3800 Series I VS. II
 

I've stayed curious about this and I'm sure I'm not the only one what's the upgrades/possible downgrades made in '95s with the series II. I know there is a mild increase in HP (I believe around 30hp) and the Series II had the intake issue where the coolant channels in the intake manifold wore into the intake causing a hydro lock (not sure if this was an issue with the Series I) dealt with before and was lots of fun... *sarcatic tone*. Anyone that can weigh in?

My 96 buick lesabre has the 3800 series II not a single engine issue to date with it those series II are one of the better engines to have IMO I don't know anyone that's had a problem with them.

The Series II will give you the two intake issues (one got me, I got the other), but you get such good things are more horsepower, OBD-II compliance, and a plethora of upgrades to scratch any modding itches you may develop.

From what I understand, the series 2 is a pretty different animal than the series 1. The intake manifold issues are no big deal once fixed, and should not be used to determine which you choose. Series 1 is a torque monster, a real stoplight warrior. True, the upgrade market is just not there, and it is not OBD 2, but the Series 1 does have one thing working for it strongly, fuel mileage. Especially when coupled with a 2.84 FDR, properly tuned up with a couple of mods, they will completely own just about any other similarly sized car (30's reliably, some reports of 40's) despite cruising speed (up to about 80-85mph). Series 2 is more mid to high range power, and do better when wound up at speed. They also have OBD2, and the aftermarket following. Not even counting that they can hold their own in the fuel mileage race too, but they are pretty speed sensitive.

Throw a supercharger on top of that series II and you will have more low range power than you know what to do with ; )

Throw a supercharger on top of that Series 1 and you will have more low range power than your differential will know what to do with :w3

I've owned two of each. Both are fantastic engines. As far as the added power in the SII, I just don't see it. Power bands are a little different as discussed but My 92 Olds and 05 Buick are geared the same, weigh about the same and would photo finish in a drag. My 98 Olds however, would run circles around both of them. Buts its geared a lot lower.

My Series I's seamed to run just a little smoother and fuel economy was slightly better. So all else being the same I'd have to say I liked the series 1 just a little better. Not that I'm unhappy with my SII's (I love em) but they are really no improvement over the S1.

The main problem for you S1 guys is finding a vehicle in decent shape that's got one. The engine outlasts the vehicle.

Use it or loose it!
 

Keep the wrench in your hand! I'm the newbie on the block, but have a little experience. Things have changed since I played with engines!

we would like to keep the questions to one thread for simplicities sake. the folks who have the experience with these engines will look at all the technical threads and post the info you need just may take a few days not everyone is on all the time.