2buickbob Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Hi folks: I've heard some people rave about their Intrigues (98 and 99) with the 3800 V6 (Series II) that went over 200,000 miles on their original powertrains. This is great. I've always though of picking up an Intrigue (98 or 99) with a 3800 II V6 or a Grand Prix coupe (01 or 02) with a 3800 II V6, to eventually replace my 260,000 mile 92 Regal, but wanted to avoid the expensive intake manifold problem and the related damage this could cause elsewhere in the engine. Is the crappy intake manifold construction common to ALL Series II 3800 V6s (quite a number of years, actually), or just certain years and ranges of engine numbers? Some beautiful cars are powered by this engine, that's for sure! What do you know about the prevalence of the intake manifold issues on Series II 3800 V6s, or did some people just "luck out?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtremerevolution Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 iirc they fixed it in 03. Its really quite a simple fix. The replacement set is $180 on rockauto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88red4cyl Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Hi folks: I've heard some people rave about their Intrigues (98 and 99) with the 3800 V6 (Series II) that went over 200,000 miles on their original powertrains. This is great. I've always though of picking up an Intrigue (98 or 99) with a 3800 II V6 or a Grand Prix coupe (01 or 02) with a 3800 II V6, to eventually replace my 260,000 mile 92 Regal, but wanted to avoid the expensive intake manifold problem and the related damage this could cause elsewhere in the engine. Is the crappy intake manifold construction common to ALL Series II 3800 V6s (quite a number of years, actually), or just certain years and ranges of engine numbers? Some beautiful cars are powered by this engine, that's for sure! What do you know about the prevalence of the intake manifold issues on Series II 3800 V6s, or did some people just "luck out?" Like Andrei said, they fixed it in 03... And if you're really worried about it in a pre-03 car, just go ahead and replace it(and you may as well slap a new LIM gasket on for good measure (it's not as hard as the 3100 is))... My LTZ got to near 150k and still going strong when I sold it on the original UIM though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Fury Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Hi folks: I've heard some people rave about their Intrigues (98 and 99) with the 3800 V6 (Series II) that went over 200,000 miles on their original powertrains. This is great. I've always though of picking up an Intrigue (98 or 99) with a 3800 II V6 or a Grand Prix coupe (01 or 02) with a 3800 II V6, to eventually replace my 260,000 mile 92 Regal, but wanted to avoid the expensive intake manifold problem and the related damage this could cause elsewhere in the engine. Is the crappy intake manifold construction common to ALL Series II 3800 V6s (quite a number of years, actually), or just certain years and ranges of engine numbers? Some beautiful cars are powered by this engine, that's for sure! What do you know about the prevalence of the intake manifold issues on Series II 3800 V6s, or did some people just "luck out?" Don't replace the '92!! EVAR! <3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2buickbob Posted September 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Don't replace the '92!! EVAR! <3 I know...I hate to even think about it...I love my '92 Regal coupe with the 3800 Series I V6! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtremerevolution Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 the series 1 3800 is the best thing since sliced bread. true story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Fury Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 the series 1 3800 is the best thing since sliced bread. true story. Possible next car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 like they said, replace the UIM with the improved one, the LIM gaskets with the GM metal frame ones, and the coolant elbows. then you'll be worry free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tunerlover3 Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Expensive repair? Not even if you do it yourself. Get GM gaskets and the reinforced manifold or switch to the metal upper manifold and bam problem fixed. My car didnt do it till 162K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtremerevolution Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 a reinforced intake? its a flaw by design. the egr stovepipe runs too close to the throttle body coolant passages, makes the surrounding plastic brittle, and it cracks and dumps coolant into your intake, potentially hydrolocking your engine. What you need is a different design. Dorman makes an intake with a redesigned stovepipe that provides some clearance around it. It comes as a set including gaskets. This is a problem you'd be better off fixing before it becomes known to you, as it could be too late. It would suck royally to be driving at 80mph, have the intake crack, and have your engine dump coolant into your intakes. Really bad news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.