9 replies to this topic

[Nathan]

Hello,

 

I understand once upon a time Holden used a version of the Buick/GM 60-degree V6 and that there was a carbureted version of this motor.

 

How difficult is it to source the intake manifold for this motor?  Does anyone know if the Holley 4412 or Rochester 500 bolt on?

 

Is the motor based on the Gen-1 GM 60o V6?

 

Thanks for any help.

[Greg Locock]

The 3.8 litre? Nasty truck engine. I don't think it was ever offered with a carb in Oz.

[Wuzak]

The 3.8 litre? Nasty truck engine. I don't think it was ever offered with a carb in Oz.

 

And wasn't it a 90° engine?

[Nathan]

It is a 90-degree V6.

 

My understanding is the 3.8 engine was available in the Holden Commadore 1988 through 2004 model years .  It is a Buick design, but in this case Holden manufactured their supply.  I'm unsure if this came in any other Holden's.  I've been told at some point the Oz version used a carb.

[Greg Locock]

I agree with the timing, but the last carburetted car I remember was say 1985, if not earlier.  SPFI was cheaper than a carb.

[Nathan]

OK, thank you!

[ray b]

was it the old 3.8 or the much revised 3800 version both are 90 deg but few parts will swap

 

the 3800 type III in supercharged form was an eazy hop up with a pulley change to 300hp

and was a favorite swap in to fiero and X-bodys as an eazy bolt in

 

the 3800 used in USA had the common GM v6 bolt pattern also used on some GM 4 bangers

the old 3.8 had the old BOP bolt pattern making swaps harder into newer cars

[ray b]

btw

pre series 1 3800 not a 3.8

1988–1991 Holden Commodore (VN Series I)

 

the series 1

• 1991–1995 Holden Commodore (VNII, VP, VR)
• Holden Caprice (VQ, VR)

 

 

 

the series II 3800

• 1995-2004 Holden Commodore (VS, VT, VX, VY)
• Holden Caprice (VS, WH, WK)
• Holden Ute (VU, VY)

series II 3800 SS

 

• 1996–2004 Holden Commodore VS (series II), VT, VX, VY
• 1996-2004 Holden Caprice and Statesman VS (Series II & III), WH, WK
• 2001–2004 Holden Monaro (V2 VZ) CV6

series III 3800

 

?

 

none of the 3800 versions had a carb

only the older 3.8 and no the parts will not swap to carb a 3800

Edited by ray b, 05 May 2018 - 15:16.

[Greg Locock]

I see I have caused confusion between the 3.8 and the 3800. Sorry. I was talking about the initially horrible Holden engine, not the always horrible Buick. I've worked on both.

[Lee Nicolle]

The bombadore came out with the harsh rattly 3.8 V6 in 88. It was a front drive engine in a rear drive car. And  I think were imported from the US.

Then in 90 they went to what many call the VP engine. A equally harsh rattly thing that at least had the thermostat at the front! It was improved slightly update VP and for VR. 

I have seen the 60s Buicks as well, so many versions and  even and staggered crank pins. Though having played with Leyland [Buick] V8s it is still the same basic thing.

The Holdens used the staggered crank pins,, and they break cranks! Though at racing RPMs.

The VS Ecotec is just another version, entirely different block and heads and not much interchanges, it went until 05 in the VY. The VZ on used the Saab engine. An asthmatic thing, well at least dragging the Fatadore around.

 

There is a speedway category,, Wingless Sprints powered by those gunkers running on methanol. Yes they really do! A friend builds a few for his son and a few others and have been on the pace. Strangely they seize oil pumps regularly. Even street engines do it. How? I have no idea as an oil pump should be the most over lubricated piece of the engine.

 

And NO they never had carbs here in Oz. Ever. Last carby Holden 6 was VK and V8 at the end of VL.

 I believe though you can buy a manifold aftermarket to do so.

Edited by Lee Nicolle, 23 May 2018 - 06:09.