and 350 diesel engines are produced by Oldsmobile and share a
nearly identical outward appearance. Okay... your firs clue might be
duh... it's a diesel. Might be some of those "DIesel fuel only" stickers
laying around somewhere. But seriously... you will notice the absence of
a carburretor. There is an object that looks sort of like a carburretor
on the intake... but on closer inspection... you will discover that you
are looking at a fuel injection system. There is also no distributor.
Engine accessories are the same as for an Oldsmobile Gas engine.
Power Upgrades
Well... contrary to what you may be thinking... the Olds diesel CAN be
"hopped up" somewhat... for more information I'll send you to the expert
on this... The Olds 350 Diesel Web Site.