Question: I have the 1992 Oldsmobile Silhouette (ya- the ugly nose minivan). It >> has 165K now and runs like a horse, exactly like the day i bought it! >> I admit that it does have lots of ‘body problems’ (like windows- AC >> and other > little >> American car annoyances). >> All i know is that it is a 6 cylinder 3.8 engine ( or is it 3.1?). >> My mechanic said that it is a great engine and is in some BUICK cars. >> I want to purchase another vehicle that has the same engine and >> transmission. I would prefer to buy an SUV. >> Does anyone know what is this engine and which other GM SUV has the >> identical engine?

Answer: From ‘90 to ‘95. Olds Silhouettes (and Chevy Lumina APV and Pontiac Tran Sports) had either 3.1 or 3.8 V6’s. The 3.1 is an iron block engine with an aluminum head, and the 3.8 is iron on iron. The 3.8 is the more durable and better engine, and since your mechanic praised your engine, you must have the 3.8. Starting in ‘96 and continuing today, the GM minivans started coming with the 3.4 V6’s only with no other engine available. GM should have put the 3.8 in it. As to your question, the 3.8 has been put into a lot of GM cars since the mid 80’s and is still used today. You’ll find them in base Firebirds, Camaros, and in Buick Park Avenues/Regals/Rivieras, Olds 88/Toronados, Pontiac Bonneville, Chevrolet Impala (even used for police cars), etc.. Some of these cars even have a supercharged 3.8. My favorite application would have to be in the ‘88 to mid ’90’s Buick Regals. Regals are real nice.

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