Buick V6 Question...

[oestek]

Anyone know if the non-turbo 3.8s in rear drive Regals, etc., had serpentine belt systems in the late 80's? And, do the later FWD 3800 series engines have a similar front drive system to the rear drive cars?

I'm looking for a 3.8 serp setup for a project, and the turbo cars had 'em, but they're not cheap.



Thanks!

[gkring]

No to both questions. The rear wheel drive platform stopped in 87. Only the fuel injected (turbo) cars of 86 and 87 had serpentine belts. all the carb motors were v belt as well as the pre 86 turbo cars. The front wheel drive 3.8 motors were totally different animals. What parts are you missing? Try Brian Weavy at www.Gbodyparts.com. They specialize in grand nationals and can probably set you up with a complete used front drive system for a reasoneable price.

[oestek]

Thanks for the reply. What I'm actually trying to do is adapt a GM serp setup to a Buick 455. Some on the V8Buick site say the 3.8 serp setups will just about bolt on, with a few mods on the steering bracket. I guess they're referring to the turbo rig. I'll check with Gbodyparts. How different is the 3800, just the locations of the accessories?

[gkring]

The 3800 may work just fine for you. The accessory bracket bolts to the head, I just don't know if the 3800 is the same pattern as the as the big blocks. The front cover on the 3800 is different from the 3.8 rear drive and big blocks. Different waterpump and the oil pump is a gerotor design on the 3800. I'll do a little digging and see what I can come up with. I may have some extra 3.8 turbo brackets you can have or borrow for test fitting.

[oestek]

Wow, that would be super helpful. If I can come up with a 3800 pic or diagram, I may be able to tell if that works. If not, I may take you up on the turbo stuff, but I'd like to see if the readily available junkyard 3800 parts could work. Might be a great find for Buick guys. Thanks again!

[gkring]

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/gen...-national.html

http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/sta...-progress.html

These may help you out a little.