3.8L V6 (L67) "3800 SC Series II" Features & Benefits
OVERVIEW
The L67 supercharged 90-degree V6 is the classic overhead-valve V6 taken to its most powerful, refined extension. Its success follows from the principle that customers care more about real-world performance than the specific technologies that produce that performance. The L67 takes the cost, packaging and efficiency advantages of the L36 3800 Series II and delivers torque comparable with competitive V8s.
NEW OR CHANGED FOR MODEL YEAR 2001
* More Efficient Catalytic Converters
* Self-Cleaning Spark Plugs
* Soldered Spark Plug Terminals
* Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) and Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Improvements
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
MORE EFFICIENT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
Internally insulated, thin-substrate catalytic converters are smaller and more efficient, improving packaging flexibility while maintaining the Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) certification achieved for model year 2000. Just as importantly, these converters have less precious metal content, thereby reducing cost.
Oval shaped, two-reactive brick converters reduce volume from 163 to 132 cu.in. in Bonneville applications.
SELF-CLEANING PLUGS
Self-cleaning spark plugs are coated with a silicon material and operate at higher temperature, decreasing the potential for plug fouling and further reducing the likelihood of maintenance over the 100,000-mile plug life.
SOLDERED PLUG WIRES
Spark plug wires are soldered rather than snap-fit at the connecting terminals inside the plug boot. Soldering eliminates a source of assembly errors and improves engine reliability by reducing the possibility that the wire can be inadvertently detached from the connector.
MAP AND MAF IMPROVEMENTS
The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) and Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors are manufactured for higher Electro-Magnetic Improvement (EMI) performance, which makes it less susceptible to operational fluctuations in the presence of electrical interference or radio waves.
CONTINUING FEATURES
The L67 achieved Low Emissions Vehicle status for model year 2000. An integral pulse damper was incorporated in the fuel rail to absorb the noise of fuel pulsing to the injectors, thereby reducing interior noise levels.
The throttle body was revised with new cams and springs to improve throttle response and enhance the high-performance feel customers expect in a supercharged engine.
The L36 3800 Series II V6 was first supercharged in late 1991 for the 1992 Buick Park Avenue Ultra, and the result was specific output that is surpassed by few overhead-valve engines anywhere. The L67's acceptance by customers has meant steadily increasing applications.
The durable, highly refined design of the standard L36 allows most major engine components, including block, crankshaft and cylinder heads, to be used for the L67 without modification. The 90-cu. in. supercharger is very compact; its housing includes the throttle-body adaptor, crankcase ventilation plumbing, coolant passages and the rotor drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is sealed and permanently lubricated, obviating the need for oil connections and eliminating a potential source of leaks.
Performance has been enhanced over the years by refining software in the Powertrain Control Module. The L67 delivers power in smooth, linear fashion, with virtually no supercharger lag, by adding boost at predetermined points along the power curve.
"The supercharger is simple and brilliant at the same time. It takes advantage of the L36's balance of economy, efficiency and packaging in a real high-performance engine, and it does so at a reasonable investment for the corporation." --Trish Wombwell, Model Year Manager, 90-degree V6 engines.
LEADERSHIP
The automotive business press has cited the L67 as a cost-effective means of meeting customer expectations by refining proven technology. The enthusiast press has praised it for excellent performance in a compact package. Such virtues earned the L67 a spot on WARD'S AUTO WORLD's list of the 10 Best Engines in North America for three consecutive years.
"Following a hard charge with the supercharged Series II, one tester penned the opinion of us all: 'After driving the supercharged 3800 Series II, who really needs a V8?'"
--WARD'S AUTO WORLD, January 1996
