By just looking at the engines, how can you tell between a Series I and a Series II, without the plastic covers on them?

Quickest way is the plastic intake on the series II. Series I has a aluminum one.

Series 1 is a plastic intake, also. Series 1 went from 92-94 for NA, 92-95 for SC.
Series 2 started in 95 for NA, 96 for SC. The series 2 has a larger black heat plastic heat shield. Series 1 has a smaller black one for NA, and smaller gray one for SC.

Even further, the Series 1 SC said "3800 Supercharged".....what did the Series 1 NA read? All Series 2 have "Series 2" molded on the cover, whether NA or SC.

Ok, cause the reason I asked this is because my engine was replaced last year, cause my old one had a cracked intake that destroyed the engine, before I owned it. My dad dropped in a used 3800 with only 4000 miles. It doesn't have a cover on it, so I can't tell what kind it is.

I can gaurantee it was a Series 2, unless the entire engine harness and PCM were changed also. 95 was the first year for the NA Series 2. The plenum tube from the airbox to the TB would be a different size, also.....the series 2 was larger. So if your Dad didn't do all that, it'* still a Series 2.

Ok, I looked at it. It sure looks like a Series II from what all of you said. Here are some pictures to verify.

Yup. The most obvious differences are that your intake has larger 'flattened' passages, the airbox is bigger, and your rubber intake hose is shorter.

Series 1 engines are usually cleaner, too

You're just missing the engine cover. That'* what made it difficult for you!

All right. Thanks a bunch for clearing this up.

Ya, I don't really mind not having the cover. Without it, more heat dissapates.

And ya, I know its dirty....

Jr, make him go see my web page. That'll GUILT him into cleaning it up!

DANG! That thing is cleaner than soap. I feel like a dirty dirty engine neglector. What can I use to clean it?