3.8 Series II identification

[tempfixit]

Is there a way to verify that a 3.8 engine is a series II? Is there a number stamped someplace on the block?

Thanks

[HotZ28]

Some castings numbers you can look for are;

Vin "1" & L27, FWD block #134, or 441. head #2136

Series II, FWD L36 Block #029 or #287, Head #4781, Vin “1” will have injectors in head with 8-bolt flywheel.

The series II 3800 was a totally redesigned version of the 3800 Series 1 engine. The Series II block has a shorter deck height, symmetrical design cylinder heads & cross-bolted main bearing caps. If the UIM/LIM are still in place, the all plastic construction is another way to tell the difference in the N/N Vin "K". Of course, the Vin "1" Series 11 S/C engine host an M-90 Eaton Supercharger. In addition, as mentioned above, the Series II will have bolts just above the oil pan going through the side of the block. These bolts are for the cross-bolted mains that were not used on the Series I L27 blocks. There are many other visual ways to differentiate the two designs, but it all depends on the completeness of the assembly.

[tempfixit]

Thank you HOTZ28 for the detailed information, very informative and helpful. Now I know what to look for to make sure We get a Series II engine.

Thanks again for help

[Blue Bowtie]

I wouldn't hesitate to get an older design 231 if the rest of the vehicle warrants it. In some respects, the older engines are more rubust. (There aren't many 9-second Series II Buicks, but there are plenty of the older ones.)

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

I wouldn't hesitate to get an older design 231 if the rest of the vehicle warrants it. In some respects, the older engines are more rubust. (There aren't many 9-second Series II Buicks, but there are plenty of the older ones.)

What is the older design 231? Is it a series 1 and what kind of motifications would it take to make it work in a 96 Lasabre?

Thanks