Many of us think the 3.8L engine was an awesome engine. Super reliable, fuel efficient, factory supercharge option availability. Lots of ways to get more horsepower and torque out of it. I have often wondered why a SC 3.8L was not used in GM mid size trucks/ SUVs instead of the thirsty 4.3L.

I know AMC planed on using the 3.8L in RWD configuration- but never saw one installed. Came across a SC 3.8L installed in a RWD configuration- shows it can be done..
Lotus Super Seven Brunton Super Stalker | eBay

It was used in some RWD configurations such as the Firebird.

As far as platforms goes, I'm not sure why either.

3.8 L36 Series II 205HP with 230ftlb torque.

4.3 L35 Vortec 190HP with 250ftlb torque.

I think GM wanted reliability to remain in the SUV/truck environment so they stayed with the 4.3 because its based on the very reliable Chevy 350.

Wow, didn't know the 3.8L was a RWD option for some GM models. Makes sense why the custom car linked above is using a trans out of a Camaro.

Maybe your next project is to take the V8 out of your S10 and install a 3.8????

I think there was some Holdens that did that with the series 1 (only they called it series 2). I will have to remember to look into it later

A 3.8 in my S10? If I were to conduct such a swap, I would want to do it with a 2WD S10 vs the 4WD S10. The truck is a couple hundred pounds lighter than the 4wd version.

I think that would be pretty neat to drop a L67 in an S10.

I found it, it was the Holden Commodore they did it in. It was the engine between the V6, and the V8, even though the V8 only had 4 more ponies from the info I saw. I can't tell if it'* series 1 or 2 design, but they sound pretty awesome with dual exhaust. Definitely something to look in to also.

Quite frankly, I like that noise...

I got cheese to go with all that whine!

They missed the boat when they did not make improvements on the engine.....solid engine, plenty of power, few problems......give me a 3.8 with SC'er over a Northstar any day......GM customers certainly wouldn't be complaining about repair costs on the 3.8, like they do on the Northstar....

Don't get me started on the Solstice, the 4200 engine, G8, dropping the Riv(not making a 4 door version), dropping the Bonneville, not developing a small compact when the market needed it, etc.

Tech II,

What are your thoughts on the G8?