I recently purchased a 1997 SSE. The engine had thrown a rod and busted the block. The dealer had pulled a 3800II out of a 2003 LeSabre that had been totalled. It only had 3000 miles on the LeSabre. The Bonne had 59,000. The condition of the body and interior is superb. So now I have a 97 with only 5,000 miles on the engine. (I have put on about 2000). My question is....was was the difference between the 97 and 2003 3800'*? Just curious. I am new to the Bonneville/3800II arena. When replacing the motor, would they also replace the manifolds, intake and exhaust? They said the only thing from the 97 engine was the fuel injectors, since the 2003 had a different wiring harness, and the harmonic balancer. The one on the 2003 would work with the 97. Not sure why.

Thanks for any input.

The 95-2004 3800'* should be virtually identical and interchangeable.

95? They started the Series II then? I was thinking 96?

NA Series II was introduced in 95. SC Series II was introduced in 96.

Ahh, it'* all so clear now. :P Thanks!!

Well, that is a good question, especially for the stock GM upper intake, which, as is well known, can fail with disastrous results. I doubt they would change it just like that. So I suppose you could have a fairly new stock 3800 II upper intake. It would be ripe for changing sometime soon, am I right folks?

The only differences that I know of is the '97 and early '98 heads weren't as good as the later heads (can't remember the difference, but I know the newer ones are better). Also, the 2002 & Later camshaft has SLIGHTLY more exhuast lift. (Instead of .258/.255 they are now .258/.258.

I can look in my service manual, but I'm pretty sure those are the only differences.

Shawn

So...other than the mileage issues...am I better off with the 2003 3800II than I would have been with the 97 3800II?

we have a 97 and a 2000, there are some differences in where things are kept in the engine bay, and the 2000+ have a newer engine cover. Our 2000 has more pickup when you put the pedal down, but it could be different gearing for all i know. YOu should be able to go from one to the other.

there'* a link around somewhere in regards to an aluminum plenum stead of the plastic floating around.. read it yesterday.. might be something you N/A might want to consider..