3800 with super charger

Ron Anderson · Sep 24, 2008

I have been looking at a 97 Buick Riviera with 150,000 miles. It has the 3800 with super charger. I know the 3800 is good for at least 300,00 if not more but haven't talked to many people that know much about the above vehicle. Looking at owners comments it seems a solid vehicle but am asking for any experience in this group of people.

Ckluv · Sep 24, 2008

I actually had a 98 Grand Prix GTP with the 3800 and a supercharger. I sold it at 190,000 on it and the car ran like it did the day it was new. Fantastic motors and not a whole lot to complain about... besides the steep increase it cost to have insurance on them. That was my only draw back.

Ron Anderson · Sep 24, 2008

Ins the curse.lol I am 63 and no tickets probably won't bother me too much. Funny I never thought of ins but guess it is something to consider. Sounds encouraging though.
Thank you for your comment

Ckluv · Sep 24, 2008

You are welcome. Its amazing how much insurance is on some of these cars. Its too much, but you have to have it. I have a 87 Camaro and insurance is scary on that too. Good luck!

1936 · Sep 24, 2008

Lession for a bearing noise when you shut it down coming from the charger. You can now buy the rebuilt superc as after market item. Can run on reg. gas if you keep the foot off the floor.

bradk · Sep 24, 2008

Just as good as the naturally aspirated 3800.Maybe better,'cause it doesn't have the wimpy plastic upper intake plenum.

Biggest thing for maintenance on the super charged 3800 is to check the oil level at the super charger periodically.Use only GM charger oil.

Worked on those Rivies at the dealership and were great cars.

Kentb of SWMO · Sep 25, 2008

An 11 year old car, if you own it out right only need liability insurance.

Kent

Chad Franke · Sep 25, 2008

Type Pontiac Bonneville Club into Google and you will get a forum dedicated to the supercharged Bonnevilles, same engine and they have a place to ask on other cars too.

Great engines. Supercharger couplers tend to go out about 150,000 miles, but are not difficult to change and aren't expensive.

dhermesc · Sep 25, 2008

I used to be a huge fan of the 3800 engine - but three Buick Park Avenues in a row (1998, 2000, 2002) we've owned as company cars have blown or been ruined at the 100K mark. The first two had the oil pump fail and the 2002 spun a bearing. For some reason our Impalas with the same engine have never had an issue except for the intake manifold gasket. Count on replacing that in over half the 3800s on the road.

3800 with super charger

Ron Anderson

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Ckluv

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Ron Anderson

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Ckluv

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1936

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bradk

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Kentb of SWMO

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Chad Franke

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dhermesc

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