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Big advantages with a Series 2 over Series 1?

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Old 04-17-2010, 10:46 PM
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Default Big advantages with a Series 2 over Series 1?

Ive asked a few questions about the differant series of the 3800 motor.

All the cars ive had have had a series I 3800 or a non series 3800. will i notice a differance when i buy a newer Bonneville with a series II? more power, more reliable (if thats even possible)? what about a series III (in a Grand Prix) over a series II? noticably more power? reliability?

I hear people dont like the Series III due to the drive by wire throttle.....
Old 04-17-2010, 10:50 PM
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The series2 will have more HP. There is also far more options for mods on the engine. Headers, cam, rockers, etc.
Old 04-17-2010, 11:09 PM
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You'll be very happy with a S2. Easy to mod, more power. The S3 has about 20 more horsepower than the S2 due to the head and */C design but the same amount of torque
Old 04-17-2010, 11:28 PM
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i was talking about non supercharged series I, II, and III. even though i do want a 2000 or newer SSEI
Old 04-18-2010, 12:36 AM
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The S3 would be the best but you can't get it in a bonne and the advantages are minimal. To use a S3 in a bonne you would replace the ETC (drive-by-wire) tb with a cabled one from a S2.
Main differences between S2 and S3:
Returnless fuel system on S3 vs return on S2
ETC on S3 vs cabled on S2

Rumored differences (haven't seen any cold hard facts on these yet)
Stronger connecting rods on S3 (for both N/A and */C)
Larger valves on S3
Intake made a little better

The S3 */C also came with the Gen5 blower compared to the S2'* Gen3
Old 04-18-2010, 12:55 AM
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Valves are the same size in series II and III.
Old 04-18-2010, 04:23 AM
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The SIII (L26/32) has powdered metal connecting rods which are stronger.
They also do have an almost insignificantly larger intake valve to help with seating. This has been verified by measuring. (I really don't feel like digging it up right now)
Old 04-18-2010, 08:43 AM
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Originally Posted by 95naSTA
The SIII (L26/32) has powdered metal connecting rods which are stronger.
They also do have an almost insignificantly larger intake valve to help with seating. This has been verified by measuring. (I really don't feel like digging it up right now)
L32 rods are hot forged not powedered
Old 04-18-2010, 12:26 PM
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http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=3800+...bac56246434a91

You're wrong and right at the same time.

But they are indeed powdered.

Edit-
The S3 intake valves are 1.830" vs 1.800" in diameter.

Last edited by 95naSTA; 04-18-2010 at 12:45 PM.
Old 04-18-2010, 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 95naSTA
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=3800+...bac56246434a91

You're wrong and right at the same time.

But they are indeed powdered.

Edit-
The S3 intake valves are 1.830" vs 1.800" in diameter.
Ok then, thanks for that. Good to know.

Got links for the valve sizes? I'm sure others would like the proof.


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