3.8L V6 question....difference from 75 to 80? Help please..

Anything H-body related, but please use one of the topic-specific forums below if appropriate

Moderator: Moderators

3.8L V6 question....difference from 75 to 80? Help please..

Postby roadhawkc06 » Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:43 pm

Is there a difference (besides the ignition system) from the 3.8 L's over the years of 75-80? If there is a difference....can I transfer parts from a 1980 3.8 to a 1975 3.8? do manifolds swap and bolt on with ease? any machining? any tricks? wire harness the same?

I have a chance to buy a rusty 75 monza, but the engine and trans are perfect......and I want the 3.8 in my Roadhawk...like it originally had.

Can I add AC brackets to a non ac engine? Is there anything internal that would be different?

Soo many questions.....and I'm not hard core mechanic.....but I could swap and engine and trans....etc over....

Any advise? help?

Will a 3.8 from a early 80's malibu or cutlass work too? if not whats the difference?

blah blah...I could go on with more questions.....but I'll start of with these first....LOL

Many thanks!
1979 Buick Skyhawk 5 spd Roadhawk 23xxx original miles
1980 Buick Skyhawk "S" 4 speed California car ( FOR SALE)
2009 Ford Focus ses ( wifes)
2003 Chevy Express 3500 6.0L




Chris
User avatar
roadhawkc06
 
Posts: 213
Joined: Thu Jun 29, 2006 2:38 pm
Location: Vancouver, Canada

1979 Buick Skyhawk Road Hawk


Postby barebonesracecars » Sun Jul 16, 2006 8:00 pm

I can't answer everything for you, because I can't recall all the details between these engines like I used to when I thought about building one, but I do know there are differences.

In about late 1978-early '79, these engines went from 'odd-fire' to 'even-fire'. I believe more than the ignition system changed...possibly also the crank.

I don't think your intake manifolds will interchange; high-port vs. low-port.

3.8 engines from other models would be the same (with the same differences) from year to year. Not sure about a/c brackets, but they probably would work.

Sorry this isn't more help. I'm sure someone else can clarify things.
Reid

*1979 Buick Skyhawk SCCA/street/show*
(with Buick 350 power on deck)
User avatar
barebonesracecars
 
Posts: 979
Joined: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:40 pm
Location: Union County, Ohio

1979 Buick Skyhawk

Postby marco_1978_spyder » Sun Jul 16, 2006 8:16 pm

You might want to check the year of the 3.8 in that '75.

Its a transplant because the 75 monza's only came with the 262 or 140 4cyl.

the buicks and olds's had the 3.8.

Maybe your looking at a 79/80 engine, and you'll be all set.

if its older...75-77 its oddfire, and not much interchanges. 78s went even but had a rochester carb.

79's and 80's are similar. with the dual jet carb.
and best heads
1978 Monza Spyder V8 4speed, posi
1978 Sunbird Formula V6, 5 Speed, Hatchback
1980 Sunbird Hatchback 4cyl, 4spd.
2006 Chevrolet Aveo 5 speed Hatchback
Yes, you can refer to me as Mark
Please visit my blog... http://chevymonza.blogspot.com/ Follow if you like!
Featuring special guests; Carl Beraytor and Ray D'atore

My Red spyder now has a youtube channel please Like and Subscribe!!!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOzzSR ... ISuing7KLA
User avatar
marco_1978_spyder
Senior Moderator
 
Posts: 5283
Joined: Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:20 pm
Location: Western, New YorK / Rochester

Postby roadhawkc06 » Sun Jul 16, 2006 8:21 pm

Sorry, its a skyhawk....not monza...

I think I'll just wait to find a good running 3.8 from 79-87.....I remember my friend had an 87 cutlass with a 3.8L......and I remember it was 100% exactly what I had in my Roadhawk.(minus the AC)

I appreciate the advise.....I'm just gonna be patient here.....wait for a "newer 3.8"

Thanks for the prompt responce guys...its good to know....
1979 Buick Skyhawk 5 spd Roadhawk 23xxx original miles
1980 Buick Skyhawk "S" 4 speed California car ( FOR SALE)
2009 Ford Focus ses ( wifes)
2003 Chevy Express 3500 6.0L




Chris
User avatar
roadhawkc06
 
Posts: 213
Joined: Thu Jun 29, 2006 2:38 pm
Location: Vancouver, Canada

1979 Buick Skyhawk Road Hawk


Return to General Discussion

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests

cron