3800 same in different GM models?
 

Hello,
I just aquired a '92 bonneville with a bad engine. The engine won't idle once it warms up, so I did a compression test a found #1 cylinder was @ 150 psi and the rest were about 90. I was thinking about getting a good replacment motor at the wrecking yard. I was wondering if I could use an engine out of a Olds or Buick of the same year. I'm not real knowledgable about the newer vechicles and don't want to run into any problems.
I'm new here and hope to learn a little something. Great site! :D

John

Do not get another 92 engine. They are EGR-less and are prone to burnt valves. The 93'-94' series 1 is good. Notice how you're 92' has a white upper and the 93' is black. Make sure the engine you get is the black one.

Thanks for the advice! I heard about the burned valve problem and that may be the problem I have right now. Would the low compression cause the engine not to idle once it warms up, or is this related to something else? Guess I'll need to scan it!

John

If you have 150psi on 1 single cylinder and 90 psi on the rest there is a problem for sure...

If you get another engine keep in mind that the L27 was built through 1995... The 1995 L27 was used in the Buick Lesabres and GM minivans with the 3800 Badge...

93-95 Vin L Tuned Port Injection 3800's will work for you..

Good Luck

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valves
 

You could do a valve job and bring the engine back.
Lower end is pretty solid if its maintained.

Plus getting a 93+ L27 will require wiring for the EGR and the ECM, I imagine.

The intake on the 1992 L27 should be a direct bolt on to the newer L27 engines as well as the exahust manifolds... So it shouldn't be a large problem...

What I am wonder about is the heads tho...

SSEBONNE4EVA, may have hit up on something... Its possible that all he needs is a good valve job... But the valve job and parts will run $300+ doing the work yourself...

I have pretty much never seen a 3800 with piston ring issues... OTOH, if he is going to be installing a newer engine himself than it may be worth his while to find a newer L27.. I guess its all in what he'll want to do..

Good Luck.. :wink:

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would he be able to plug and play with a super charged engine?

No. He'd need the wiring harness, and ECM.

Be sure to check www.car-part.com for an engine at a salvage yard near you. Plus this site will allow you to find some really good deals.
Wishing you best of luck,
Martin