1995-1997 vs 1998-2002 3800's

[nwilson44]

So I have been wondering, what is the difference between these two motors? I notice visually that the older 3800 has the intake angled toward the driver side, but what are the differences between the two 3800's? Which one is better?

[ssms5411]

Re: 1995-1997 vs 1998-2002 3800's

Their both the same engine, no changes but the upper intake and TB.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: 1995-1997 vs 1998-2002 3800's

Engines are basically identical for 95-98 (slanted UIM w/ cable TB) and 99-02 (straight UIM w/ eTB). There are minor changes to wiring and sensors each year so they are not always "plug and play". Internals are the same.
.

[Ibanezz]

Yep, 99+ is drive by wire with sensors on the gas pedal and such. 98- is cable throttle driven

[nwilson44]

Re: 1995-1997 vs 1998-2002 3800's

so there are no power or torque differences?

[96blackmaro]

Re: 1995-1997 vs 1998-2002 3800's

97 and ups have holes in the front and back of the block for the lower intake seals to sit in.

[FirebirdGT]

Re: 1995-1997 vs 1998-2002 3800's

so there are no power or torque differences?

Not per GM specs.

.

[WarShrike]

Re: 1995-1997 vs 1998-2002 3800's

Later model 3800s have better cylinder head casting as well. I think it is around 99 that they'd changed some things with the casting/machining process around the valve guides. Some of the performance companies won't use the earlier heads as cores as they're prone to cracking around the valve guides.

2000+ have tubular manifolds, which is worth a nominal gain in performance and also less blood/cursing/time spent changing the spark plugs.