I'm looking at a 1999 Regal LSE (92K mi.) that I'm considering buying. Car is very clean, seems to run very smooth and strong. I'm looking for any advise on what to look for on these Series II 3800 motors? It doesn't appear to be leaking from anywhere. I just wondered if you guys could give me some things to look for before I make an offer? Also, with proper care, how long of a lifespan should I expect from this motor?

The biggest thing to look for:

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38

If it hasn't already been repaired CORRECTLY, you'll be doing it soon after purchase if you want the car to last. If you do the repair correctly, your engine should outlast 2 or 3 transmissions well into the 300k mile territory.

Should the upper and lower intake be upgraded/replaced as PM at or around 100K mi.? About how much does this cost to do yourself? How much to have a shop do it?

From what I have seen here on the forum and other places, to do it yourself your taking between $100-250 bucks, depending on what parts you get (correct me if I'm wrong guys) and for a shop to do it your looking at anywhere between $700-1200. Hope that helps.

Some of them don't even make it to 100k.

If it hasn't been done, do it. Regardless of miles. And get rid of the DEX.

I've looked at some of the write ups on this site about replacing the UIM and LIM, and I'm not 100% sure I could tackle that. And 700-1200 bucks sounds like quite a bit to pay a shop. It sounds like a pretty lengthy job?

but mine is going on 10 years whit the original upper and it been on DEX all its life .i will be replacing it soon but there no apperence of any coolant lost so far but im keeping and eye on it

Update: I didn't end up with the 99 Regal LSE that I started this thread about. But, I did just pick up a 99 Regal LS with 119K miles on it. Got it pretty cheap, so I'm going to have my mechanic friend do the usual gasket fixes and probably flush the coolant. Thanks for the advice...