I just got an 89 Bonneville SSE and I was wondering how you tell the difference between the 2 VIN versions of the 3.8L engines that were used in these cars? I know this is probably a dumb question but, I'm kinda new to all of this. Thanks a bunch.

There'* some info up in Techinfo that may help you. Try the bonneville timeline at my website also.

I don't think the 89 used two Vin versions... Just one... Vin "C."

Correct me if I'm wrong.

The car is a 1988. I guess I typo'd when I wrote the original post

1G2HZ5K "C" XTH200001

The engine code is represented by the eighth character.

I changed my engine I had a VIN 3 I put in a C it works exactly the same only thing different was on the C it did have the engine temp sensor I had to install the old manually.

yep the hole was there it just had a plug in it. I unscrewed the plug and screwed in my old sensor and it works fine.

Only thing is my oil pressure gauge reads all the way full when the car is on. I have no idea what caused this.

Yeah I could try that or I could leave it broken I am just surprised my car even works since I had never swithed an engine and I did it all alone. When it started I almost passed out.

junkman - you swaped a 3 for a C and used which wiring harness ? which computer ? to make the 3800 C run ?

Sorry to come in so late but I just saw this post. Unless I'm misunderstanding you , you made something work thats not supposed to.