Why does the Series II look so massive?
 

My bonneville had the 3800 Series II, and now I Have a Lumina with a 3100, and it looks so small compared to the 3800. I know there's a displacement difference, but why else does the 3800 look so big compared to the 3100? It's a massive difference, I think. Maybe it's just the cover the 3800 has.. Or the angle of the engine.. I don't know. Just curious.

It's a combination of the displacement, IM's, and heads. Altogether it makes for quite a diff.

The 3100 is a 60 degree engine. The 3800 is a 90 degree engine.

You want to see something massive? Look under the hood of a GXP!!!

LOL! I do all the time. I look, and I say, "No way, I'm taking to the Dealer"

it amazes me everytime i open my hood and see that thing stuffed in there!!! has any GXP owners attempted the coolant crossover gaskets yet? I feel and smell mine have gone ka-put

I'd say because better motors take more space, but then the N* community got involved..and my history with them won't let me say that,.