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Buick Lucerne: Engine & Performance

191 messages,  Last post on Feb 03, 2007 at 9:20 PM

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#132 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [jeff43] by poncho167 Mar 28, 2006 (10:34 am)
Replying to: jeff43 (Mar 27, 2006 6:39 pm) Is it really short in horsepower or are we just spoiled?   Years back 150-175 hp were pretty common in a V8 sedan.   The S10 Blazers 4.3 engine when released was considered very powerful, and nothing could match it. Then within a couple years it was considered sluggish. The new Trailblazer with the 275 hp inline 6 was called a screamer among other praise when it came out, now writers say it is slow with a need for more power. This goes to show that no matter what the horse power is, someone will eventually claim that it is not enough. Replies to this message: kcwolfpack59 (Mar 28, 2006 11:09 am) jeff43 (Apr 05, 2006 5:37 pm)
#133 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [poncho167] by kcwolfpack59 Mar 28, 2006 (11:09 am)
Replying to: poncho167 (Mar 28, 2006 10:34 am) Poncho, I think we are spoiled. I remember 0-60 times of V-8s in 1970s and 1980s era mid size cars being around 12 seconds. That was enough to get you out of most trouble while passing. The 1960s big block full size cars were 9-10 seconds. Now, 0-60 in 8-9 seconds is considered a little slow. My GM V-6s are in that range and their power exceeds my nerve.
#134 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [poncho167] by evandro Apr 02, 2006 (11:27 am)
Replying to: poncho167 (Mar 28, 2006 8:24 am) It will go away in the U.S., but I am sure it will still be in use in other countries...   Not true. GM makes European models in South America and no V6 is made locally. Older versions of the 3.1 V6 are made in China, but no 90° V6.   The only other country where the 3.8 is made is Australia, and it's being phased out there too. The Saab 2.8 Turbo and the Alfa Romeo 3.2 direct-injection variations of the 3.6 are made in Australia. Replies to this message: poncho167 (Apr 03, 2006 8:05 am) evandro (Apr 03, 2006 8:18 am)
#135 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [evandro] by poncho167 Apr 03, 2006 (8:05 am)
Replying to: evandro (Apr 02, 2006 11:27 am) There may be no V6 engines made there locally, but the 3.8 L is world renown with over 30 million units produced. Likely it will end up somewhere maybe in a Reatta or previous generation Riveria, or something else. Replies to this message: evandro (Apr 03, 2006 8:18 am)
#136 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [poncho167] by evandro Apr 03, 2006 (8:18 am)
Replying to: poncho167 (Apr 03, 2006 8:05 am) No, the 3.8 is largely unknown outside of the US and Australia. It's never been in any European model nor sold there officially.   And many American models, like the Riviera and the Regatta, were never made outside the US. Most countries just cannot afford cars of that size and powertrain.   For instance, while automatic transmissions are predominant in N. America and in Japan, they're short of a curiosity elsewhere. Mainly because elsewhere small engines are the norm and they can't spare 5 or 10HP that it takes to run such transmissions.   Bottom line: due to different market preferences, the 3.8 is mostly an American market engine. Not that it detracts from its virtues.
#137 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [62vetteefp] by jeff43 Apr 05, 2006 (5:32 pm)
Replying to: 62vetteefp (Mar 27, 2006 7:36 pm) How do you know this? Replies to this message: 62vetteefp (Apr 05, 2006 5:44 pm) jeff43 (Apr 06, 2006 5:40 pm) 62vetteefp (Apr 07, 2006 3:14 am)
#138 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [poncho167] by jeff43 Apr 05, 2006 (5:37 pm)
Replying to: poncho167 (Mar 28, 2006 10:34 am) I think we are spoiled because, honestly, you will see 205 HP in a Chevy Cobalt SS. I guess it just seems wierd for a full size car to have less HP than a compact, but it probably performs fine.
#139 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [jeff43] by 62vetteefp Apr 05, 2006 (5:44 pm)
Replying to: jeff43 (Apr 05, 2006 5:32 pm) 3800 is well known to be on it's last manufacturing module. Only the LaCrosse/Grand Prix/Lucerne still use it as a base engine. When it is dropped is the question. Most economical thing for GM to do is hang on to it untill the 3 cars are replaced. Do not know exactly when but the W cars will probably be gone by 2009 at the latest. Once the W cars lose it the Lucerne volume will be to low to support the manufacturing facility.   It makes no sense to up the HP on an engine that has been at 200 for years. GM is spending the money on the new engines, ie 3.5 and 3.9.   My guess is that they will probably replace the 3800 in the Lucerne with either the 3.9 or 3.6 around '08. They may also, due to powertrain manufacturing efficiencies, drop the 3800 in 2008 for the other cars. Replies to this message: jeff43 (Apr 06, 2006 5:40 pm) 62vetteefp (Apr 07, 2006 3:14 am)
#140 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [62vetteefp] by jeff43 Apr 06, 2006 (5:40 pm)
Replying to: 62vetteefp (Apr 05, 2006 5:44 pm) From what I have read, the 3.6 is more refined than the 3.9. Replies to this message: 62vetteefp (Apr 07, 2006 3:14 am)
#141 of 191 Re: 3800 engine [jeff43] by 62vetteefp Apr 07, 2006 (3:14 am)
Replying to: jeff43 (Apr 06, 2006 5:40 pm) Yes, but also another $1500 in price. And they both at this time have 240hp in FWD. but the 3.9 bests the 3.6 in torque. So for $1500 in price I would think most of the under $30k car buyers would go for the extra money in their pocket or a sunroof or some other feature.   Of course in a few years the 3.6 will bump up in hp to around 270 or so (see the buick Enclave).   I am hoping they make the 3.6 standard in the LaCrosse/Lucerne and the CTS. With today's HP war and the V8's in the Buicks and the premiumness they are going after in the Buicks I think they could take a hit in the base price. Also with the Buicks being replaced soon why develop another powertrain combo for the LaCrosse when the 3800 dies?

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