I can give you "Tom's history of the Buick V6"
1960-1962ish 225 Odd Fire V6 is born and used in the Buick Skylark
1963 225 sold to Jeep
1964-1974 Jeep owned
1974 Buick bought it back and redesigned it to the 231 Odd Fire
1975 Buick introduces the World's Most Underpowered car, the 1975 Buick LeSebre with 95hp Buick 231 V6! (4800 lbs and 90 hp, find me a weaker one!)
1978 Introduce Even Fire V6 231 115
1978 Introduce 196 CID (3.2L V6) 105 hp
1978 Introduce Turbo 3.8L! 2BBL and 4BBL versions, with new ESC
1979 Introduce Tall Port Heads, more power for the Turbo! 140-170 hp
1979 or 1980 3.2L dies
1980 Introduce CCC (Computer Command Control) 231 is VIN Code A, wasn't known for keeping rod bearings in the block long, spun bearings were commonplace, even a low miles. 115hp
1980 Death to the 2BBL Turbo?
1980 Introduce 4.1 (252) V6, ALL 252's had Q-Jets. All 252's got the rolled fillet 3.8L Turbo crankshaft.
1984 The 3.8L is Turbocharged with Sequential Port EFI, 225HP (or so)
1984 Warped variant of the 231 Turbo finds its way into Rivieras, mostly touring models (special wheels are giveaway)
1984 252 dies, last put in the Regals and Riviera. VIN Code K
1986 Intercooler is added, more power! 245 HP
1986 GN Spanks the Corvette!
1987 GN Spanks the Corvette!
1987 GNX is born! Spanks Calloway Twin Turbo Vette!
1988 GN is killed (thank you Chevy....)
1987 3.8L (FWD) is converted to "3800" and becomes "On Center Block" with balance shafts. Becomes one of GM's more reliable engines ever, from one of the worst in the early 80's. 165 hp/225 lb ft torque VIN code C
1989 Turbo Trans AM is back with 3.8L Turbo, similar to the 3.8L in the GN, not the 3800, but shares the 3800 on center block with 3.8L heads. 245 hp. Highest factory top speed of any Trans AM or Firebird, 162 mph.
1991 VIN Code L, Tuned Port intake is added, 170 HP/225 lb ft torque
1992 3800 is Supercharged, making 205 hp/245 lb ft torque
1995 3800 "L" is redesigned as the Series II 3800, now VIN Code "K", making 205 hp/225 lb ft torque. Gets 1.6:1 Roller Rockers, similar to LT4 Corvette Rockers.
1996 Supercharged 3800 Series II is released
2000-2001 Series III 3800 is released, 200-205 HP, but now a short deck 3800. Lighter and slightly smaller. Quieter engine that it predecessors.
Current version is relatively unchanged.
This is not a comprehensive list, and I am sure I am not 100% accurate (please correct me GN owners! I wanna know!) But this is what I have compiled in my head over the years.
So, what to do? Get a 4.1L V6 Cad and get a Carb'd Turbo kit for it, makes a nice 170 hp and high 20's on gas mileage! Very smooth and quiet and a LOT of potential!
Chevyguy387 said:
I have read a lot of reviews that go both ways about the Cadillac 4.1L engine more specifically the HT4100 but is that the v6 or v8 or both? I am looking at a Sedan Deville with a 4.1 v6 the guy only wants $750 for it so I figure i cant pass it up but I was hoping someone could help me understand a little bit about what the problems are with these engines. Are the quality issues only with v8, v6, both, or what? PLEASE Help! I want this car but i dont want trouble forever.