Im wondering what is different between the 3800 and 3800 II and possibaly the III because i Would like to build my engion to the series II specks to get better performance but if there are other after marked cams ect I would probibaly go with those as I work in it.

And they both have plastic intakes :(

I couldn't have said that better, Jr. But then again, I learned most of that FROM you!

So now i'm wondering... How interchangeable are the pieces for the 3800? Is there anything that the series I and the series II have in common?

Also wondering if the old heads, manifolds, internals from older buick 3.8'* will interchange with the series I? It seems like the Buick GN motors would have had some nice pieces, possibly even aftermarket. It'd be nice if they would interchange with the FWD motors. Anybody know?

Yeah, that about covers it. Naturally, I have a follow-up question though.

What of the 3.8 in the f-bodies? Is it the same internally as the fwd 3800'* of that era, and will parts interchange? This is of course just an academic question, since I don't think they made any more power in that configuration, so why swap parts.

Yeah, that was exactly what I meant, and you answered my question. I didn't know if it was a series II or if it was it'* own configuration (for more high end or something, lighter car, etc).

Why didn't GM do a supercharged 3800 firebird with a 5-speed? It wouldn't have beaten the v8'*, but it sure woulda been fun. Lighter than a v8 too, i would think (better handling).

Someone actually did put L67 guts into their L36 Firebird, put it under boost and ran 13'*. It'* been done for cheap. Like 1000 dollars for the engine and everything. And he has a 5 speed w/ it too plus RWD.