ok im new here, engine questions

[adidascdj]

HI everyone! Im new to the site, but a long time proud GM owner, I have recently inherited a 1991 Bonneville LE with the 3800 Series 1 the car only has 38000 miles!! I would love to do some engine enhancements but unsure of what is similar in parts? For example if I want to put a new air intake on it, is there a similar match with another model/yr that would fit? Maybe the same size that it will marry up together? Any help anyone can provide would be great, thank you!!

[clm2112]

Welcome aboard.

As far as intakes go, if you are interested in doing a fresh air kit instead of the stock filter box, most of us are using a home brew. K&N conical filter on a cheap intake tube (buy $40 "ricer" kit from auto parts store, pitch the useless filter that comes in the kit in the trash, get K&N filter, call it a day )

The intake manifold and throttle body itself isn't much of an issue on the 87-91. It's aluminum, flows well enough to support the normally aspirated 3800, and is immune to the gasket failures of later 3800's by virture of not running Dex-Cool and again, being an aluminium manifold instead of composite. You can pretty much leave the manifold alone and just focus on the duct work and keeping the TB & MAF clean on a regular basis.

[adidascdj]

Thanks for the information, have you replaced your plugs and wires if so, what have you found is the best plug? I used to have a 90 Lumina that I put a flowmaster and sounded like a mild v8 after, so I may do that too.

[dirtracr95]

you may want to take the TB off the manifold and port it to match the intake. I have seen pics on Lesabret of some that were horribly off and the openings didnt match up well at all.

[clm2112]

Thanks for the information, have you replaced your plugs and wires if so, what have you found is the best plug? I used to have a 90 Lumina that I put a flowmaster and sounded like a mild v8 after, so I may do that too.

Best plug...personal opinion is anything that lights the mixture. I go with plain old std plugs (NGK's, Delcos, take your pick)

One thing to put on the list is a replacement for the Magnavox made coil pack that came stock (you can tell if you have one, all three coils are one assembly as opposed to later coil packs where all three coils are seperate units.) The stock coils are prone to failure. A replacement from a newer 3800 is recommended.

I run a flowmaster on mine. Sounds pretty good, but isn't obnoxiously loud.

Last, pick up a spare ECM. There's been a number of problems with corrosion on older cars but some wierd occurances of engine shutdowns. Having a spare ECM can be a life saver, as well as having a short serpentine belt in the trunk (in case the AC compressor takes a dive while out on the road.)

[willwren]

That ICM and coil packs is a mod you'll FEEL immediately. Want more that you can feel? Go get a factory strut bar off a 92-99 Bonneville, LeSabre, or Park Avenue. You'll feel that cornering, too.

What's your realistic budget?

[adidascdj]

I dont have a limit really, im not gonna go switch out the motor or buy a supercharger. But I would just like to do some noticeble changes. I know there is a ton of things out there for the Series 2 and 3 3800's I just would like to know if any are compatible?

So the coil pack is obviously the same?

I guess I should check a junk yard for the strut bar?

[clm2112]

So the coil pack is obviously the same?

I guess I should check a junk yard for the strut bar?

Yep. Take the entire coil-pack & ignition module assembly off a later production 3800 and it will plug right in where the Magnavox coil pack and ignition module were. Pin-for-pin compatible and you get a more reliable part in the process. (You'll need a 7mm socket or screwdriver to undo the harness connector, and a 10 or 11mm box wrench to remove the 3 nuts holding the ignition module/coil packs onto the accessory bracket.)

Strut tower brace is pretty easy too...it's held onto the towers be two bolts on each side (13mm?) Take a peek under the hood of any H-Body and you are liable to find the brace just waiting to be snagged for your car

Don (jrs3800) will likely chime in at some point to suggest spring & suspension parts to swap & upgrade for a better performance ride, or you can search for posts/techinfo on that subject.

[Jrs3800]

For the Ignition Module, Get a unit from any 1993-1995 " Tuned Port Injection 3800 " Vin L ... All you will do is remove the 3 11mm bolts on the bottom of the assembly...

Do get the Strut Tower Bar, It will tighten up the front end..

The suspension... I guess that we will have to start with what suspension you have... A hand full of the loaded LE's actually came with the F41 Suspension.. So you'll have to look at the spare tire cover and see if you have FE1 or F41... If you have F41 your set... If you have FE1 we can help you if you want a handler..

[adidascdj]

Ok guys, I found the Ignition Module, and the suspension, its the FE1, so.... Ill have to find a strut tower brace and I dont know what else. But my most recent issue is the transmission, the car will not shift out of 1st, 38000 miles, should I change the fluid and filter as a start?

[myfirstbonnie]

For the shift issue, adjust the TV cable (kickdown) and check the modulator on the transmission. Make sure there is no tranny fluid in the line and if you have a vacuum tester handy, check it with that too.

Another insurance adder is the oil kit from intense. It is only a couple of bucks, but it will work on our vin c.

[adidascdj]

Well I replaced the modulator, and after a couple tries its back to normal! Thanks!

[willwren]

For proper reference, you don't have the Series 1. That's the NEXT motor after yours. But you still have a tough motor under that hood.

[adidascdj]

Ok so now im up to the suspension part, I just got the strut bar. Now is there any sway bars or coil springs that are stiffer from new models? I do not have the upgraded suspension on mine.

One other question Id really like to know is that I want to upgrade the air intake. Is the throttle body the same size as later 3.8? Has anyone done anything for that?
Thanks!

[Jrs3800]

There are stiffer suspensions... But I would like to know what you want to do and what Price range you want to fall into..

I can help you spend $500 in a hurry just for suspension parts..

[adidascdj]

I just installed a strut tower brace from a 98 le sabre wow what a difference! I dont want to spend more than 200

[dirtracr95]

i would seriously take the TB off and port match the holes GM's "quality" is extremely poor for most LN3s right there

[adidascdj]

Ok its been awhile since I have posted, the car is riding very rough. I have already replaced the fuel filter and plugs and wires. Could you give me a little more details on upgrading the coils? I noticed you said a later model, but how does it match up to a 91? Thanks for any help

[Le91Bonnie]

Thanks for the information, have you replaced your plugs and wires if so, what have you found is the best plug? I used to have a 90 Lumina that I put a flowmaster and sounded like a mild v8 after, so I may do that too.

Best plug...personal opinion is anything that lights the mixture. I go with plain old std plugs (NGK's, Delcos, take your pick)

One thing to put on the list is a replacement for the Magnavox made coil pack that came stock (you can tell if you have one, all three coils are one assembly as opposed to later coil packs where all three coils are seperate units.) The stock coils are prone to failure. A replacement from a newer 3800 is recommended.

I run a flowmaster on mine. Sounds pretty good, but isn't obnoxiously loud.

Last, pick up a spare ECM. There's been a number of problems with corrosion on older cars but some wierd occurances of engine shutdowns. Having a spare ECM can be a life saver, as well as having a short serpentine belt in the trunk (in case the AC compressor takes a dive while out on the road.)

Do you have a part number for the shorter belt? Ive been trying to get my ac comp off for 2 weeks, stubborn little bugger. can it be run normally with the shorter belt or will it rub.