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Ok what is the big differance in each of these 3800 serise motors? Is the horsepower the same. I have a 1996 SE with a seires II, which one is it? I don't see anything on the data plate that shows LXX. I have the LIM/UIM gasket problem and has been leaking for well over a year or two. So thinking about selling the car or replace it with a supercharged motor or a Northstar V8. But would like to know the differance in the motors.

You have an L36. L36 is the Series II from 1995-2005, characterized by the plastic intake manifold and drive by cable.

The L26 is the Series III, characterized by the aluminum intake and drive-by-wire setup (computer controlled throttle), which NO bonneville ever had.

The L67 is the supercharged version of the Series II, the L32 is the supercharged version of the L26. Also, the L67 is the supercharged version of the Series I engines from 1992-1995.

Horsepower and torque differences were minute between the L36 and L26, but there were several significant improvements made to the L26 for improved reliability. The L26 is starting to gain popularity when it's time to source a new engine to replace a tired L36, as they tend to have much lower mileage and are a direct replacement aside from having to swap manifolds around.

L36 was rated at 205 HP, 235 FT/LBS
Series II L67 was rated at 240 HP, 280 FT/LBS
Series III L32 was rated at 260/280
IIRC the L26 is rated at like 225, but places online say 200, which I don't believe is right, lol.
The LD8 Northstar, which came in the Bonneville GXP and the DTS's was rated at 275HP/325 FT/LBS.

The differences between the series II and series II are like stated above...

But the series III engines all got the benefit of the Powered Metal Forged Rods... These engines also got the benefits of a newer balancer( Dampolator I believe its called )... These engines also benefited for Molly rings and pistons, as well a slightly better flowing heads and slightly larger valves...

Some of the L36's actually had most of these items... 04 was a mixed year for the Powered Metal rods, early production had the cast rods, later production had the Powered Metal rods...

Overall the L26 and L32 series III's are better engines... But the L36 and L67 are still plenty good.. In terms of quality these engines are actually about equal...

But for replacements I do like the series III

Even with the Lim gasket problem the L36 II that is in the car now is still running strong. Just wonder how much damage it has done. It's paid for and is in really good shap, only 106,000 miles for a 1996. Would like to know if anyone has tried to install a NorthStar V8 in an early model Bonneville? It would seem easyer to install a new series III L36 instead.

If you wanted more power the 3800 S/C (L67) would be a much better, easier and not to mention cheaper choice. Considering the Series III is a pretty much direct swap, I'd say that it's a much easier swap compared to the Northstar, which would be a wiring and installation nightmare. However, there isn't much to gain from swapping in an SIII if your SII is running fine. However, if your engine dies the Series III is a swap with a much higher rate of being good and having low miles.

FWIW, the Series III Non Supercharged is the L26, Series II is the L36. Your car 100% has the L36, but if you want to see for your self the RPO tag is on the spare tire cover.

Ed might be on to something..L26's can be dirt cheap to an extent!

ok if I was to go to the jy how would I know if I was getting a L26 for sure.

The upper intake being aluminum and black valve-covers is generally a good sign. It came in the 04+ Grand Prix, Impala, LaCrosse, Lucerne and a few others I don't remember.