MSefi.com read only forum (Jan.15,2018)

I was running MSII LC1 on the GM 3.1 but after completely destroying the engine I want to move on. The engine is in a sandrail the requires an adapter plate at the trans so I was wanting to stick with something that would bolt into the same place and I was told the GM 3.8 would. I have found a late 90's engine that before I purchase I would like to make sure of the following. 1. Will the MS II work the same config. since they are both DIS systems 2. Does anyone know if the bell housing is the same between the 3.1 and the 3.8. 3. Any general oppinions on the differences of the two engines.

Thanks
Blatzy

Engine Code:L67 3800 SII (97-03) is a very potent motor. I've made 450whp, 540bhp on 93 octane with turbo setup. Stock bottom ends are very strong, they are very sensitive to detonation, so don't be shy when it comes to high octane (110+) and somewhat rich air fuel ratios (11.0-11.5:1 - .74 to .78 lambda). They are torque monsters. The main down sides I've seen: head flow is terrible - even the best designs, non aluminum heads, 4 bolt/cyl sealing - you can machine the block for .5" head studs however, very small deck area.

The NA counterpart engine code L36 is still very strong, you'll find similar power levels if the correct octane is used. The rods and pistons are weaker, buyer beware.

I think the DIS system uses a different design then the earlier units, making it incompatible.

I dont believe the 60 degree V6 and 90 degree V6 use the same bolt pattern - but you may need to double check that.

NateP wrote:Engine Code:L67 3800 SII (97-03) is a very potent motor. I've made 450whp, 540bhp on 93 octane with turbo setup. Stock bottom ends are very strong, they are very sensitive to detonation, so don't be shy when it comes to high octane (110+) and somewhat rich air fuel ratios (11.0-11.5:1 - .74 to .78 lambda). They are torque monsters. The main down sides I've seen: head flow is terrible - even the best designs, non aluminum heads, 4 bolt/cyl sealing - you can machine the block for .5" head studs however, very small deck area.

The NA counterpart engine code L36 is still very strong, you'll find similar power levels if the correct octane is used. The rods and pistons are weaker, buyer beware.

I think the DIS system uses a different design then the earlier units, making it incompatible.

I dont believe the 60 degree V6 and 90 degree V6 use the same bolt pattern - but you may need to double check that.

I believe the 3.1 and 3.8 (FWD) *do* share the same bellhousing bolt pattern. I was doing some web searching on that topic the other night, and that's what I found. I google'd "3100 3800 bellhousing bolt pattern".

The 3800SC is indeed a torque monster and is no comparison at all to the 3.1. My current daily driver is a '98 Pontiac GTP and my driver before that was a '95 3.1 powered Beretta, so I'm familiar with both. The 3.1 seemed like a smoother running engine, and is obviously a smaller package, but no other advantages in my mind. Both of mine were stock, so I have no useful info on their compatibility with Megasquirt.

-Dave

to clea up the bell housing question, I can tell you they absolutely are the same......I have removed a few hundred transmissions from both cars.....
They are the same

I can second that. i have a 3800 SC from a 96 Riv in my 89 Z24 which had a 2.8, then a 3.1 and now the 3800.