I am currently building a series 1 3800. As of now I've had the machine work done on the block. I am attempting to use .20 over forged aluminum pistons. The rest of the engine will remain stock for now but I wanted a good base to start with. My current issue is connecting rods. The current rods I am trying to use have no bearing clearance. I know in have a 95 block it has a 2 bolt cam retainer. The crank fit perfect. Casting #4737.I hat to get another donor motor or does anybody know where I can get new for a series 1. Any insight would be greatly appreciated

1st off, welcome to the forum! As for your engine work, there'* plenty of other members who have plenty of experience with your engine, and, can give you plenty of insight as to what to do with your engine. Could you possibly post some pics of your ride & engine so some of our other forum members can give you more insight on your issue?

welcome to the site

Welcome Russell, I am mainly familiar with the 3800 II, so I cannot offer any insight on your 3800 build, but I am sure we have a few modders that could help you if you have any issues.

Let me ask you this, has the crank been ground or is it still standard. Also are you fitting it with standard bearings? Your going to need to get your hands on a micrometer and do some measuring.

welcome to the forum!

Stock crank had it polished. Crank measures2.251. Rod is 2.25 with standard bearings. I'm pretty sure I have the incorrect rods due to the fact I had to make the piston pin fit and the pin is a .905. My concern is will the correct rods fit the crank. I can't seem to find any series 1 rods available for purchase.

What did the rods come out of? I guess what Im not getting is was this a complete engine before you tore it down or are you piecing this thing together? are you trying to convert it from a fixed to a floating piston pin? I'm no machinist but I do know if its not a floating piston pin you need to get the small end of the rod almost red hot to press in the pin.

My original engine was junk it spun everything. The rods are floating pins. The clearnce on the rod bearings is none it made the plastigage a blob. Of course I'm trying to piece it together for what a used engine goes for I can rebuild and have better. I'm attempting to build a nice sleeper car. The only thing I really changed was the cylinder bore the rest will be stock for the moment.

I found this on the net, maybe it will help
Rebuilding the 3.8L Buick Engine: Engine Builder