Hey, I have a question for owners and all fanatics of the 3800. I have the NA 3800 series 1 in a 95 lesabre. I am thinking it will soon be time to upgrade, or at least have a second car as a project, so i can get it running nicely for when I do need it. Anyways I have looked around and I am thinking I want something with a series II 3800 SC. Going for a nice upgrade. I guess I just want opinions on what of the cars that run those engines are the best. What is the most reliable, of course...I wanna know what is the most fun to drive, comfort, interior space. All the good info from those of you that have owned one yourselves. I saw a 97 regal GS for $500. owner says it had 160k on it and just stopped running. Worth checking out if its still around when I head that way next week. I have never rebuilt an engine or transmission, but am thinking now might be the time if I can get something at the right price. Would a rebuild be worth the time and money on that engine with the 4t65e HD trans? would be easier to learn when I do not only have 1 car to get me to work every day. I am not thinking performance really, just build something reliable without dropping a fortune into it. where is the point where its not worth the effort?

Any info, tips, thoughts, help me out here I want some input.

I'm kinda biased, but I'd say the Bonneville SSEI is a great choice, when you're taking interior space and comfort into account. The Park Ave Ultra is good in those categories too, even better than the Bonneville. Your Grand Prix GTP, Regal GS and GSX, Impala Indy, and Monte Carlo SS Intimidator are good too and definitely sporty. Then of course don't forget to look at the Buick Riviera(1996-1999). They all have their quirks, but they are all great cars too. I've driven the GTP, SS, and obviously the SSEI, in my book they all were fun to drive. Reliability can't really be based on model, but by upkeep by previous owners IMO. Just my $.02.

My favorite was my 97 SSEI it was a blast to drive.regal GS was alright just a little small for my tall frame..Gtps are alright.IMHO i like the SSEI the best.My buick is a N/a S2 and its a big diffrence..my buick is quick but its a buick doesnt have the suspenion of an SSEI..But thats soon to change

its all about what you want from a car, soft ride, power, handling? i like the bonneville'* handling, controlled but not harsh.all the other H bodies are too soft for me. and you can fit just about anything in the trunk. all the w-bodies would be lighter and handle better but give up some room for sure.

Not to mention some comfort! They're not "tractor" horrible though.

The grand prix is a fast sporty car, but has limited leg room, so you may be a bit cramped. You will also pay more for insurance. The Bonneville is a larger car, I believe about 300 pounds more then the GP. Still very quick, handling is a bit more boat like because of the weight. But ride is smoother, has more leg room, and insurance will be lower. The park ave is a huge boat, very smooth ride, handles like a ship. But can be made very fast in a straight line. It will come down to what you want.

most of the time ive had one of each, i DD the w-body because im by myself and i prefer my firebird like ride so even the suspension on the w is a little too squishy for me. i put kyb struts on my old 03 monte and that was a nice ride. my wife takes the bonnie to work and if we go anywhere on the weekend its the bonnie 80% of the time unless its the yukon.